Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-90, 91-99
2000 Jetta, 35K miles. all the same problems (Glove box hinge, Window falling down, Arm rest latch fell off, Trunk light works sporadically, Random spring from the seat is out, The light staying on above the visor) but one original one is that I seem to have LOTS of extra door grease always on the drivers side under the door frame. it won't go away. I love my little car, but it's falling apart and I refuse to pay hundreds for these silly little plastic parts!!
I have a 99 jetta. I have all these problems too (glove box & ash tray not closing, the seat spring laying near my feet, the too low to the ground fender getting caught, snapping in half and dragging along under my car) and some others, I also have too much door grease that has made a big black mark on my car. my tape player doesn't rewind or fast forward, unless it decides on its own it wants to, randomly, in the middle of a song. and the big one is that whenever it was humid and I tried to unlock my car, the car would unlock, but the alarm would remain engaged, so if I tried to start the car, the alarm would sound and not go off if I tried unlocking it again. I took it to my local car fix it guy and he fixed it for $250 by replacing the locks in the doors and rewiring, (after I tried the dealership's service and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it.) I've been to 2 dealership services in my state and they are the absolute worst people to deal with.
I have had similar problems with my Jetta 1.8T
front Cup holder broken and out of warranty, back cupholder broke, but was replaced under warranty, trunk latch broke and was out of warranty. Plastic peeling off of the handles since 5K miles. Just learned that the Mass Air Filter is broken at 42K
suspect that is has been broken for a bit because it is causing a lurching forward in the car and loss of power has seemed evident for sometime now.
I also have this strange excess of grease coming from the door, what is that? Also have the issue with the car being so low that it scrapes into things and has caused a crack on the bumper. Rear brakes were replaced at 30k, have been advised that I will need new brakes on the front in 1.5K miles.
Brake dust constantly covers the rims, even a few hours after cleaning.
They have issued better warranties on their new vehicles, but it is frustrating that they are not covering the repair or recalling the parts of the older models with known defects.
The service department was friendly when my warranty was in tact at the dealership, but now they seem indifferent. I am frustrated with Volkswagon, I had an 89 Cabriolet before and had many problems with little things breaking. Never had these sorts of little or big annoying problems with my Honda Civic prior to this.
I, like many of you, have experienced the same exact problems that have been listed. However, I have a few to add for my 2000 Jetta VR6.
1. The very first day that I drove the car off of the lot the interior sunroof cover's clips broke prohibiting it from closing all of the way. Had to take car in the very next day.
2. In the not so distant future the plastic in the front passenger fender well was missing clips and came undone from the body of the car. Had to go and visit my local dealership again.
3. When car is put in to drive, it seems to wait a few seconds because it wants to go when it is ready to go. Not when you want it to go.
4. Rear brakes and rotors had to be replaced at about 25K miles. Not under warranty they said. Only place in town that had the rotors was the dealer, therefore forcing me to search the internet. Lucked out, found a really good deal on original VW factory parts through an online parts dealer located in San Diego. Saved me about 60% of dealer cost and really fast shipping.
5. Cup holder arms fell off. But realized that I didn't really need them as long as I could still put a container in the holder hole. Don't need no stinking squeezer arm.
6. Back seat cup holder would not disengage. Fixed under warranty. However, it does not open smoothly, so I yell at anyone attempting to open it.
7. Engine light came on. Thought that it was due to cheap gas. Filled up at different station and light went off temporarily.
8. Arm rest clip broke off. Fought with service dept because it was not covered under warranty. I had to advise the service dept that I purchased the platinum extended warranty and then they finally decided to offer to replace, but of course I would have to pay a deductible. Decided that I did not need no stinking clip because it would probably break again and again.
9. Engine light came on again. Tried different fuel station. Still remained on. Took to dealership and O2 sensor was replaced at approx 30K miles.
10. Front brake pads needed to be replaced. Once the wheels were removed, then saw that rotors also needed to be replaced. E-mailed San Diego again and requested the front rotors. Was told that a potential cause of the rotors going bad so quickly could be due to the weight of the VR6's engine.
11. Engine light came on again. Currently attempting to replace the gas cap. Seal might be bad. Hope this works.
12. Window fell due to cheap plastic on the window regulator. Luckily, I utilized my cat-like reflexes and caught the window before it was lost into the black hole. Again, e-mailed down to San Diego and got the regulator for less than half of what the suggested retail price. Had it installed by retired mechanic friend. Works good, but afraid that other windows are to follow.
13. And the saga continues... I am too afraid to open my glove box at this point; I think I will duct tape it closed to prevent it from falling.
Is it against the law to disconnect the wire that leads to the check engine light on my dashboard? Because I am just about ready to put my fist through the display and use a sharpie to blacken it out. There is probably a better chance at the light burning out than the service dept actually taking care of the problems.
