2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T from North America - Comments

I have a 2003 Jetta 1.8T. I have had it for over a year now and I have been very happy with it.

When I bought it, the car had 74,000 miles on it and now it's up to 120,000.

I have recently had the coils (2 of the 4) go and I just replaced those. This is the only problem I have had so far.

I have been reading up on the issues with these cars, and I keep coming across the same things. People need to learn about their car if they're going to drive it. If you read up on these a little, you would learn that the passenger side seat heater has been recalled and will be fixed at no cost to you, as will the windows. Them falling down inside the door is simply because they are held on with plastic clips. The dealership will replace these with metal clips so the issue doesn't happen anymore.

Before everyone gets on here and complains about the vehicle, they have they need to remember 2 things. ALL vehicles have issues. Volkswagens are generally more expensive to fix than other vehicles, but they are much better running (usually), they're better for the environment and they are great on gas. You are always going to have some give and take.

And secondly, LEARN about your vehicle and see what the recalls are. This can save you a lot of headaches.

The coils are a common problem. HOWEVER, I went to the dealership, bought 4 new coils, it cost me $150 total for all 4. And had them all replaced in about 10 minutes after getting home. IT'S AN EASY FIX! You only need tools to get to the coil for cylinder 4. There weren't any problem with waiting and having the parts ordered. I walked in, told them what I wanted and walked out with 4 new coils straight from Germany.

I don't understand why people are having to have their cars towed because of this problem. I drove mine for a week with it like this. Sure it didn't go great and it was terrible on gas compared to normal, but it was still drivable. There was no towing necessary, I wasn't trapped on the side of the road because of it, and I didn't have to miss any work or rent a car until mine was fixed or anything.

All I can say again is learn about your car people! These are common but easily solved problems. If you learn about them you will save yourselves a lot of headaches. Sorry about the ranting, but I hate to see people on here suffering with problems like these.

All I want to say is that I had my fair share or problems with my 2002 2.0L Jetta (coils, transmission, power windows). But I have to say that now it is all fixed, I am back to loving the good old Jetta. I was ready to scrap the thing when it was in the shop, but thankfully I didn't and thankfully it has been out for a long while now!

2002 1.8T Jetta

The absolute worst piece of crap car in the world.

1st 2 years OK kinda. Shifter fell apart.

Then coil packs... one at a time - what a classless way to handle design engineering flaw. Instead of replacing them all.

Then a plastic part in the crankcase that disintegrated over time and clogged screen on oil pump - took out turbo. AND I'm certain put 4-5 years of wear on rings etc for lack of oil.

Then cooling fans, then alternator, then water pump. AND a 'f-ing brake light every month for the past 5 years and VW won't do a thing about it. THEN a trans for 6,500.

The only reason VW has sold cars is because "they're cute" DESPITE common sense & logic my wife has kept it and has brought us to the brink of divorce. Instead of unloading this piece of feces to an unsuspecting kid, I will video tape the sledgehammering of this car for a dollar a swing and give the proceeds to charity AND put it up on Youtube for VW marketing department to enjoy.

We've spent $12,000 plus in repairs. Today the EPC light came on and ANTI SLIP light as well. I've had it. If anyone has a class action idea, call me at 410 419 2115 Alex. If you are reading this because you are having problems and are trying to fix it, get rid of it. It will be dependable for 10 minutes. It's not for your wife or kid or anyone you love because it WILL leave you stranded... BUT it's cute isn't it - dump it and dump it now. Tell your friends that VW's are no longer quality vehicles made in Germany. MEXICO.

I have a 2002 Jetta 1.8T.

I am on my third Monsoon radio.

Now I have noticed that when I use the heat seat on the drivers side, it gets so hot it has burnt my leg, and the foam under the leather seat is falling apart into little foam particles. The foam particles melted to the carpeting. It looks terrible. I can't believe VW hasn’t recalled this problem. It’s scary to think I could burn to death in my car.

I own a 2004 Jetta GLI (1.8T). I bought the car brand new, and the ignition coils went just after 50k miles. I also replaced a CV joint at the same time.

I have noticed a lot of complaining about the ignition coils from '02 to '04 (especially in the 1.8 Jettas).

I bought a 6 speed because I heard a lot of horror stories about tiptronic.

I have owned a Mustang, Civic, and (gags) an SVT Focus. The VW is BY FAR the best car I've owned. I just hope they get the coil problem worked out. EXPENSIVE FIX!

I have a 2002 1.8T. I love it.

It has 135,000 miles on it. I do all my own work minus inspections.

I keep a coil pack in the glove box. You don't need any tools to remove or replace them. except #4. the engine cover can be removed with your car key or thumbnail.

Run the engine pull up on the coil pack and listen for engine sound change. the coil pack that doesn't create a change when pulled up is the faulty one.

Simple.

Got the coil packs replaced with the recall (replaced 2 since).

I replaced the wiring harness overlay ($60.00).

I replaced the timing belt ($145.00).

I replaced the coolant temp sensor.

Got the windows fixed with the recall.

Got the brake light fixed with the recall.

Just replaced the alternator.

135k and brakes are still like new.

Shifts like a dream.

Doesn't eat tires.

All around good car minus the coilpacks.

Get a bently manual and VAG Com. done.

The 1.8T needs to have the proper spark plug gap in order to function properly. If you gap the plugs at 0.031" like the manual states then the coils should be fine for a good 100k. Turbo engines need a small spark plug gap to make spark at 4-5PSI boost. Otherwise the plug will extinguish, the coil will have to absorb the arc energy, and the high voltages generated will eventually break down the coil. Not that anyone is at fault, but I would remove all coils and replace the plugs with the correct gap on platinum plugs, and measure your old plugs. Also coils at auto part stores are cheap. $35 for part number C1394 at Autozone, and Kragen is $25 (not sure of the part number. Hope this helps someone.

Get over it guys. Don't go and buy a VW if you're not ready to fix it. It's a VW THING, You have to love them to keep them. I spent at least 10 thousand on my car and still love the thing. It's a 03 VW GTI 1.8t. Did a lot of mods also, and you think you have problems just with a stock 1.8t, jeezzz I went thru about 20 coils.