Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-49
Glow Plug Relays replaced 6 times.
Igniter replaced 1 time.
Engine control module replaced 1 time.
Also been to VW corporate tech labs for a 2 month span where a bunch of stuff was looked at and inspected that I can't remember the specifics of anymore.
Window Regulators broken countless times now.
Ashtray for rear passengers broken.
SRS Indicator light on for 2 months straight with multiple visits to dealer to figure it out.
Too much to list...
The story is sooooo long and I really don't want to bore everyone with it. I'll gladly fulfill individual requests with the log of events I've been keeping since October 2000. Here's the summarized version:
2000 TDI, delivered in Sept 1999.
13K - Oct 2000 first major problem - check engine light... Glow plug relays... other mild complaints as well, but typical stuff.
By January 2001, I'd been to the dealer 5 times for the same problem --- the check engine light comes on every 3 weeks, almost to the day.
I've been though the BBB Auto-line and reached resolution with VW of America... They took my car back to their corporate labs and rebuilt the car. I drove a dealer car for the 2 months mine was getting witchcraft done onto it.
I got the car back in April 2001 with 1,100 additional miles on it. I renegotiated my resolution and in addition to the lease payments they made for me, VW of America also paid me.20 per mile on the 1,100 they put on my car. --- It's a lease... and they're gonna make me pay if I'm over the mileage stated in the contract, right?
Anyway... I thought I was home free... a near-new car and still the one I picked out in 1999.
Until now... it's Oct 2002 and my car has had the same problems as before -- they started again in August. It's relapsed and is out of remission... but this time it's terminal.
In addition to my complaints about only getting around 300 miles per tank of gas (SINCE I GOT THE CAR IN 1999)... they've replaced the computer thingi in the car, the glow plug relays again, the passenger side window regulator for the 2nd time this year, the driver's side window regulator, the stupid keyfob thing that broke, some SRS (airbag) problem which made that light come on my dashboard along with the check engine one (and that makes the nighttime blue dashboard UGLY!)... and my sunroof is still broken!!!
Wanna know more? email me at vwinfoplease@rustandthesuperheroes.com.
Enjoy your TDI's folks... I can't wait for VW of America to replace mine with something else... I'm thinking Volvo...
I have a VW 2000 Jetta TDI with 93K miles on it. It used to get 50 mpg, but now it is down to the low 40's. There is a lack of power too and I suspect intake or catalytic clogged. I don't have nearly the amount of problems you've had with yours - I would have demanded another one.
Overall, I think the TDI is great. I will admit that there are a few bugs in the electronics (the CD changer has a problem from time to time and the trunk won't pop open with the door switch all the time). The drink holder in the back of the Jetta is totally useless and the adjustable armrest between the driver and passenger seat is broken. But, after 92K miles, it is still getting me from point A to point B. I wish I could say that about my Chevy with 70K miles which has been in the garage countless times and is essentially a rattle box. The Jetta is still tight and I do get over 40 mpg.
Lance.
I have replaced the airflow meter twice in less than two months and have been without the car repeatedly for the same complaint i.e. lack of power. Now I'm told that for $3200.00 the dealership will remove carbon build-up from intake manifold and piston heads. I asked VW customer assistance to pay as a gesture (I am horrified to say I've "sold" three of these to friends) and they refused. I now have scoured the web and discovered that this is not uncommon trouble at 80,000 miles with this car. I no longer feel smug about beating the system- by my figures I will have spent $2.65/gallon by amortizing the cost of these repairs into the life of my car! Anyone with similar carbon problems e-mail me at: imgraham@aol.com If I hear enough complaints I may litigate.
I too have a VW Jetta TDI (2001). It has been in the shop three times for a bad rack and pinion. The last time was due to the dealership not tightening down bolts. After a couple of weeks of having the car, the air louvers on the front fascia have fallen out. The center console has been replaced twice, due to poorly fitting. I currently have 55000 miles on it and now the drivers side window has fallen into the door. Not only is it off of the track, but the regulator and the motor are bad (to the tune of $515.00). This is the worst car I have ever owned and will deter anyone from purchasing this car.