The possibility of me owning another new VW is looking pretty grave. I think I will stick to vintage VWs; because at least you expect some things to break with age (not hours after driving off of the lot).
MelissD1976@yahoo.com
Bakersfield, CA.
99 Jetta TDI. Bought it used from a guy I work with. Runs fairly well, even though he put 96K miles on it. I've owned it now for almost 2 years. no major problems. we had the grease coming out of the door panel, which I was told was the rust protection. It seeps out when it gets hot outside. I've had to replace the brakes and rotors. Now at 118k miles the engine light came on. Free diagnosis at Auto zone came up with fault code PO380, which is glow plug malfunction chamber A. Still trying to figure out what that means. But they reset the check engine light and off we went. Same problems with ashtray in back seat and glove compartment.
Wow, I thought I was the only one with such problems with a 2000 Jetta VR6. I feel better that you are all suffering with me!
1) 16,000 miles - lifters broke, both cam shafts replaced.
2) Five (yes 5) window regulators broke along with 3 windows. Spent many, many hours at VW waiting for repairs.
3) 18,000 miles - Paint bubbled on bumper & arm rest broke.
4) 20,000 miles - all interior paint chipping on door handles, around shift area, etc.
5) check engine light randomly appears and disappears.
6) 30,000 - ignition coil, sensors, all thermostats, etc went out $900.
7) funky grease around door sills.
8) 42,000 (now) rust appearing under molding on rear side windows.
9) Drivers seat rocks back and forth - deal confirmed this is normal.
10) 6 Disc player in "enhanced" sound system works when it feels like it.
VW has told us good luck on most of our problems; don't ask them for help.
A coworker had similiar problems and got rid of her Jetta after only 2 years. My wife and I have made it our mission to convince as many people as is possible to NOT buy a VW product. Due to our jobs and the amount of people we meet on a daily basis it is easy to scare people away from VW. We have so far convinced 12 people looking at VW (as in getting ready to buy) not to buy them. They have gone to other manufacturers for new cars. No one has bought a VW yet that we have talked with. Many others will never even step in a VW dealership, ever!!!
Anyone car to join in this endeavor???
Wpafbcci@yahoo.com.
Low power on hills on 2000 TDI.(NH)
My 2000 Jetta TDI would not go over 40 MPH on hills at 70,000 miles. It is dangerous because people come speeding up behind me thinking that I can go faster, which I cannot. My non-VW mechanic found that the inlet manifold was full of carbon, almost blocked, and soaked it in solvent, and scraped it out, taking 2 days and $200.00.
It still won't go over 40 on hills because the MAF sensor is shot. The VW dealer wants over $300 for the sensor alone, which is nothing but a simple hot wire or film. I am very unhappy.
Except for a leaking left front window in rain, and a terribly low sensitivity on that very poor quality AM radio that comes with the car, I have not run into the other problems yet, but now would not consider buying another VW.
I also own a 2000 Jetta VR6 and would not recommend this car or Volkswagen to anyone. I have what everyone else has: the broken cup holder (front and back), grease from the doors, 75% of my car has been repainted due to faulty paint, brakes replaced at 25,000, the car always smells like rotten eggs even though the dealer insists its fine, had to have the front axle replaced, the window regulators have been replaced four times, faulty carriage bolts, engine light comes on all the time, and the peeling paint inside the car. Don't bother to call the Volkswagen customer service line because they don't help. It took me 6 months to get my car repainted and the only way it got repainted is that I sent a letter to Gerd Klaus at Volkswagen and he arranged for the car to be repainted. I recommend that everyone look in your owners manual and write a letter to Gerd Klaus, 3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, and let him know about your problems. Please don't buy a Volkswagen!!!
Tom & Karen 9/6/03 Bought a 2000 Jetta TDI in January 2000 and for about two years was very happy with it. Then we started having problems and didn't realize until recently when the passenger power window broke that everyone was having the same problems. First it was a glow plug, which we were disappointed, but just excepted. Then I took it to the dealer for an oil change and I drove the car 4o miles and the "Check Engine" light came on, took it back into the dealer and they said it was a glow plug for $125, got the car back and again drove the car another few days and it happened again. Took it back and was told it was a sensor which was expensive. Three weeks later the light came on again, this time they gave us a loaner car as they had the car for a few days and they finally fixed the car with a glow plug wiring harness. In about 6 weeks we had spent $800. Then a spring came off the passenger seat, followed a few months later by the one on the drivers seat. Then the glove box hinge broke and then finally the passenger window which is not used that much dropped into the door. We have also complained about this yellow stuff that comes out of the doors when it is hot. I am afraid to take it back to the dealer as it always adds up, but they say they can fix the window with clips that they have and it won't cost anything. Until then we would think twice about getting another one which at one time we thought of buying another one. We went to a Nissan Altima instead!
