Brake light switch

An NHTSA Engineering Analysis into Volkswagen vehicles. Closed 20 August 2003.

Investigation
EA03002
Type
Engineering Analysis
Opened
8 April 2003
Closed
20 August 2003

What NHTSA investigated

The brake light switch used in cruise control equipped my 1998-1999 and all my 2000 and later models has undergone multiple revisions.analysis of warranty and complaint data indicates high replacement rates occurred in vehicles built with brake switch part numbers 1J0 945 511A and 1J0 945 511B, the original and first revision levels, respectively.the failure of the switch could result in failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brakes are applied, or could cause the brake lamps to stay continually illuminated.either condition results in the inability of the brake lights to notify other motorists of vehicle braking.under safety recall 03V-265, volkswagen will inspect the brake light switch on all vehicles built through november 2001.ANY affected switch will be replaced free of charge with the most current version, part number 1J0 945 511D.

The recall that followed

  1. Volkswagen — Exterior Lighting: Switch03V26500025 July 2003295,136 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
VolkswagenBEETLE1998–2002

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.