2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI review from North America

Drivers Side window dropped into the door. Repaired on Warranty.

AM FM Radio has never gotten good reception and is now almost unusable.

Plastic cover on passenger side seat belt fell off. Repaired on Warranty.

Center Console latch broke. Out of warranty.

Vehicle has become sluggish and has only half the power it used to have.

Check Engine light came on immediately following a dealer routine service.

Check Engine light is on again.

I purchased the TDI primarily for fuel savings. The savings on fuel hasn't began to keep up with the maintenance and repair bills. I found this review site while preparing for my next visit to the Service Department. The check engine light is back on and the vehicle has become so sluggish on acceleration that it is becoming a hazard.

There are many things I like about my TDI, however, the high costs of routine service, maintenance, repairs and parts are discouraging. I bought this car for economy. I don't think I can afford to keep it running. My wife loves the car and doesn't want to sell it. I would be more prone to keep the car if VW would own up to all of the evident, common, factory defects and fix them all under recall or extended warranties.

What really makes me feel bad is that I convinced my Uncle and my Father to purchase a TDI. My uncle tells me he has been into the shop and forked over a lot of money for repairs. My Dad's TDI is almost new so the two repairs he has needed have been covered under warranty. I am encouraging my father to sell his before the warranty expires.