1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America
"This is a great car to drive, but too expensive to maintain"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
RT side sunvisor light stayed on and was repaired under warranty at 3,315 Km.
Driver side tan colour leather seat absorbed dye from black t-shirt during drive on hot, summer day.
RT side sunvisor light continued to stay on so the complete sunvisor was replaced under warranty at 9,871 Km.
Front driver side Goodyear Eagle LS 195/65/15 tire deflated quickly and broke apart at 20,000 Km during acceleration on expressway.
Mass airflow sensor malfunctioned at 20,000 Km.
EGR Purge Solenoid replaced under warranty at 20,000 Km.
Mass airflow sensor malfunctioned at 33,021 Km.
Glove box door replaced at 46,500 Km.
Mass airflow sensor malfunctioned at 46,500 Km.
Faulty mass airflow sensor replaced free of charge at 49,867 Km.
O1 diagnosis procedure repaired free of charge at 49,867 Km.
Rear brake pads and rotors replaced at 49,867 Km.
Rear calipers repaired at 49,867 Km.
Ignition coil pack failed at 53,522 Km.
Tension spring for driver side seat elevator fell off at 55,103 Km.
General comments?
The VR6 5-speed has great torque, acceleration and handling when all electrical and mechanical components are operating properly.
Unfortunately, the mechanical and electrical components are of sub-standard quality for the North American climate.
For example, rear brake pads and rotors on a front wheel drive 5-speed manual car should not wear out at 49,867 Km. or before the front brake pads and rotors!
Volkswagen should increase the comprehensive warranty from 40,000 Km to 60,000 Km, regardless of date of purchase, for this vehicle.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | VR6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 80 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 55000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 17th August, 2002 |