This survey has convinced me to retain my current vehicles and not purchase a VW product. I have been stressing over the cost of fuel, but it appears that the cost of repairs on the VW cars, diesel and gasoline versions, far outweigh any savings I would receive selling my old technology vehicles. I just wish I could find a new fuel efficient car that is reliable. I cannot drive a 15-year old pickup truck forever. I drive a 1989 Chevrolet K1500 Z-71 sport-side short bed, regular cab truck with a 350c.i. V-8 engine. I have performed routine maintenance and have had no major repairs since I purchased new in 1989. It now has 148800 miles, most of which are city driving and trailer towing miles. My other vehicle is a 1992 G20 hi-top extended chassis conversion van with the 350 V8 as well. As much as I hate 16mpg fuel economy, it is much cheaper than the repairs described in this survey by VW owners. Not to mention I have hardly ever wasted my time in repair shops or dealing with rental cars.
Any suggestions on a reliable AND efficient car?
Certainly not news to any of my fellow dissatisfied VW Jetta owners on the board, but I still feel VW deserves yet another slam.
My 1999 (.5) VW Jetta GLS, at 4.5 years old, owned and operated solely by me and now in the shop with only 19,100 miles on it had experienced the following technical difficulties:
1) O2 sensor, 4 times;
2) Front passenger window regulator, 2 times;
3) Battery problems, 2 times;
And this one I am partly to blame for.
4) front bumper disconnected and hanging in limbo from an accidental, however nominal, encounter with a cement parking block.
Neither VW nor any of VW's constituent manufacturers will ever have me as a customer again.
Yes... problems. I own a 1997 Jetta that has been great for the last 4 years (I bought it used) until 1-2 months ago. It has over 150,000 miles on it and I never had a problem. Then:
1. The engine would "miss" when accelerating. First, only with the a/c on and then all the time. Got the spark plugs, cables, and rotor replaced - $350.
2. The windows have always been flaky - they would go up and down on some days, and not on others. Then one decided to stay in the down position - a problem with rain and theft. "Fixed" for $200 and stopped working in 2 days, and then the window regulator replaced for almost $300.
3. The glove compartment doesn't close all the way - too cheap to fix it. Now the back window won't roll down - don't feel like fixing that either. The engine light has been on for 2 years (when we went on a trip to the mountains/higher altitude?) - runs great, so would rather live in ignorance.
I love my Jetta, but my husband is threatening sending it to the junk yard and that it might be cheaper to buy a new car!
Have a 2000 Jetta 1.8T. Same problems with windows. 3rd time on driver and first on passenger. Glove box twice and armrest once. But luckily none of the other problems, yet. After reading all of the contiuous problems, won't be buying a VW next time. Hopefully the car will last until then. For anyone interested there is a class action lawsuit being filed against VW of America about the defective electric window problem.
More info at www.litigation-results.com/vw.htm.
I agree with everyone else when they say they will never purchase another Volkswagen product. I drove a 13 year old car that did not have half of the problems that my 3 year old Jetta has. I have considered filing suit against the company for the poor workmanship of these vehicles. What a waste of an investment! I have been to the dealership numerous times for various problems such as
1. both oxygen sensors
2. engine burning oil out every 700-800 miles
3. engine light on
4. transmission problems
Volkswagen customer service was no help. The dealerships offer horrible service. I have several friends with cars from other manufacturers, and they cannot comprehend the amount of problems I am having. The word is out in my circle that VW cars are just no good. I totally regret my decision to my this vehicle and not the more reliable Honda Accord. In fact, I am getting rid of this Jetta and will purchase the Accord within the coming months.
Take my advise- Don't by VW!!!
5.
I was so happy with my 2000 Jetta for the first year and half. Then like everyone else had one thing after another. A month after I bought the car the oil light came on and I brought it to the mechanic and he said there was just about no oil in the car. I called VW when this happened a second time a few months later. They told me that Volkswagons are known for that and there wasn't anything I could do. My glove box hinge snapped on the right side too. I thought it was something somebody had done by accident, but now know it is just a faulty part. I replaced the rear brakes at about 20k miles and the mechanic was shocked. I will never go to VW to fix anything the prices are outrageous. My front brakes make noise and I am going to have to replace them now. I just got the car out of the shop because the wires were bad. The check engine light had been on for the last 4 months. It is off now, but after reading all these posts I am sure it will probably come back on. The window on the passengers side fell in and that was pretty expensive to fix. The trunk would pop open for no reason. That was a weird one because it only happened for about 2 weeks, but all the time for two weeks and then all of a sudden stopped. Strange. I will definitely think twice about buying or recommending VW again. It's upsetting too because I like the way they look and drive. I think I may have to switch to Toyota, my sister loves her car and never has any problems. They last a long time too!
Trish
Weymouth, MA.