I have a 2000 Jetta TDI with 110K miles and would highly recommend the car. I have had to have the air flow sensor replaced ($300) and one of the window regulators (Free). I get 51 MPG and would highly recommend this car.
It is disappointing to hear all the VW Tdi problems. We have a 2001 Jetta TDI 5sp and have 46000 miles on it without a repair. I have put two new tires on the front for this winter and have broken the clip off of the arm rest. My fault, but then it could have been made better. I dislike the cheapo sun visors, but the rest of the car has been solid. It is a joy to drive.
As a side note... I do change my own oil and use Delvac 1... and am an advocate of biodiesel fuel. I'll run B20 (20% biodiesel/80% D2) in the winter and B100 in the summer. I am hoping that this combination will help with intake manifold caking and restricting airflow. A common problem if the car is started and stopped for short trips.
So far so good on the window regulators and the MAF sensor... although expect that these will be items to plan on, just like the Timing belt replacement at 60000.
I do like the car and would love a Passat Wagon when it is imported as a TDI model. Hope the price is right!
I read your email and others regarding your VW and its carbon build up from the diesel engine. I own a 2000 Golf Tdi with 65,000 kms (approx 27,000 miles). I have a full baggie of carbon I have recently removed from the induction system on my car. I used to love my car, but now I want to sell it before 60 minutes does the show on our plugged up cars and its worth $500.00 bucks.
I am mechanically inclined. Although unlicensed I have been rebuilding engines for the past twenty years and have rarely seen a more ugly site than the inside of my intake manifold. If your are un-technical this is the plenum or tubes, that allow the air to travel to each cylinder from the turbo charger on the intake side. First the air goes in the air filter, then passes thought the turbo where it is compressed, then through the intercooler and onward to the intake manifold. This aluminum casting has an opening connected to the throttle plate (valve that controls airflow) about 2 1/2 inches in diameter that was "caked full" of carbon. It was unreal. I could barely place one finger in the remaining open portion. No wonder my car has run like crap and returned poor fuel mileage for the past year.
Having just done this de carboning over the Thanksgiving weekend (in Canada) I guess I'm still lucky our second car works. As I write the diesel still doesn't run. From the internet I gather we are not alone and the problem we face is that simply removing the carbon is a quick fix. Its going to start right away and need to be cleaned out frequently over the coarse of the car's life unless the design flaws are repaired. In my opinion blaming poor fuel quality, or low revs as the dealer points out is ridiculous. Our diesel brethren aren't dying on the highway with us -not that I've noticed.
At any rate I'd like my time to be paid for not mention all the frigging around its going to take to fix my car. In the meantime it looks like Volkswagen better start practicing their litany of excuses as to why they designed such a crappy fuel system. I used to love Volkswagen diesel engines and have owned Rabbits, Golf 1, and Jettas with these engines. Never have any of the other models let me down. I you litigate I've got bag full of nasty,sooty, black carbon to share around. Please let me know what the dealer suggested you do as a perminent fix, and if you proceed with a class action suit. Danby Crowder Whistler BC.
My email is suedan@whooshnet.com -please email me with similiar symptons my car is off to the dealer tomorrow. Oct 14 03
Sorry to hear about all the problems. Knock on wood my 2001 Jetta TDI has 100,000 kms and has been running excellent. Had only one problem and that was a faulty EGR valve which was fixed under warranty. Besides that I'm happy with the car :)
First off - thanks for all your comments above.
I have a 2000 Jetta TDI and it has had problems from the get go, first off every time we took it in for servicing - within a few days that little red light would come on. That doesn't sound too bad until I tell you that every time it was serviced for that light being on - a few days later it would go off again. This happened for MONTHS until I broke down an yelled a bit to the dealership's General Manager and all of a sudden it was fixed - HMMM!!!
