Was there a recall on brake light switch for 1996 jetta?

Yep.

"The specific years and models affected are 1999-2005 Jetta sedans, 2001-2005 Jetta wagons, 1998-2007 New Beetle, 2003-2007 New Beetle Convertibles, 1999-2006 Golfs and GTIs and the 2004 R32, all in the United States."

Make an appointment at your local VW dealer to have it fixed for free. Soon, too, if you have an automatic transmission. If the switch fails, it can trip up the tranny and not allow you to shift out of Park. That'll require a tow to a shop/dealer.

-mr2edh