2003 Volkswagen GTI review from North America

Transmission solenoid valve replaced.

Replaced rear hatch piston.

Replaced complete antenna assembly, still bad radio reception.

Rattle under dashboard. 3 times to fix the problem.

Water pump replaced.

Thermostat replaced.

Both head lamps replaced.

Ignition coils replaced.

Front wheel hub replaced, lug nut stripped at assembly.

Broken boot, steering fluid leaked out.

Drivers side seat belt assembly replaced twice, replaced wrong the first time.

Rust protector leaked out of both doors.

Gas gage did not work replaced something in gas tank.

All problem happened between new and 40,000 miles.

Since then catalytic converter, MAF sensor, another water pump and now ASR light comes on and locks up transmission.

Transmission now needs fluid temperature sensor and engine torque signal.

This car was a lemon right from the start.

The dealer service dept. would or could not diagnose the transmission problem, and suggested many non related repairs.

I had to go to an independent VW specialist that was honest with me about the transmission.

I called VW customer service and they gave me the run around because the car has 87,500 miles on it.

A brand new car should be problem free with normal service that I always had done.

I am going to have to trade in the car for something else after recently spending almost $3000.