But wait... it gets worse!!! My car's warranty has just expired (less than 2 months ago) with only 62,500 miles on it when all of a sudden (with no warning - light or otherwise) the engine dies - I mean DEAD (lots of battery power, no engine) - so back to the dealership, towed in ($75 tow, $100 and counting rental car). The timing belt is "stretched a bit, new timing belt required" ($850) "fine I'll pay that" - sounds a bit too soon for timing belt issues, but hey. Next call from dealer, "Come and pick up your car anytime after 2pm", it must be done - so I go in at 2:30 and they have me wait till 5pm when they tell me that "they can't get the engine timed, cylinder 4 is having problems". Next day - they have no compression in cylinder 4 and must pull the head off to see why. It seems like when the timing belt is off a bit, the cylinder can actually hit the head and damage the valves and head itself - they need to replace the head ($3800), the piston looks fine (we hope). That's where it stands today - no car and an upper engine rebuild (who knows what else might come up). Just add those numbers up and I'm looking at a hefty bill already for a car just over four years old.
I'm enclosing a letter I sent to various people at VW (both locally and the head office - Germany included - 7 letters in total, about $6 in postage). I'll tell you this; if I don't get a response back from this letter I'm going to creating a simple little website where I will feature my story and some of yours and hopefully get some hits from it. The one thing about the internet is that it allows everyone to touch a greater audience - just look at Mike Rowe (mikerowesoft.com).
Thanks
Cory.
My letter below:
Dear Gerd Klauss.
We are loyal Volkswagen drivers. We have had a VW for over 11 years. When the TDI engine emerged on the marketplace, we were excited about its potential. We purchased a 2000 Jetta TDI in November of 1999. Excited about its features such as amazing mileage, we boasted to our friends and family about our purchase. Unfortunately, we have found our car to be unreliable.
From the beginning we had consistent problems with the engine light turning on as a result of carbon build up within the TDI engine. We were inconvenienced during a family holiday to the United States when our engine light came on and we found ourselves on the highway with a severe loss of power. The car had been serviced at Northland Volkswagen of Calgary only one day prior to our departure. We tried to have our car serviced in the U.S. but they were unable to determine the problem. Upon returning to Calgary, we took our car back to Northland Volkswagen and spoke to the general manager. The car was finally serviced properly, but only after speaking to the general manager about the issue. Since that time our engine light has not been a problem.
We were willing to overlook previous concerns. With the recent addition to our family, we began shopping for a second and larger vehicle in the fall of 2003 with plans to purchase in the summer 2004. Volkswagen was our only choice of cars and we priced out such vehicles as the Passat wagon, Phaeton, and Touareg. We were excited to learn about the TDI engine option rumored for the Touareg.
Suddenly, with no warning (engine light or otherwise), on February 5, 2004 our car stalled and ceased to run. We immediately had the car towed to our home and then towed again to Northland Volkswagen where the friendly staff began to identify the problem as being the timing belt. After trying to time the engine it was soon discovered that the problem was much larger than anticipated; cylinder 4 had no compression and the engine head has to be rebuilt. Despite our attempts to maintain our car, regular oil changes, system checks, recent air and cabin filters replaced, we are now facing a huge repair bill. Our 4 year old car requires a new engine head totaling over $3800, not including tax. It is appalling to us to think a timing belt would go on a four year old car that we've only enjoyed for 100,000km, and that a timing belt failure would cause so much engine damage.
With this recent discovery, our friends and family are avoiding Volkswagens. A colleague of mine was planning to purchase the new 100 horsepower, TDI Jetta with 177 pounds feet of torque, within the next couple of months based on our high recommendation since he fell in love with our Jetta. Now with word of our high maintenance bill he is re-evaluating his purchase.
