2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS from North America - Comments

The front passenger seat was broken when purchased. $400 repair.

Front brakes went out less than a month after purchase. Cost $400 to repair because the brake sensor went off and when that happens you must pay $150 per brake pad for special pads with the sensor (which aren't under warranty).

Airbag light came on and stayed on because the clock spring in the steering column broke. Did not replace because the cost was $400.

Battery went bad had to replace. Only the dealer can replace the battery because otherwise the stereo won't work. Had to replace the serpentine belt at the same time. Cost $400.

Glove box door broke. Did not fix.

EPC, ASR and check engine light came on causing poor performance. Was due to the brake light switch recall--no problems since repair (but that was only a week ago).

Same day I picked up the car for the recall the door sensor broke. Caused the car to think the doors were open. Would not lock the doors. Cost $400 to fix. The dealer replaced the window clips for free and mysteriously the airbag light is no longer on.

For two weeks the car had trouble starting. It wouldn't turn over or make a peep until, oh, the fifth try or so. Mysteriously, we have not had that problem since.

Minor problem with the soft plastic coating over all the hard plastic in the interior peeling away. Makes the nice interior look shabby.

It's funny how everything that has gone wrong has cost right around $400 to fix.

I really love the Jetta. It's fun to drive, looks great and handles well. The problem is it costs so darn much to fix. VW really needs to work out these quality control issues and they need to make their dealers respect the customer. We found a good dealer, but it's the ONLY dealer in my area that isn't rude and doesn't treat you like a five year old with a learning disability.

Bottom line is if you get the Jetta you'll enjoy it, but be prepared to spend more money for repairs than you would other cars.

OK, so it's been, what, a year and a half since I wrote the above and here is more: check engine light came on, took it to dealer and they replaced the O2 sensor ($300). The NEXT DAY the check engine light came on again. Took it back and it was another sensor ($300). This time the car drove like crap when I picked up, so I turned around and brought it back. I was LIVID and let the dealer know. Turns out it was the entire coil pack (incl. spark plugs, etc). $1200 to fix. I was so angry they offered to replace it at cost ($400). I insisted they do it for free since I brought it in 3 TIMES in one week AND they returned it to me BROKEN! They refused and I either had to take my crappy car with me, or pay $400. They didn't even care that the work they did was total crap, nor did VW America. STAY AWAY FROM VOLKSWAGENS! And if you live or visit Colorado and need your VW serviced DO NOT take it to Tynan's VW. I promise you'll go through hell.

OK, so here's some stuff that's gone wrong since the last time (all cosmetic, so no big deal, but...) :

some sort of grease drips out below the door--does not wash off, looks like hell.

Front bumper broken on right side--caused when I backed out of a parking space. The bumper dragged on the curb and popped the bolts holding it to the car out. Cheap plastic holding the bumper on? That's a little scary (I was driving slowly, the bumper was barely on the curb)

cup holder broken--will not push all the way in; "grabber" broken on one side.

Check engine and airbag lights come on when cold and stay on until dealership resets them. Nothing is wrong with either, apparently.

I've not quite had this car three years and it looks like hell. I take fairly good care of my cars and have never before experienced a car literally falling apart before my eyes. I know things break and nothing can look fabulous forever, but when things just randomly fall apart without excessive wear and tear, that's just poor manufacturing.