2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI review from North America
"A Lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The rear brakes wore out prematurely right after the 24,000 mile warranty was up. A defective caliper resulted in $900 worth of brake damage at my expense.
The cup holder broke for no reason. I barely ever pushed it in.
The passenger side driver's window fell down into the door while I was driving.
The check engine line has been flashing off and on for over a month. The dealer says nothing is wrong.
The car stalled and had to be towed to the dealer. The check engine light was flashing and the dealer said that it was just in need of a new fuel filter. Cost of tow and filter---$300!!
The check engine light continues to flash, and the car sometimes won't accelerate. I almost had an accident when pulling out onto a highway and the car wouldn't go over 20 mph. Sometimes it hesitates and won't go 40 mph with the gas pedal floored.
Another mechanic has told me the entire intake manifold and intake system is plugged with carbon. He said the damage could be as much as $2,000 and the problem is a result of the way the diesel fuel is burned. He said that VW made a huge mistake with this diesel engine and that it should be recalled. VW says it's not under warranty. I have a two year old car I can't even drive! And I owe too much on it to trade in the lemon!! I've written complaints to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Better Business Bureau, the Attorney General, and my congressman. Jetta TDI owners unite and make some noise!
General comments?
This is car is a nightmare. I owe $15,000 on a car I can't drive and can't afford to fix.
My 1989 Pontiac Sunbird made it to 200,000 miles with the only repair being a $125 water pump. Why didn't I listen to my Dad and get another Pontiac???
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| European Style in an Affordable Package |
| A High Maintenance Lover? |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 turbo diesel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 1 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 300 miles |
| Most recent distance | 47000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Sunbird |
| Date of Entry | 30th June, 2003 |