2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America

Brake light pin switch has failed 5, yes 5, times. When this $15 part fails it locks the automatic transmission so you can't get it out of part.

Mass airflow sensor failed. VW refused to pay... then nearly a year it came out that there was some sort of recall... it took another year for them to send me a refund.

Both front window regulators have completely failed twice. The right front window is not in the beginning stages of yet another failure.

Mirror remote knob has broken off and been replaced.

The middle armrest latch has broken twice.

The rear trash receptacle cover is broken.

Power steering reservoir leaks.

Automatic transmission adaptive shifting mechanism very frequently "forgets" shift points and then lurches when it does decide to shift. I'm informed that this is "normal"

Can hear occasional wind whistling noises somewhere between the right-side front and rear doors.

Brake pads needed to be replaced withing 10000 miles.

Right rear wheel keeps coming out of alignment. Dealer service informed that there was evidence of impact and that I'd need a new axle. I took it to another independent place for a second opinion and there was no evidence whatsoever of any impact. Adjusted w/o needing a new axle.

Right rear taillight needed replacing at ~40k miles.

Dealer "attempted" to fix an extremely annoying and loud rattle in the front dash twice shortly after delivery. Despite claiming success they never fixed it and the rattle (nearly 4 years later) continues.

Never a VW again... seriously disgusted with what would otherwise be a well executed design. I bought it for a reason and considered myself somewhat of an enthusiast... alas, no longer. VW's Mexican manufacturing plant, VW of America's customer service (or lack thereof), and the local dealership service departments that I've patronized have destroyed every bit of enthusiasm I'd had for owning a VW. My wife's Acura is a dream with nary a single problem...