2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T from North America

Summary:

A nice, fun car with some problems

Faults:

The first thing that went wrong with the car was a few months after I bought the car. in the fall of 2002, the driver's side window fell into the door. I took it back to the dealer and they assured me that it was fixed (and that they had graciously fixed the other door too). In February 2003, the passenger window fell into the door. Obviously, not correctly fixed the first time.

The next thing to go wrong was about 7 weeks ago when I turned my car on and it was idling quickly and was difficult to shift gears. I called two Volkeswagon dealerships, before I found one who would take my car immediately (this is the only car for my fiance and I). The problem was the ever-popular coils that I have heard so much about. They told me they replaced all of them, though only two went up.

Then yesterday, I got in my car and the air conditioning was not cold at all and it was making a grinding noise. I called the dealer and they can't take me until Monday, though they advised me against driving the car for fear that it's a belt, which will cause my alternator to run off the battery and my car will eventually die. So, I am driving a rental car at my own expense (until I get into the dealership).

The only other complaint I have about the car is that the back seat is not very roomy.

General Comments:

The most frustrating thing about all of this is that I have kept up with the scheduled maintenance, and I really like my car. I don't want to begin to hate all the inconveniences of getting it fixed every few months!

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

Review Date: 9th July, 2003

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T from North America

Summary:

A death trap waiting to happen

Faults:

Stereo blew the second week that I had it. Fixed, told "fuse issue". Fuse issue has happened twice.

Windows have leaked and complained each time to Dealer and Volkswagen. Door seals replaced on all doors to correct problem. Never did. Now water damage and mold growing from leaks.

Driver door handle and console between front seats is peeling away. Known issue with these cars. Bubbles up and cracks in heat.

Physical factory defect on exterior of car at front passenger door.

Drivers side door has fallen from hinges and will not close or seal correctly.

Oxygen coils have gone bad twice. Now a recall, yet the part is the same and will happen again, just a matter of time.

Passenger window fell into the door of the car. Extended warranty, but replaced with exact same part. Will happen again.

General Comments:

This car is the worst car that I have ever owned. Will never recommend or purchase another.

Do not buy if you are needing reliable or quality transportation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th July, 2003

30th Sep 2005, 21:38

I have had the same problem with my Jetta 2005 GL for the windows. Water started to leak through all four of my windows while I was driving through the rain one night. I took the car into the VW dealership and they didn't believe me-but they took my car in anyways to the body shop and adjusted all the doors. They adjusted all the doors so tight that I couldn't close them, and when I opened them they would pop out. Eventually it became so bad that I was driving down the highway twice and my driver's side door popped open. I took it back again to the dealership and they still haven't fixed it-I constantly hear a whistling sound from my driver's side window. Then my driver's side window button stopped working, so I took it in again and they still haven't fixed it. Now whenever I have the a/c on and I turn the car off it makes this humming sound. So between my whistling window and my humming a/c this is the most melodious car I have ever had.