1998 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg from North America - Comments

Spent about $1000 / year on repairs each year after warranty.

Muffler rusted out early; replaced by dealer under warranty after much haggling (generic part)

Replaced chipped front glass headlamp (stone) ; lamp enclosure not stone chip proof; then discarded plastic protective cover after it too cracked.

Alternator replaced early.

Solenoid replaced early.

Speed control doesn't work anymore.

Radio volume control doesn't work anymore.

CD disc changer cover in trunk defective.

Replaced window regulator rear left passenger window.

Second set of recommended tires lasted half as long as original (same) ; driving habits unchanged.

Window separator trim rear windows rusted early.

Wheel bearings replaced twice.

Sensor (gas) at front wheel hub space replaced.

Body side moldings along / under doors always loose; would fall off if not held on with goop glue.

Cloth seat edge worn through to foam at driver side.

Radiator leak early; now forced to replace.

Brakes OK wearing.

Drive-ability OK; generally solid.

Have had chance to comp (are with Honda Civic (son 1996 & daughter 2001 models). They have had no such problems.

Generally like drive-ability of VW's ie. solid & tough. But parts / assembly quality, workmanship & design leave much to be desired.

A lot of dealer 'show & bs' when selling & lots more when returning for repairs after warranties.

Will look elsewhere at different manufacturers for reliability.

I have the radio volume control problem too! I also have spent about $4000 in the last year trying to maintain it!!! Most recently the ECU - basically the electrical system which controls the entire car went out. The part is $850. I am so sick of throwing money down the drain to fix this hunk of junk. It was a great car for about 4 years, now I've replaced pretty much everything on it and more stuff continues to break. I also have some sort of muffler problem where it rattles around while I'm driving. I've taken it in numerous times and no one can figure out what it is. The antenna fell off while I was driving a few months ago as well.

I posted the previous comment and since the ECU was replaced, I've gotten the car back from the dealership twice. It's been towed back once, and I'm waiting for them to tow it back again. Now it has a headlight problem where the headlights just go off while I'm driving and won't turn back on. Additionally, now I'm loosing power steering, instruments, gas, and power brakes, but the engine is still running. This car is totally unreliable and very unsafe. I'm hoping to cute a deal with the dealership who "fixed" it and get a refund on the repairs and have them wholesale it for me. I can't sell it to anyone for anything, but parts since it is so unsafe and unreliable. I bought this car because I thought it would last for 200k miles and that it would be reliable. It's been really expensive to maintain and it's just not worth it. The only part of the car that will go 200k miles is the engine. Everything else falls apart after about 50-60k miles. Don't be tempted to buy this car with it's good looks and fun drive. It's not worth the hit to your pocketbook.