26th Jan 2010, 17:28

We bought our '06 Jetta with 26k miles on it, and the clutch acted funny from day one. Not a linear engagement, like a piece of the disk material had come off etc.

Now at 55k miles, the whole car shakes violently when on the throttle, and the throwout bearing is noisy. Took it to our mechanic today to find out that the clutch is bad and most likely needs a new dual mass flywheel. I thought that we had just bought a lemon, but as it appears this is a common occurrence with the '06 TDI. I wish they had issued a recall under warranty, knowing that this was an issue.

Overall, still a satisfied customer, and at least everyone here was smart enough to purchase the manual transmission, or we would most likely have much more to talk about.

21st Apr 2010, 21:51

I bought a new 2006 VW Jetta TDI. At 46000 KMs the clutch was replaced, and now at 77000 KMs it needs replacement again. So far warranty is covering the costs.

Had a few other minor problems, but I do like the car in general, it handles well with a beautiful torque curve.

I plan to deal it at 100,000 and buy another.

23rd Apr 2010, 15:08

I have a 2006 TDI. Clutch went at abut 80K also. We also had an annoying radiator hose leak that appears to be common in these cars (located in a place where hot oil tends to drip).

I love my TDI and plan to keep it a long time; I currently have 95K on the odometer.

9th May 2010, 19:27

Flywheel and clutch just replaced on my '06 TDI at 115,00 km. Wasn't expecting that $1700 repair bill so soon. I drove a 2001 Jetta before that (also standard) and replaced virtually nothing before I traded it in for my current Jetta 5 years later. Totally disappointed that my flywheel gave out so soon, and everyone I tell that knows a thing or two about mechanics is quite surprised too. I kind of felt embarrassed because I talked up my car so much before that; how reliable and maintenance-free it was. It really is too bad they wouldn't warranty the job (or recall) if it really is a common issue.

-Suzy.

8th Jun 2010, 20:08

My flywheel failed last year while I was heading out of town on vacation. The flywheel basically exploded and took out my clutch and part of my transmission inspection plate. $3,000 later I was back on the road. I love my Jetta, but it seems as though the 2006 was thrown together with junk parts. Another common problem is the bubbling of the sticker on the stereo buttons... luckily I had mine fixed before warranty went out. All has been good until my headliner started falling down a couple of months ago. This is another common problem. I will tackle this one on my own. Who knows what is next, but I can say I will drive it until the wheels fall off or something breaks that costs more than the car is worth.

11th Aug 2010, 12:01

I bought a 2006 Jetta TDI, the clutch failed around 60k. The CV joint/boot on front driver's side. Also, the blower that blows air inside the car went twice in one week and still makes this loud humming sound when you go to 3 or 4. The fans that cool your engine and run your A/C failed just after 100k warranty was up. It cost me $1000.

Now at 128K they recommend you change your timing belt and water pump. They had recommended the timing belt be changed at 168k ish, but were failing earlier so they moved it to 128k, but along with timing belt the water pumps are leaking after timing belt is changed. They are recommending you do them both at same time, that is another $1000. It's even rusting on the hood.

I was unfortunate enough to get a real 2006 lemon, but now I'm scared because it's starting to fail left right and center. I am not happy with my car at all, and it think it is sad that all these failures adding to thousands of dollars is being passed on to the consumer.

I really admired and liked VW before, but will never buy another one again. It saddens me because I loved and respected VW... but no more.

31st Aug 2010, 21:20

Loved, loved my VW Jetta TDI until about 2 months ago. Since then I have spent $3000 in repairs and I just watched a tow truck take it away for yet more repairs.

First the clutch went out, I had to replace the fly wheel along with it, then 2 weeks later the A/C stopped working. While checking it out I was told to change the timing belt. Tonight while driving, the ball joint came apart. Who knows how much damage there is. The tow truck driver said there was a lot of broken pieces under there.

I too don't like what the radio buttons and the headliner is looking like, but I used to overlook those. I used to brag on and on about my car, now I just want to get rid of it.

1st Sep 2010, 10:47

My Mother in Law has one of these, a 2003. What's puzzling is that the fit and finish appear to be really good. But the car has many of the same problems mentioned here. There are mysterious coolant leaks. The intake clogged with carbon deposits and had to be taken apart and cleaned ($800). The interior lights routinely flicker or go out. Little stuff like this. Other than that, the car gets over 50MPG freeway.

21st Sep 2010, 14:52

I have a 2006 Jetta TDI, which I bought new. It now has 143,000 km on it and has not had any major issues.

The clutch is as good as it was new.

The electronic door lock has malfunctioned, but I can still lock and unlock the door with the key fob, as well as set the alarm.

The only thing that doesn't work is the alarm to indicate that lights have been left on or keys left in the ignition, and for $450.00 to replace the part, I can live with it.

I owned a 2000 Jetta TDI before this one, and also had no problem with the clutch, but was again experiencing electronic problems. I traded that one off at 180,000 km, so you can see that not all Jetta's are having an issue with the clutch.

9th Oct 2010, 18:51

It sounds as if there should be a factory recall on the 2006 VW TDI. I own 2 VW's; a Passat (2000) and a Jetta (2000). They have both been great cars!

My son has just purchased a 2006 Jetta TDI. His car has many of the same problems as in the comments above. CV joint, transmission replaced, and a clunk upon tapping the accelerator.

Sounds like a class action suit should be started?

Definitely poor engineering. VW needs to own up to it!