Transmission failed five times.
Air conditioning failed repeatedly.
Stereo failed repeatedly.
Seats came loose on their mountings numerous times.
Starter and alternator both failed (separately).
Fuel injection computer went wrong once.
Battery cables corroded.
Numerous miscellaneous electrical faults (short circuits, faulty wires, corroded connections even though we don't live in a corrosive environment).
Horn would beep of its own accord.
Random failure to start.
Transmission interlock failed, would not permit key to be turned to the "Start" position.
Exhaust system hangers failed regularly.
Constant rough idle; no real fix.
NEVER AGAIN. Consumer Reports heaped glowing praise upon the 1990 Jetta, saying it "exuded quality" lacking in other cars in its class. NOT. This car was an unreliable piece of rubbish right from the start. See above for specific problems; I'm sure I've left many out due to memory blockout of such a bitter experience.
Dealer service was consistent... consistently *rotten*, that is. A "We don't care" attitude and "We'll get around to it when we get around to it" timeline, coupled with a tendency to create new problems in the process of trying (and often failing) to fix old ones got old VERY quickly.
The door-mounted shoulder belts (US-spec) are horrendously dangerous... shame on VW for installing this joke of a "safety" system.
VW supporters, when hearing this tale of woe, have launched into jeremiads about "Oh, you must've got a Mexican-built car; you don't want one of those, the Mexicans can't build cars, you want to have a German-built one...", etc. Wrong on both counts! Not only was our Jetta German-built, but we replaced it (HALLELUJAH!) in 1995 with a Mexican-built 1992 Chrysler LeBaron that had 70,000 miles at the time of purchase and is still giving sterling daily service, now with 140,000 miles.
OK... The Jetta was a piece of junk you say, and you bought a Chrysler LeBaron??? Oh you'll see what a piece of work that car is... One of the biggest crap cars ever...
One thing to remember is that a Volkswagen has high reliability when it comes to the Turbo Diesel matched up with the 5 speed transmission. My 1990 Jetta works great with little problems but with minor repairs only. I can handle that. My previous 1989 Jetta was a "Gas Digifant" with an automatic transmission. What a mistake that was. It became very frustrating. Volkswagens are for drivers as Volkswagen always said but they didn't mention that you should have a 5 speed with the non digifant 1.8 gas motor or the Diesel. (too many sensors and the starter always burned out prematurely due to the starter mounted right above the exhaust manifold on the automatic transmissions only. Heat raises and burns out coils.) My 1990 Turbo Diesel starts in cold weather without being plugged in which is unusual plus this car drives unbelievable with lots of power. It blew my 1989 Jetta 105 hp digifant away with smoother running of course. I sign off for now. My next addition will be problems I had with my 1989 Jetta GL 1.8 gas digifant with the automatic transmissions. My advice is if you buy an older Jetta or Golf, get the non digifant gas 1.8 or the Diesel linked up to the 5 speed. This way your headaches will be relieved by more than 75%.
Take care eveyone.
Danny.
One more thing is use spell check if you are in a hurry. lol
Danny.
RE:Horn would beep of its own accord.
I thought you said the car was a Jetta not a Honda!
Tyler.
Chrysler LeBaron?? HAHAHAHA! Cheap...that's all you can claim about a LeBaron. Your Jetta was just wailed on, either by you or the previous owner. If you are in fact a car-killer, then please continue to buy domestic, so the VW's can stay plentiful...
In 1990, I bought a Jetta Wolfsburg edition. I drove it until 1999. I only had the timing belt replaced in 1999 by my favorite personal mechanic in town and a new battery under warranty in 1991. It was a great car for 9 years, but when I traded it for a 2000 Honda Accord it was smoking and the transmission was on it's last leg. Prior to that, I had a 1985 Jetta GL, drove it five years and traded it for the 1990. So, some good and not-so-good luck with VW.
In 1999, I bot a 2000 Golf TDI for the son. It was problematic with wiring and headlights burning out frequently. We found a rats nest of wires that had been bundled up and shoved under a carpet. I had my mechanic fix it in 2002, and in 2008, the son sold it with 130,000 miles for $8000. The dealers were not very good and I did complain to VW customer service to get some issues addressed.
I have a straight diesel (no turbo) jetta and it has sat for over a year and now will not start, but cranks over really well.
I have driven this car before this and it has seemed reliable and fun to drive.
All you need is oxygen present to have a 'corrosive environment'... I hope you have some where you are.
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