2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS from North America - Comments

- Radio stopped working

- Driver side window fell down

- Check Engine Light always on

- Sunroof Leak on days with heavy rain

- Brakes worn out too soon.

Too many problems for a fairly new car.

My wife drives a Ford Focus 2000 with way less troubles...!

I have also had problems #2, 3 and 4. I have a GLS 1.8T.

Problem 2 VW fixed under recall, no charge.

Problem 3 they can't seem to find. They replaced turbo airflow sensor ($250+), light came on again. Replaced main airflow sensor ($200+). Light is on again.

Sunroof? VW refuses to even pick up part of the replacement cocost.

I've had #'s 2,4, and 5.

We probably all know about the windows falling down, fixed under a class-action that should last through 2007.

The rear-brake pads wear out quickly, another service bulletin.

The most difficult problem is the leaky sunroof. There's more water getting in than you see.

1. Clip the little rubber water exits found in the front door jambs. They only get clogged with dirt and prevent water from exiting, thereby backing up the water diverting tube back into the sunroof tray. This will only overflow and water will spill over onto the headliner, which, thankfully is waterproof enough to get the water down the corner posts and onto the floor of the car.

2. If the diverting tube slips off the barbed end of the sunroof tray (there are 4 exit holes, one at each corner, and can be seen when the sunroof is open) you are particularly screwed, as I was.

3. Only with removal of the headliner can anyone re-connect the diverting tube to the tray; and it's no easy task.

I've done this myself, and tonight, as it is raining, with all 4 tubes connected and free of any debris, water is still spilling over the sunroof tray and onto my seats, as there is no headliner to mask the issue.

I plan to take the car to the dealership and demand free advice, as there isn't much more they would be able to do without charging me a month of my mortgage.

It's Teutonic engineering at it's best; works well in the lab, I'm sure.