2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX review from North America

I bought my 2002 VW JETTA VR-6 2.8L in February 2002.

I love the way it drove and the way it handles. Then things started to turn south.

At 30000 miles the car had problem with cold starting problems intermittently. The engine had reduced power when running. Took it to the dealer; they couldn't duplicate the problem.

Few month later, the same issues reappeared and I later found out these cars had a recall on the ignition coils. Got it replaced it for free under the warranty.

At 55000 miles the alternator went out. Took it to the dealer, and told me it is no longer covered under warranty, and I have to pay about 550 dollars. Warranty is only covered up to 50,000 miles. (Am I lucky or what) Pep boys replaced it for $475.00.

At 80000 miles, a noise was coming from the wheel and it was getting louder as day go on. Took it to the dealer again. Noise was coming from the wheel bearing. Wheel bearing was replaced for $430 dollars.

Now at 90000 miles, transmission has problem shifting, especially in the morning when it is cold. Took it to the dealer for diagnostics. After the diagnostics they told me.

1. I have an internal problem with this transmission.

2. Recommended the transmission be replaced.

3. It will cost $5500 to replace the transmission.

4. They do not recommend servicing or changing the fluid the transmission due to the high mileage. If I change the fluid, it may not work well or don't work at all.

Note: During the early stages 1st and 2nd year of the usage, I inquired about changing the fluid in the transmission. The response I got from the highly trained technicians and sales representatives were as follows;

*** There is no need to change the transmission fluid on this car, because this transmission is sealed and the fluid last the lift time of this transmission. I was bit skeptical about this from the beginning. Now I am convinced that, what they mean by this is what is occurred to me now.

I CAN'T BELIEVE THE LIFE OF A TRANSMISSION IS ONLY 90000 MILES. THAT IS A JOKE...

I don't think I am going to spent $5500 on this transmission job to find out something else is wrong with this car later.

I think I reached my conclusion NOT TO BUY ANY MORE VWs from now on. I love the way it drives and handles, but that feeling diminishes when it break my wallet.

I hope VW carefully address these issues and improve their product quality and services, so the VW drivers can drive with confidence. Thank you very much.

VW need to work on the reliability issues.