We are now paying to rent a car as our car will now require a great deal of service. After driving a Nissan rental car, it only solidifies why my husband has such a love of Volkswagen. We are looking for an equitable solution to this problem so that we can once again brag about our car and continue buying Volkswagens in the future. Without such a compromise our 11 year exclusive loyal relationship is in jeopardy of ending just as our buying power has increased dramatically.
Sincerely.
Cory, Jennifer, Brent and Kiera.
Cc:
Volkswagen AG (Wolfsburg)
Volkswagen of America (President and CEO Gerd Klauss) Volkswagen of America (Vice President Len Hunt)
Volkswagen of America (Customer Relations - 2F02) Volkswagen Canada Inc Corporate Head Office
Northland Volkswagen (Perry Itzcovitch)
I have similar problems with my 2000 Jetta TDI.
Symptom:
Window fell off track (I have 4 friends with VW's with the same problem)
Problem:
something plastic that needed to be replaced with a stronger part. It's now a recall item.
Solution:
VW recall and replaced after 2nd time.
Symptom:
Engine light that never goes off
Problem:
Unknown still.
Solution:
I live with it on. At the dealer they wanted to just pull a fuse so the light would not trigger on anymore...nice.
Symptom:
Lack of engine power, I'm taking 35 mph MAX
Problem:
Mass air flow
Solution:
VW paid for this after I called headquarters. I am pretty sure it is now and recall item for all 2000 TDI's.
Symptom:
Will not start.
Problem:
Glow Plugs... they say
Solution:
none yet saving the $$
The paint is peeling off the middle shifter panel. Random, plastic parts have fallen off many different places inside the car. The electrical system (dashboard lights, warning lights) come on and off as they please) and I have NEVER got more than 300 miles per gallon, this includes when the car was brand new. The car runs as if it were 10 years old and it's only 4 years old and only has 50k miles. All four of my friends that own 1999-2000 VW HATE them. I will never buy one again. email me with comments valimw@hotmail.com.
Vali
Denver, CO.
Think about it. You spend time and effort researching manufacturers and products for the criteria you are interested in, and everything you discovered turns out to be distorted. Reliability and longevity were primary considerations when we looked at Volkswagen, and fuel economy and performance were what led us to the 00 Jetta TDI. So far with 63k MI., fuel economy (w/premium DF) is still 48-53mpg, but if it is an electrical system, we are trying to get along without it. Windows that go down, but not up (recall) may not be a problem in some areas, but in Wisconsin it's cold for six months out of the year. Glow plug harness@55k miles (not covered). Now, suddenly the temp gauge that faithfully has read 190f now points to the 4 o'clock position. The sending unit is fine, so the entire instrument cluster has to be replaced. Additionally, the back light on the climate control panel is possessed. The lights go on and off, sometimes due to road conditions, but mostly because the feel like it. Our dealer claims both of these systems are sealed and can only be replaced, preferably before than cause more and greater problems. They, and VWNA, don't think $800 is too much to pay for continued ownership. 18 more payments. Maybe we can refinance the car to cover repairs.
I just purchased a 02 TDI Jetta with 8,700 miles.
You all have me thinking about this carbon deal. I have put on 2,000 and am getting 58MPG...I thought this was amazing. I am now freaked out. I want my new baby to last forever. What can be done about preventing the carbon buildup, you know for the long term? Are additives common, what suggestions might you have?
Thanks for everything
Scott.
Hi,
Last year I purchased a 2003 Jetta TDI. I am 19 years old and seem to have a heavy foot. The guys at the dealership tell me I'll never have carbon problems. I guess sometimes you just gotta rev it up. As far as electrical problems none to speak of, except the check engine coming on once because of a boost spike. The clutch was weak, got that and the flywheel replaced, new rotors and pads, and the stock stereo was a little underpowered and when I put my head unit in it blew the back passenger speaker. I have no complaints on the car, its running great, only wish there was more power. I have added a carbonio cold air intake system, replaced the mass air flow sensor with one from a 2.0 liter gas engine, and have a Van Akken Tuning Box. The flywheel is a light 13 pound single mass, not the 22 pound dual mass from the factory. The clutch is a performance Vr6 unit and feels great and more than willing to spirited driving. Car runs great and hopefully will stay that way. 38,000 kms so far, and oil changes regularly. Any questions regarding the aftermarket parts can be answered. My email is churchboy_17@motmail.com
Will.
