1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America
"Lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head gasket blew at 76000 miles, which was only two months after the car was purchased.
Wheel bearings in both rear wheels have gone twice. The second time, I was driving over the Delaware Memorial Bridge during rush hour traffic when the rear brakes went. I pulled over as soon as I could, and saw smoke pouring out of the rear end of the car. Apparently, the wheel bearings had gone again. The friction had burnt holes in the brake lines and ruined the brake pads and rotors.
Brake pads and rotors have been replaced three times.
A/C system has broken three times.
Headlights, taillights and brake lights go out all the time.
The transmission went, and was replaced with a brand new one, but still has continuing problems.
Power windows have broken four times.
The power locks will not work.
Several reoccurring problems with the computer/electrical.
Cooling fan has been replaced.
Unacceptable rust damage underneath, caused the muffler to fall off, and catalytic converter needs to be replaced soon because of this damage.
Problems with the coolant system- antifreeze leaks, sensor has failed three times.
General comments?
I thought that I just got unlucky with this car, but once I met more people with '96 and '97 models and found out that they too have had many problems, I started to think otherwise. After investing close to $10,000, I will never purchase a Volkswagen again.
Recommended reviews
| Engine is strong, VW of America Service the worst, and interior electrical not so hot to be polite |
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| Not with a ten foot pole, unless you plan to impale it! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 V Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 75000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 135000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 22nd July, 2005 |