29th Jul 2004, 09:46
I have a 2004 Jetta GLS 1.8T. When I was looking for a new car, we went back to the VW, compromising roominess found in cars from other manufacturers for the quality of the Jetta. We felt that the Jetta was a more solid-built car than other Japanese models.
I am quite surprised that you have had the number of problems that you did in your 2002 Jetta. I am thoroughly pleased with the quality, performance, and fun-factor that our Jetta provides. I don't believe VW has skimped one bit on quality control- it's apparent in all of their models: from the Golf all the way to their luxury Phaeton.
30th Jul 2004, 13:13
I leased a 2002 1.8t, and it's been nothing, but headaches. The car was about 5 days old, when slowly all of the electronics died. It had to be towed back to the dealer, where they realized a faulty battery was installed. I got the car back about 5 days later. About 6 mos later, the engine coils blew, and had to be repaired. The horn has since broken 2x, I've gone through about 3 brake lights already, and have had the window fall in on me. To add to the frustration, the engine light has been on intermittently, but the dealer cannot figure out what's wrong. I've had the catalytic converter replaced too. Also, the temperature gage was faulty, and would blink and remain on each time the car was started, if the engine was not warmed up. Last, but not least, there has been this awful creaking noise coming from the front passenger side wheel well, which the dealer cannot diagnose. It's not the struts, or shocks... go figure. I can't wait to give that car back this December!!!
5th Aug 2004, 17:46
I purchased a 2001 Jetta GL new, and have been very pleased with the car. The only problem was one of the cooling fans broke into pieces. It was replaced under warranty. It seems that your car has really had its share of problems, unusual for VW's.
21st Jul 2005, 18:49
Wow! I thought I was the only one who leased a problematic 2002 Jetta 1.8T. Let me share with you my laundry list of "issues:" As I drove the car off the lot, the airbag malfunction light illuminated (that's right, as I drove it off the lot!!!), my rear brake lights had to be replaced in the first 60 days, the passenger-side window fell into the door (what's with this?---it's an epidemic apparently), the ignition coils failed (thank goodness this part was recalled), the armrest broke TWICE (again, this seems to happen frequently), the manifold had to be replaced, along with a hose that was related to the washer fluid. Now, those are the items that have been replaced. I swear there are transmission problems, but the mechanics cannot reproduce what I describe and now the battery is dying. My lease expires in 5 days; if only the battery will keep going until then.
In all fairness, VW has fixed everything without question. What they don't seem to understand is that with a new car, I don't expect there to be ANY of these kind of problems. 8 warranty repairs in 3 years?!?!?! That's 8 times I have lost time from work, 8 times I have had to burden friends to pick me up from somewhere, 8 times I have been inconvenienced without apology.
I swear if they try and charge me for wear and tear on the tires...
20th Aug 2005, 13:32
I have a 2002 Jetta 1.8T. Same issues as everyone else, coils went and had to be replaced. Driver and Passenger windows fell into the doors. Latch on armrest broke off. Brake lights, twice. Odd rattle coming from passenger front wheel well as of yet undiagnosed... and as of this morning the radio doesn't work. This car has 69,000 miles on it, I was sure it was my last VW before it had 20,000.
30th Aug 2005, 12:37
The 2002 1.8T VW does indeed have a fair amount of problems. However, it is an excellent vehicle with respect to aesthetics. Furthermore, it’s great to drive and feels more like a V6 engine.
19th Mar 2006, 17:12
I have had two Jetta's a 1999 and now a 2003 and have had no major problems like everyone describes. I take my car in for all the routine services and it runs like a dream. My family has owned Volkswagen all my life. I personally have owned seven new cars in only 17 years of driving. Four of them have been Volkswagens. The only car I ever regretted owning was a Mitsubishi Mirage. The only reason I have owned so many new cars is I couldn't make up my mind what I wanted. When I got my 1999 Jetta I found my car. But it lacked power windows, so in 2003 I traded it in for my 1.8T I have now. Driving this car is a dream especially on the highway. I know someone where I work who had nothing, but problems with her Beetle. My question is to everyone how well do you take care of your car?
27th Apr 2006, 15:27
I have a 2002 Jetta. Recently, the 4 way flasher keeps ticking, even though the signal lights are NOT on, and the 4 way flashers are not on. The dealership has said that it may be the signal light arm that needs replacing, as they have seen a few of these. They did replace the relay switch, but the problem persists... quit annoying on a 6 hour road trip! Has anyone else had this problem?
Is this something on recall on any Jetta model?
20th Aug 2006, 19:11
The 2003 1.8T model is far better than the one produced in 2002. Windows don't fall in and injector coils don't go as frequently.
21st Oct 2006, 12:25
I am glad tat I have found this page. I have a 2002 Jetta 1.8T. So far, I have had the window clamps go bad, the arm rest has collapsed on me, I have a terrible hesitation (that the service dealer says that they cannot fix), an o-ring leak causing the car to over heat, a leak in the sun roof... All this on a "certified pre-owned car"- Garbage.--Buying this car was a mistake for sure.
30th Oct 2006, 11:54
I own a 2002 1.8T Jetta and the arm rest latch has broken. Just this past weekend my front floor carpets were soaked from the sun roof drains that evidently are clogged. Not sure what it is going to cost to have them fixed. I've always driven Jetta's and this by far is the worst I've ever had.
26th Jan 2007, 10:34
Same thing. I have a 2002 1.8T.
Problems:
Windows crashing in the door (three times).
When driving on snow, the anti-slipping mechanism causes a horrendous grinding noise in the transmission (as if I'm trying to put the car in gear without depressing the clutch).
Armrest closing latch broke, then the latch holding the entire armrest broke.
Windshield washer fluid doesn't reach the windshield, but the motor runs (hose must have fallen off).
I'm just grateful I haven't had any of the major engine problems others have described.
4th Jun 2004, 14:49
My car is a 2001 Jetta and I have had so many problems too. I am dealing the dealer to consider my car a lemon. I will never buy a volkswagen again. The dealer can never figure out what's wrong with my car.