1996 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America
"Buyer beware"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rear driver door latch broke. Ont tiny spring in the assembly broke. I had to replace the whole assembly. $130.00 just for part. Then the part seized and now the door does not work.
Drivers front door lock broke. So there for Central Locking system does not work.
Rear Struts replaced twice since I have owned the car.
Wheel bearings replaced twice.
Front springs replaced.
Front brakes replaced Twice.
Rear brakes replaced once.
Most of the front end parts have been replaced.
Molding has fallen off drivers front door and is starting to on passengers.
Trunk leaks and there for the jack in spare tire compartment is rusted and the trunk smells mouldy.
Trunk light never worked.
Cruise control shuts off at any given time.
Motor job done in the summer of 2002 because when the dealer changed the timing belt at 100,000 they did not tighten the bolts properly.
Climate control switch broke last week when I switched it to defrost.
Alternator replaced.
Alternator belt replaced 4 times.
Starter replaced.
Injector hoses replaced.
Crank pulley fell off today as I was driving on the highway.
General comments?
I bought the car beacause of the VW reputation and on the life of the car. Was I wrong. This model car is known for lots of problems none of which are recognized by VW.
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  | Fun to drive! |
| Economical for a 6 cylinder, fast and fun, but not cheap, and almost unreliable sometimes |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 115000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 242000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 15th September, 2003 |