2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America

The Malfunction Indicator Light came on at 972 miles. The car would also shake and struggle at start up at this time. Most likely this is when the ignition coils started to fail, but they would not be replaced for another year because the MIL light turned off and the dealer ignored the problem.

The armrest latch and glove box latch broke off completely at 10,500 miles.

At 23,200 miles, the driver's side window regulator broke and the glass fell down inside the door.

Also at 23,200 miles, the front end of the car is making a very loud creaking noise. In response to this, the dealer replaced the steer gear, tie rod and boots. This, however, did not fix the problem because the car has been in the service shop for about a week now as they try to figure out what is making the sound.

At 24,000 miles the ignition coils were finally replaced.

Since the date of purchase the car creaks and squeaks inside (IE; the dashboard, the doors and center console).

Ignition coils replaced again at 25,500 miles.

I spend most of my time taking this car to and from the dealer for repairs. This is an 80 mile round trip for me and I have to take off from work to do this every time.

I have been driving a rental car for 7 days now and it's not even a Volkswagen. It is a Mazda Protege. At least the dealer is paying for it and it does not even creak and squeak like my Jetta. How sad is that?

I am very interested to hear from anyone else who has attempted to have their Jetta declared a lemon. That is going to be my next step if and when I get my car back from the dealer.