Faults:

Air bag warning light illuminated at 5332; dealer reset the system.

The center console latch broke after two years.

Car was leaking oil badly at 27k miles. Was leaking from the oil cooler mounted below the oil filter. Took several attempts to get the seals to fit properly. I assume that the dealer may have caused the problem when they were changing the oil at 20k miles.

Driver's seat makes a popping noise when hitting the brakes. Dealer was unable to figure it out.

Finish wore off the console surrounding the gear shift. I have no idea what caused it; nothing has ever been laid against it.

Because of the anti-pinch mechanism, windows go down when they sense something is blocking them. Apparently something is binding the rear windows; it takes 2-3 times to get them up sometimes.

General Comments:

BAD:

Rear seat is extremely small. Front seats have to be moved forward for 9 and 12 year-old boys.

Short-term warranty. Am afraid of the repair bill should the turbo give out.

A/C does not blow very cold on a hot day. My 1998 Ford Taurus will freeze you out.

Horrible location for the cup holder- cannot operate radio controls. Cup holder only holds very small cups. Cheaply made.

Very harsh on sudden bumps- bottoms-out in the front often.

Where do you get a battery for this car? And how much is it?

Vehicle requires synthetic oil ($4.25 per quart- requires five) and oil cartridge is $10.

Water separator on fuel filter very hard to get to.

GOOD:

Love the color of the dash lights.

Fuel mileage is 41-43 in town and 47-48 on the highway at 80 MPH. Can drive another 90 miles when the fuel light comes on.

Engine starts strong every time. Very peppy engine. Enjoy the sound of the turbo whistle.

Faults:

The wind shield wipers did not stop wiping after I turned it on. The mechanic said it was a bad relay.

The rear power windows did not fully open.

The mass air flow sensor failed. It cost $680 to replace.

Volkswagen parts are expensive.

General Comments:

The car is comfortable, drives well, and looks nice.

I had my Honda Civic for 10 years without taking it to the mechanic. I had my Jetta for 2 years and I've taken it for service 4 times for mechanical problem.

Faults:

Gas filler flap broke off, blocked gas tank, had to remove/replace whole tank assembly.

Antenna cable and remote sensor replaced.

Glove box hinges broke twice.

Armrest latch and both cup holders broke.

Seat springs broke off seats, both cars.

General Comments:

I have had no performance problems with either my 1999, or my 2000 Jetta.

However, the black cloth interior of the 99 is a nightmare to clean, the fabric of the seats act like a lint brush.

The interior plastics are durable, but easily scratched.

Many of the interior moving parts have broken and keep breaking because of poor design.