Comments: 1-15, 16-22
Here's a list of issues that I've researched. According to what I've found, I'm CERTAINLY not the only one with these problems plaguing models from 1999-2003:
Plastic parts constantly break on the car, from the fender vents (which constantly fall out and I run over and replace) to the cup holders (I've replaced twice) to the hinge on the glove compartment. The interior of the car is basically made of plastic and is usually broken when you or the dealership takes it apart to repair something.
The Electrical System is horrible. A HIGHLY known problem in all VW's. If one thing malfunctions, the entire system blows. For instance, my map lights had a short in them; since they're connected to the sunroof, keyless entry, cigarette lighter outlet and other overhead lights, I've lost power on those as well just because of the map lights.
Grease constantly leaks from the door hinges and all over the exterior body.
The sunroof comes with an Emergency Allen wrench that you can use to open or close should you lose power. Not only is the moonroof impossible to operate this way in emergencies, but it doesn't seal shut and the wrench usually breaks because it is so hard to operate.
The Check Engine light constantly comes on, usually for no reason other than to put $100 in the dealerships pocket for turning it off.
Volkswagen makes constant recalls on items such as shortages in the Emergency Signal buttons, faulty window tracks (which usually breaks your window inside the door, making it impossible to roll up) and faulty baby seat seat belt harnesses.
The CD Player/6 Disc Changer will not operate anymore, only reading "Error" and rejecting discs. Volkswagen will not replace or recall these because they do not have any to replace them with, not to mention they're way too expensive. I've been through three and it never fails: they always malfunction.
The material on the interior door handles is a rubber that peals off and leaves gaping holes in the handles.
Lastly, everything rattles, from the radio console to the air vents, because everything is cheap plastic.
Luckily, I haven't had any issues with the engine, which I'm glad of considering I can barely afford keeping up with the cosmetic faults.
I'd always wanted a Volkswagen. Mine is loaded with leather seats etc., but I should've done my homework. After researching my own problems, I've found more negative than positive comments on the internet and from people I know who've bought them. Most of them have at least 3 of the problems I've had. For such an expensive sedan, its quality contents do not match its price or popularity.
WOW I'm amazed because you just went and described my entire experience with the Volkswagen Jetta. As cute and fun as it is, it is the worst buy I have ever made. I regret ever spending 24,000 on such an awful piece of junk!
Yeah, but they look so good!
You described my car perfectly... its been in the shop 15 different times and they still can't find them problem. I can't wait to get rid of it!
Yep, add me to the list of people whose car you've described to a T. I have a severe love/hate relationship with this vehicle. I love to drive it and I love the way it looks, but I can't afford the incredible maintenance that is required for this model. Plus, VW the company doesn't care one bit about their customers and that attitude has filtered down to the dealerships. They just want your money, they don't care about actually fixing your car, or even taking the time for quality.
Well, I do not agree with the hate you seem to have for the Jettas. I'm not calling you a liar because I believe you; its just that maybe you're a little rough on your car? Maybe not, and you just got unlucky with your purchase. I have a 2000 and love everything about it. Yes, a thing or two has broken, but nothing that isn't expected. And the Engine light thing... Just a suggestion, but you can buy an OBD engine light scanner for cheaper than taking it in to a shop once. I recommend this because they come in very handy. I have a friend who has one, so I didn't even have to buy it :) Well, anyway, look at the positives in the car (Looks, Performance). Don't sweat the small stuff.
YEP!!! They steal from me and act like it is "normal". When I took it in to get something fixed, the windows, door locks, lights, beeps and what ever stopped working. When I took it back they tried charging me $100, just to tell me what was wrong. They also told me it wasn't there fault. Now how would they know that if they had not even checked yet. If they are so smart why charge me $100 to tell me it's my own fault. This whole car is a joke!!
I laugh because my 98 is perfect right now and I got it for only $1800 and put $700 into it to get it to perfect condition. (only bad thing is 119,000 miles, but I'm in high school so it doesn't matter)
New rear brakes: did it myself
new starter: myself, old one had a dead spot, still worked, but didn't trust it
reglued body molding with real 2 sided tape and adhesive
new tires at sears
engine light off because of putting MAF sensor back in, plugged back in
got radio out of safe mode in 5 min when I found code.
All this and a perfect car no body damage, shiny black exterior with a K2 package all for $2500. Plus the addtional fun of driving this thing with a manual... wow great stuff.
Lol.
I completely agree with the guy who got the 98 k2 edition.
I just got a 95 celebrity edition for $500 because a shop redid the timing belt and didn't tighten it, it slipped a few cogs and wouldn't start.
He had it in and out of 3 shops, one regular, one electrical Specialty, and one a VW specialist, in three months.
None of them could get it running, it seems the timing marks lined up on the pulley, but what's this? no mark on the flywheel?
I turned the engine until the flywheel showed the timing mark, and lo and behold the Pulley had slipped it's merry way completely off base, hmmph.
So, I am now a proud owner of one 1995 Jetta III Celebrity edition.
I think VW may have some issues, but a lot of the problems are related to the customer, their expectations, and poor service and support for VW's.
