1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS from North America - Comments

Replaced rear brake pads and rotors (rear pads worn down metal to metal) at 15,000 miles (dealership would not cover under warranty...paid $432.86)

Flat tire first week of having car (dealership would not cover under warranty...paid $236.00)

Passenger-side window shattered in door during second month of having car (covered under warranty)

Reprogram ECM recall (covered under warranty)

Random misfires/multiple cylinders (covered under warranty). Recurring problem, but never resolved after numerous visits.

Car losing power and does not accelerate properly. No repair attempted as dealership was unable to duplicate problem. Recurring problem, but never resolved after numerous visits.

Paint peeling off of armrest handle & glove compartment.

Car leaks unexplainable disgusting yellow wax-like substance.

Spring retraction in cup holder broke during first month of having car.

Tires wore prematurely, were cupping and had to be replaced at 15,000 miles. (dealership would not cover under warranty)

Oil leaking from engine and car was completely empty of oil with no warning light, valve cover gasket replaced (covered under warranty)

Outer CV Boot missing? had to replace the clamp (not covered under warranty...paid $45.00)

Engine malfunction light stays on. Dealership checked vac lines and then reset code (did not fix the problem) and it came back on as I was driving away from the dealership.

The majority of the time that the car has been taken in for service, it has taken many more days than I have been told and the problem is not resolved. Instead, they look at the car and clear the codes, guaranteeing the same problem to reappear down the road.

In addition, the transportation nightmare that has occured as a result of my car being in the shop so frequently has been very costly and inconvenient.

Throughout my numerous visits to the Fairfax Volkwagen dealership, I have encountered consistent horrible customer service and a general blatant disregard for the customer.

Also, I have not been offered a rental vehicle although at some points my car has been in the shop three separate times in one week. When I requested one, the dealership rudely denied my request and attempted to have me pay for a rental car.

At one point, my car was at the dealership for an entire week and when I called and demanded an explanation, I was told that they had been really busy and had not been able to get to it. That was funny because they assured me over the phone before dropping it off Sunday evening that they would see it on Monday. And, it had been there the previous week for the same problem. This was two years ago and the problem is still unresolved.

Overall, I have been utterly disappointed with my VW Jetta. Due to the continual problems with the vehicle and deplorable customer service I have received ever since leasing my vehicle, I will never buy or lease another Volkswagen. I will be thrilled when my lease is up and I can terminate the unsatisfactory relationship I have had with Fairfax Volkswagen over the past few years.

I would recommend that anyone considering buying or leasing a Volkswagen to look into other vehicles by other manufacturers. You will experience numerous problems that cannot be diagnosed at your expense and in return for your patience and money for items supposedly covered by warranty and then suddenly not when they go wrong, you will be treated unprofessionally and discourteously by the staff.

I completely agree. My girlfriend has the same car, and she has spent thousands of dollars on keeping it in running condition. CV Boot replaced. Window regulator replaced. Dashboard console (that one took about 8 weeks to have replaced) and most recently, throttle body. The customer service was atrocious. The people were rude, unaccommodating and service was shoddy and slow. I'll never buy a volkswagen, and as soon as we can afford to replace the car she drives, we will.

Wow! I could have written your entry for you. I own a 1999 VW Jetta VR6, and I have encountered virtually everything that you have encountered.

The most recent is the ECM, which has resulted in a sputtering loss of engine power. The VW service advisor calmly explained that it will cost me $1,600.00 to replace it (not including labor).

I have also experienced the windows falling into the doors, missing or torn CV boots, broken cup holders, engine warning lights that are cleared and then return, and very expensive brake replacements.

I will never buy another VW again.