2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America
"A lemon to avoid with your dear life!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Turbo failed at 106,000. Repair estimated at $1700+.
Mileage has dropped from 49 on interstate to only 41 MPG.
Cruise sometimes didn't work.
Glow plugs light flashed on and off.
Radio and CD changer occasionally didn't work properly.
A/C smells musty.
Front ends 'groans' when going over bumps.
Engine loses power when cruising at highway speeds. If you turn the ignition on and off, it will get its power back, but for a few hundred miles if lucky. Dealer has been unable to diagnose this problem after two trips to dealer.
ABS failed at 32,000. Dealer replaced under warranty.
Door panel lights and A/C control lights failed. Replaced under warranty.
General comments?
My VW was the worst car I have ever bought new. My 1998 Hyundai Accent was a more reliable car!
The power loss lasted for nearly 25,000 miles. The dealership was clueless. Last week the turbo began to squeal. Turns out a bearing failed.
Instead of paying the required $1700 to fix the turbo I bought a new car. The new turbo wasn't a sure fix for the power loss on the interstate (a possible electrical failure) or the blinking, flashing and generally possest nature of the cockpit lights, my CD player and the cruise control.
Recommended reviews
  | Worst car made |
| Not reccommended! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 202 miles |
| Most recent distance | 107000 miles |
| Previous car | Saturn SC |
| Date of Entry | 15th July, 2004 |