I badly want to be a VW tech, but I haven't a clue where to learn such a thing, the college I am attending has GM, Toyota, and Honda (they even got Honda to donate an S2000 race car that the students prep, not drive) but no sign of VW anywhere.
I hope that the new VW of America president will realize the need for good service in the US, just like he realized the need for a real GTi in America.
Butte Community College by the way, in Butte County, CA.
Wow! Add yet another dissatisfied 2000 VR6 owner to the list.
I was so excited to purchase this car, but it was only a few short months before my constant trips to the dealer began.
Let's see...I'm on my third cup holder, because it won't eject from the dash properly (currently broken again, but I have given up hope on this).
A hinge on my glove compartment is broken, causing one side to sag.
The plastic hinge on my center console snapped off, the console won't stay closed, so it can't be raised.
Rubber coating on door handles began wearing off after only 6 months.
The integrity of interior clearly an issue.
Grease constantly leaks out of door hinges.
My windshield wiper motor has burned out twice, causing the whole assembly to be replaced, and the timing is always off so they get tangled up all the time.
The headlights aren't bright enough.
Without fail every winter, ice build up occurs in bottom of doors to the point that I can't open the door more than a few inches before corner of door starts to bend out (rusted and ugly).
The tail lights burn out every few months.
I have replaced the coil pack twice.
My moon roof, that I was so excited to finally have, malfunctions constantly and won't close.
I have learned to live with the ever present yellow check engine light, as it is almost always on. In the beginning, this freaked me out so I called the dealer immediately each time. After asking "what color" the light was I was given an appointment almost 2 weeks away and told it was fine to drive with a yellow light, but if it turned red then to stop the car immediately! Ultimately, 9 times out of 10, they found nothing wrong, but charged me $100 to clear the light!
The newest problem I've had the pleasure to experience is when I turn the car off, as soon as I open the door all the windows roll down! When unlocking the doors to get in... all the windows roll down! This is frustrating enough on a nice day, but even more so in a downpour. Has anyone else had this problem?
I have been in and out of the shop every few months with this car for repairs, and it always costs a small fortune!
I've tried multiple dealerships to try and find better service, but the bottom line is it takes forever to get an appointment, the staff is unhelpful, and the repairs never end.
I bought it because I thought Volkswagen, the VR6 engine in particular, to be a reliable car. This car has so many problems that I am forced to choose by order of mechanical priority what to fix in which visit, because I just can't afford all the repairs.
I would never buy another Volkswagen, as much as I do love the way it looks/handles, it's just not worth the headache.
Hmmm...deja vu. You've just described my experience.
I wonder how good I look with the car when it's broken-down on the side of the road.
I agree with all the comments. I will never buy another VW. I own a Nissan as well and it never gives me any trouble. My 2000 jetta the dash rattles. Just replaced the battery now I cannot reset my radio. Guess it will need to go back to the dealer.
Wow, I have a 2000 GLX with 103,000 miles on it, and it drives and feels like it is brand new. Maybe I'm lucky, or maybe I bought it from the right guy. The previous owner took great care of it, and kept up on things, maybe that's why he hasn't had any major things happen. This is an awesome car, everything you could ever want. I'm in high school, and with the way this car drives, and the great shape it's in I know it will take me through college, and get another 100,000 miles out of it with ease. Its relatively economical, yet it's a german engineered sports car. Everyone envies me, and I have become a die-hard VW/Audi fan.
I have had many of the same problems listed previously:
- Engine light that won't go off
- Pealing interior coating
- Won't start after a rainy night or if it does it sputters for the next 10 minutes of driving until it dries
- Windshield wipers stop and start sporadically when in "on" position- This is real scary
- Headlights are not bright enough. High beams are low beams
- Brake lights constantly burn out
- AM radio is weak.
Car does go like a bat out of hell.
I have a 2000 VR6 Jetta (since July 2000) and have had about all the issues listed above. I was OK with the windows failing into the doors, engine light on & off, glove box broken, instrument cluster having to be replaced, rear brakes at 30,000 miles, brake light switch problems multiple times, broken cup holders... because it ran great... never had a mechanical problem of any kind. BUT... at 125,000 miles got coolant alarm & I stopped the car within seconds (yes... seconds NOT minutes!) No matter, I still have a warped head and other major repairs to the tune of $1,500-$2000. Don't know exactly... waiting on the repair. Yes it is a fun car to drive... but it has been the most expensive car I have EVER driven & has convinced me NEVER to purchase a VW again.
I have a 2000 VR6 as well and can't say I have had any real problems with it to date (almost 7 years old now).
Problems.
- repeatedly broke drink holder (until dealer gave newer model which has been fine ever since)
- broken passenger power window about 3 years in.
- replaced O2 sensor about 4 years in.
- replaced left rear brake light about 5 years in.
- replaced all brake pads at 65,000 miles.
That's it. Car has run beautifully since I drove it off the lot and continues to do so. Suspect battery is near the end of its life now, but after 7 years it's served its time well.
Sorry to those who've had bad luck with their Jetta. Mine has been wonderful to me.