2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 from North America

Summary:

A money pit

Faults:

12,359mi-Engine speed sensor failure resulting in a "no start" situation. Towed in. Engine speed sensor replaced.

Center console latch broken/replaced.

15,488mi-Rear speaker failure/replacement.

21,588mi-Center console latch broken (2nd time) /replaced.

Driver side window switch broken.

Both front windows also loose and rattle/claps replaced.

Door handle material peeling/replaced.

23,066mi-Drivers outside mirror not heating/replaced.

Radio failure/replacement.

28,649mi-Spring came loose under drivers seat/replaced.

35,288mi-Steering wheel peeling/replaced.

Driver seat lumbar support broken/replaced cable.

Driver seat frame bent/replaced.

38,057mi-Driver seat frame bent (2nd time) /replaced.

Leather came loose on driver seat/re-attached.

40,225mi-Driver seat frame guide broken/replaced.

Passenger seat spring came loose/replaced.

Passenger window fell off track/repaired.

46,078mi-Switch plate for headlights peeling/replaced.

Shift plate for center console peeling/replaced.

52,107mi-Driver seat uneven/lower cushion replaced.

57,453mi-Driver window switch broken (2nd time) /replaced.

Driver door lock failure/replaced.

60,037mi-Passenger outside mirror not heating/replaced.

62,736mi-Fuel sending unit failure/replaced.

Speed sensor failure/replaced.

Transmission re-programed.

65,648mi-Alternator failure/replaced.

Battery failure/replaced.

65,725mi-Center console latch broken (3rd time) /replaced.

66,353mi-Clove compartment will not shut/replaced.

General Comments:

This car was a wonderful vehicle at first, yet turned into a nightmare quickly.

Car has left me stranded three times.

Most of the interior is peeling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th June, 2004

17th Apr 2006, 18:16

I find the Jetta much better then you say. You noted a lot of minor problems like "Seat cusion lower on left side". The car in general is a great car, I love mine.

18th Apr 2006, 18:06

This is going to sound awful, but are you overweight? Many of your problems center on the driver's seat. True, the springs coming out of the seats is a known problem, but seat frames?

Treat your car with more care.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T 1.8T from North America

Summary:

Can you say LEMON?

Faults:

The ignition coils have gone out twice, both times the car had to be towed to the dealership.

The passenger side window fell into the door and a new cable assembly and two clamps had to be installed.

The sunroof has leaked twice. Once fill the foot well with about two inches of water (after the first repair).

The anti-slip mechanism failed causing the car to act as if it were trying to downshift. The car had to be towed to the dealership.

The latch on the arm rest broke and the ratchet mechanism does not work and the arm rest does not stay in a locked position.

The windshield washer fluid hose to the driver side came undone and had to be re-attached.

There was a problem with the anti-lock brakes. I never actually had a problem with them, but got a recall notice telling me to take the car to the dealership for service.

The radio has stopped working twice. Apparently there is a short in the fuse box where the fuse to the radio has to be removed and plugged back in for the radio to work again.

Most recently I got a recall notice from VW about the cruise control. According to Volkswagen of America " The affected vehicles may have a brake light switch that may malfunction, causing the brake lights to become inoperative or to come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning."

General Comments:

Too many problems for a vehicle with 38,000 miles.

My wifes '95 Taurus is in the shop less than my '02 Jetta.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th May, 2004

1st Jun 2004, 18:21

I have to admit I'm quite surprised by the high number of negative comments for new model VW cars. Has the quality gone down that much? When the original Beetle was being sold in huge numbers in the 60s and 70s, the company prided itself in the fact that each new car was scrutinized by over 1000 inspectors! I guess this is a classic example of "newer does not necessarily mean better".