2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T review from North America

Check engine light came on at 4,000 miles. The car began backfiring. Dealer turned the light off and said the computer reported no problems.

At 5000 miles the car continued to backfire and the service engine light was on again. Had regular service done, they turned off the light again and told me again the car was fine.

Spoke with service department prior to 10000 mile service about backfiring. Dealer could not replicate problem. Service engine light came back on at 7000 miles. Driver door began to groan when accelerating or decelerating.

At 12000 miles the service engine light was still on. I told the dealer I did not want the car back until it was fixed. A week and a half later the dealer told me that valves in the turbo were cracked and oil was being sent into the engine. The problem was repaired and the light stayed off. The backfiring continued without an error light. All doors now groaning when the car accelerated or decelerated. Dashboard creaking badly around radio when any road irregularity encountered. Dealer threatened to void warranty because after-market radio was installed.

At 15000 service I complained about the backfiring again. Dealer was unable to replicate the problem. I backfired my way back home very discouraged. The center armrest latch broke off, and the sun-roof emergency crank cover fell off while going over railroad tracks. Tires began making very loud warbling noise and were replaced as defective under warranty.

At 20000 miles I attempted to remove sap from the hood with a clearcoat safe product I have used on Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans without problem. It ate the clearcoat off the Jetta. Jettas have very thin clearcoat finishes. Driver door began to sag on its hinges. Dealer said it was within specs. Numerous audible interior groans, squeaks, and rattles became topic of conversation when transporting friends.

At 25000 miles the car continued to backfire. Tires were badly cupped and distorted again. Dealer refused to inspect suspension and said that the Jetta was being driven roughly. I don't think rough driving cups tires. It tends to wear the tires down quickly, but evenly. Warranty gone at this point anyway.

Near 30000 miles the car began spewing bright blue smoke occasionally on startup. Very concerned abotu this problem. Dealer said it was bad fuel. Check engine light did *not* come on. I discussed this with the dealer, wondering why blue smoke wouldn't trigger an emissions warning. No answer. I was told that an engine diagnostic was not covered under the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Only "internal lubricated parts" are covered under powertrain.

At 31,000 I sold the car to Carmax. I took a $4600 loss and am happy to be rid of the car.

Even when the car was working correctly, it handled sloppily. The suspension bobs and sways and the steering is not accurate. The brakes are strong, but the nose dives severely under strong braking. The traction control is not effective.