2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America

Numerous electrical problems. The driver's side headlight socket melted off for reasons the dealership can't explain. (Prior to accident)

This car is a light bulb eater. I'm always replacing bulbs. (Prior to accident)

Blinkers/hazard light switch went out; had to get a refund once the recall was issued. (Prior to accident)

All electrical components in the car will go out, and will kick back on 5-10 minutes later. (This only happens when the key is turned to accessory.) I hate having to reset my clock all the time! (Prior to accident)

All lights on the driver's side of the car (headlight, blinker, tail light and brake light) went out for two days... then started working again on their own. (Prior to accident)

Side mirror defrosters stopped working shortly after I got the car (about 50,000 miles.) (Prior to accident)

Goes through oil very fast, but the dealership has told me this is normal.(Prior to accident)

Coolant temperature sensor went out and had to be replaced at 100,000 miles. (Post accident)

Aluminum oil pan had to be replaced because the screw hole became stripped @ 112,000 miles. (Post accident)

The upholstery is very hard to clean. Everything sticks to the seats and it won't vaccum off. (i.e. sweater fuzz and hair)

My check engine light goes on and off often, but when the dealership runs the diagnostics they can't find any problems. (Prior to and post accident)

The worst problem I have is that when the car is idling at a stop light or in traffic it will die. Last time this happened the steering wheel locked, they key wouldn't turn, and I couldn't pull the key out. I was stuck on the freeway with a stalled car in rush hour. It was very nerve racking. After jerking on the steering wheel for a time, it finally unlocked and I was able to restart the car; but I have not driven it to work since. It's just too dangerous. I have an appointment to bring it to the dealership, but I haven't figured out how I'm going to get it there yet. (Post accident)

While I have a lot of mechanical problems, I was involved in an accident, and this car prooved to be very safe. The air bags completely surrounded me and were so effective that I barely felt an impact even though the accident was bad enough to bend the frame and require nearly the driver's side body to be replaced.

I can't wait to get rid of this car. Its more trouble than its worth.

I will never recommend this car to anyone I know.

I have had all maintenance done at the dealership; no one else has done work on the car.

It's a very cute car, but its uncomfortable to drive long distances in. The seats are not that comfortable.