2001 Jetta TDI
I purchased my car as new. In the first 2 years it was in the shop 9 times for repairs and it often took the dealership more than one attempt to fix the problem. One day the dealership blames a performance problem on one part and later they blame the problem on something else.
Here is a list of problems and repairs.
Malfunctioned Hood Release - flew up while driving
Seat Brackets (two times)
Replace Brake System (it took 3 attempts to fix)
Wheel Bearings
Window fell in and broke
Main electrical system
Fuel Pump
EGR Valve
Valve Intake Manifold
Mass airflow sensor
Glow plug relay
Coolant Temp sensor
Uses a lot of oil
Plastic Interior finish peels off.
I will never purchase another Volkswagen product again. Not only is the product poor, the service at Volkswagen is poor also. The refuse to take responsibility for their product. They refuse to cover my Mass Airflow Sensor on the recall because of too many miles even though the problem was reported before I was over the limit, but they misdiagnosed the problem.
I would be glad to take part in a Class Action Suit.
Thanks,
hans3_us@yahoo.com.
Love my Jetta
I purchased a used (lease return) 200 Jetta TDI in 2002 with 75K on it. I too have had "many" quirks with the car including the window (recall) passenger door not unlocking, tensioner breaking, and have had to replace the MAF twice in the last 6 months and finally got the brake switch recalled. (An eleven dollar part that I bought at least once a year.) HOWEVER, The Pros outweigh the Cons. I found a performance mechanic that doesn't give me BS and he has saved me SO much money. He tells me realistically what I need, doesn't charge me an arm and a leg in labor, resets my engine light and/or lets me hook it up to the VAG-Com scanner for free, and accepts six-packs of beer for his services. My very favorite example happened last week. I was experiencing a lack of power-and just as I suspected, the MAF. He tells me that the Diesel part would cost $350 at the dealership, but the 2.0L gas part (VERY SAME, MIND YOU) is $50. Only problem is, they need a VIN. I went to the Mall, found a VIN and went to my dealership. they asked me for my name, in which I gave my fiance's name, and that was it. They can't trace the VIN to him, and they don't have any other way of contacting him. Savings? $300 and I installed the part in my driveway in 5 minutes.
My point is, you have to look around for the decent mechanics AND be willing to do preventative maintenence on the car. There are fellows at TDIclub that have 300K on their cars.
Hey I am a big Volkswagen fan owned many Volkswagens and love the tdi go to auto zone Napa any local auto parts store they have liquids you can put in your oil and/or put in you gas to clean out the carbon in them. Read the bottle and apply it to your oil or fuel as it recommends and that diesel should last 200-300k or more. The problem lies within the turbo and all turbo cars it pressurizes air from you exhaust and it goes thought your intake back into the engine it adds power. Compression makes horsepower when accompanied by gas. I see some on here mad about tapping noises or bent valves one ran it low on oil. If there is a oil consumption problem it needs to be fixed you run anything low on oil it will hurt the engine. The other one with the bent valves did not replace timing belt witch all manufactures recommend doing at 60,000 your fault take care of the car when something is wrong or needs to be fixed. My window fell through and was fixed free glove box broke when I bought it was fixed free. Volkswagen has done a assume job backing up there cars and admitting problems. what's wrong with a recall I just bought a 2000 eclipse it has had a ton of problems very common and some is effected on every one of the Mitsubishi's. They accept the problem and won't fix it and won't recall any of theses problems even though one of them most common wire melting on pass headlight could catch fire with is big safety issue. Take care of your car and fix what's wrong with it.