Faults:

3 ignition power relay fuses blew in a span of 2 years leaving me stranded twice including once at the dealer.

First fuse covered under warranty. Second fuse was replaced 2 months after 1 year parts warranty and was refused by VW policy in which I had to pay $300.00 for towing, fuse and installation.

I purchased a spare relay fuse just in case--what a joke!

Opened glove box one day and one of the stabilizer struts broke so now when it's opened it just flops down.

General Comments:

Overall, my TDI Jetta is fun to drive, plenty of power and gives a person a solid feel on curvy roads.

Being diesel, it still smokes at start-up when it's cold, but soon goes away. I try to start it when no one is looking as it can be a little embarrassing starting a new car with a big burst of blue smoke. Don't try starting the car in a garage without first opening the door and removing the car immediately as the smoke fumes will almost due you in.

Must note, suspension is quite stiff giving you good, flat cornering, but avoid hitting pot holes as you will soon have to see your massage therapist.

Lots of standard features not thought of by other manufacturers.

Faults:

It has become where I'm afraid to drive my 2000 Jetta GLS, out of fear that the windows will fall down again. I've had to replace them more than 5 times in two years. VW pays for the repairs, but who pays for peace of mind and safety? VW has known of this problem for many years. I hope they either do a recall or go into business selling BMW's.

The windows always come crashing down on their own at some unusual hour, usually after the dealer is closed. I live in Miami and in my town, if you leave your window down you may be without a car! Period! That's why I'm afraid to drive my Jetta or lower the windows. It should not be this way. Volkswagen, get your act straight!!!

Other General Complaints:

Within 500 miles of purchase the car's A/C began making a funny noise. It wouldn't do it when I took it to the dealer (of course not!)

Within three months of purchasing my brand new 2000 Jetta GLS and after only 4,000 miles, the driver's window fell. (An on-going ordeal)

At 5,000 miles the rear driver's side tail light burned out. (Another on-going ordeal. It is always the same side.)

At 20,000 miles the brake pads needed to be replaced. I was told that it was common for VW Jettas.

At 22,000 miles the rear tail light (again), the window regulator (again), the interior "BLUE" dome lights stopped functioning, the air conditioner noise continued, the cup holder fell off, the ashtray door would not retract. The dealer finally confessed that the window regulator and noisy air conditioner compressors were something they got a lot.

The window regulator has broken on me 5 times. To the point, that I told the dealer if it happened again, I was going to trade the car in for motorcycle. At least with a motorcycle you don't have to fear that your windows will suddenly come crashing down!

Come'on VW., the car looks great, I love how it drives, how it sounds, how it feels to be behind the wheel (any VW owner will agree), but... how many million complaints do you require about the window regulators before you do something about taking the matter back to your R & D team?

General Comments:

Don't buy a Jetta until VW has resolved permanently the issues with the window regulators, or unless you live some place where driving with your windows down all day/night is CONSIDERED COOL!