2004 Volkswagen Jetta gls from North America - Comments

Clutch, Clutch, Clutch, Clutch.

We bought the car from the previous owner who was irritated over an early clutch replacement which the dealer refused to honor under warranty. We had to replace it again at 38,000 miles, and now again for the car's 4th clutch at 42,000 miles. The internet is right, this car has a poorly designed and problematic clutch. I also was peeved at VW because the 100,000 transferable warranty is only transferable if you do it in a ridiculous 15 day deadline after purchasing the car. I did not even get the title for 30 days which I needed to transfer the warranty. Obviously VW is just wanting to squirm out of their warranty obligations.

Hopefully VW will get better :)

Good luck with the clutch!

~PB.

I know that some of the 1.8T clutches are bad, but having to go through four clutches in less than 42,000 miles?

I would say that driving style is at least partially to blame in this situation.

2004 Jetta, the first clutch went at 18,000 because "I don't clutch and shift correctly" I complained so VW paid 50% of the repair. 44,000 second clutch gone. I guess the first 35 years of driving standard transmissions without a problem was a fluke.

Make sure you use synthetic oil in your 1.8t/tdi, and do not use OEM clutches or brakes from those clowns at VW! Use first line higher end after market stuff and you're good... not to mention it's cheaper.