1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America

Trim fell off at 40,000 miles and again at 45,000 miles.

Oxygen sensor replaced at 50,000 miles and 70,000 miles.

Driver door lock replaced at 75,000 miles.

Passenger window motor replaced after one year.

Sunroof motor replaced after one year.

Trunk lock broke at 65,000 miles, again at 80,000 miles.

I saved up to buy this car, as I always loved the drive of the Volkswagens. I still love the drive and feel of the car, but will never buy a Volkswagen again.

Like many others, I have had to replace way too many parts for a car of this age.

I purchased it from a Volkswagen dealer as the second owner; the car had approximately 34,000 miles and was a former lease car. Within the first year I had to replace 2 sections of the trim (at $100 each!). Those fell off within a year and I have subsequently just given up on replacing them.

The check engine light comes on intermittently. Most often it is for no reason, but otherwise it indicates that the oxygen sensor needs to be replaced. This has been done twice, the first time at 50,000 the second at 70,000.

Within 1 year of the warranty expiring I had to replace the sunroof motor and a window motor.

The driver side lock has been replaced, as well as the trunk lock. Currently I can only open the trunk lock by the internal release, the lock has broken again.

The emergency brake handle button broke at 60,000. At 70,000 the light indicator for the rear window defroster stopped working.

I take good care of my cars, always keeping up on my service and oil changes. It is discouraging to take good care of your car and still have it fall apart. The engine still works great, but everything else seems to be poorly constructed. I will never buy a Volkswagen again.