1998 Volkswagen Jetta GT from North America - Comments

1) starter and alternator went out at 12,000 miles

2) ignition switch went out at 7,000 miles

3) starter and alternator went out again at 14,000 miles

4) plastic molding on 2 doors came off completely. at first it was just loose, tried glueing it several times (even with liquid nail!!) but then finally just came off all together.

5) all 4 of the plastic "vw' logos on the hubcaps came off (design flaw having them as a totally seperate part and attached to the actual hubcap with 2 measly strips of what looked like silicone glue)

6) a.c. system periodically just goes on the fritz, stops working all together... then starts again next day

7) the general "fit" of the interior cabin is poor. many parts are coming off (such as the fuse panel cover) the glove compartment doesn't close flush without having to slam it, the plastic parts have worn out very quickly and just look terrible

8) the steering wheel has been peeling for the past 3 years... looks terrible...also the shifter is made of the same material and has also been peeling

9) the exterior of the car starting getting small rust spots around the gas tank door, and also around the trunk area.

I drive this car very little. in 6 years it still has less than 30,000 miles on it, yet it is absolutely falling apart. None of the major repairs listed above were covered by any warranty. when the starter and alternator went out the second time, had to have the car towed to the dealer and fight with them to replace the parts that were not even 7 months old... which ultimately they did, but I still had to pay for labor and be without the car for a week.

Ijust wonder what part of the country is this car located? Weather is a factor somtimes in how cars do.

Your vehicle might be a "total heap of junk," but that does not mean that the entire population of '98 vw jettas are the same. it is your opinion based on personal experience. it is far from fact. just because there is one rotten apple in the barrel does not mean the whole is rotten. I have a friend that owns a '98 jetta and has put on many more miles than you and it is perfect. I am sorry that you have a vehicle that is the exception.