I bought the car brand new in April of 2001 and within the first month, the control panel (system computer) malfunctioned. As a result the alarm wouldn't work when locking the car and sometimes if you unlock the car and open the door (before the 1 minute allowance until the doors auto lock) the alarm system would go off.
Both doors would squeak upon opening and closing them - had them lubricated at least 3 times.
My front seats (they're the kinds that pop up and forward to allow access to the rear seats) squeaked throughout the first few months, making the ride less than peaceful.
My rear hatch lock broke and had to be replaced (within the first 3 months).
My rear cup holders jammed and could not be opened. They were replaced at least twice / three times within the warranty period, but the funny thing is, it was never used!!
My driver side window crashed within the door frame, unfortunately on my way to work, but I couldn't just leave my car in the middle of public parking with no window. This was due to a recall with the plastic holders that hold the glass up. Volkswagon replaced both doors at no charge.
Before the first winter 2001, I noticed the engine sounding pretty rough compared to when I first brought it home new. Service said it was because it was it's first winter and wait it out until spring. It didn't get any better and they ended up tuning the engine.
My rear seat lock is jammed so that I can't put down the seat to extend trunk space if needed. This happened a year or two ago, but it'll cost a pretty penny to get it fixed... I opted out of the fix since again, I rarely ever use this feature!! I think the total usage before the lock jammed was no more than 4 times.
Right side passenger speakers vibrate when playing music just slightly louder than average. That's been ongoing; too scared to point that out and get an estimate on cost of repairs.
Biggest problem to date has been a worn out ignition coil just this past April 2004. Two weeks before it broke down, I took my car to the dealer because it wouldn't start on two occasions for a good long time. They charged me $30 to analyze the engine on their computers only to tell me they found nothing... then bam, 2 weeks later, my engine lights are blinking and I spend $850 on parts and labor for a new coil. Not under warranty / recall (although there was a huge recall for a certain ignition coil class for 2001 - 2003 Audi's and Volkswagon's that didn't cover the one in my car). Filed a complaint / inquiry into how this could happen to a 3 year old car. What steps can I take to avoid that kind of thing happening again? Maybe just don't start it!
Just picked up my car from the dealer tonight and found out I needed new spark plugs ($16 each) and a new serpentine belt ($140).
One other thing, with the sensored window wipers... they work when they feel like it. Sometimes after long intervals during which time you're manually pushing the wiper controls down each time you need the windsheild cleared during a downpour.
I have a 1986 prelude which is still in mint condition and is my trusty companion on the road when my 2001 Volkswagon GOLF GTI is in the shop getting repaired.
When I'm not experiencing these problems, the car is fast, powerful, solid, and just plain fun to drive. I agree with the other person's review here... it's fun to drive, but costly to maintain.
That much for a serpentine belt? I replaced my VW beetle's belt for $20.
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