2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS from North America - Comments

* The windows fell into the doors. This became a recall item.

* The brake light switch became faulty, causing the car to remain stuck in Park. This was also a recall item. This happened to me SEVERAL TIMES, even after taking the car to the dealer to fix it under recall!

* The interior started falling apart after only 5 years of ownership. The passenger side airbag came loose, the glove compartment hinges broke, the center console's hinges broke, and the hood's hinge broke.

* The Check Engine light came on several times during the life of the car. The O2 sensors and mass airflow sensors needed to be replaced.

* The front bumper was built too low. Parking the car behind a cement barrier put wear and tear on the bottom of the bumper, and it eventually fell off.

* The fuel economy started to suffer after about 100,000 miles. I can only get about 10-15 miles per gallon now.

* The speedometer quit working! The mechanic where I took the car couldn't figure out what was wrong with it.

* The cupholders were simply plastic extensions built into the front of the dash. They broke within a year of ownership.

When I first bought this car in California, I absolutely fell in love with it. It was very fun to drive and handled the mountain roads very gracefully.

Once I took this car to Texas, however, the heat and humidity did a number on this car. Those who live in Texas notice that there aren't very many Volkswagens on the road, and there is definitely a reason for that. The car started to break down, one problem at a time. First, it was the brakes. After replacing the pads and rotors, the water pump was about to go out. Okay, I replaced that part as well, but now the windows started to fall into the doors, creating a security and rainfall humidity risk. Once that was fixed, the check engine light came on, with the O2 sensors and mass airflow sensors both in need of replacement.

I have had so many recall notices on this car during its life that it's not funny. Volkswagen did not pay particular attention to the quality of this vehicle. I'm glad I got a new car yesterday and that my Jetta is paid off; I can't wait to get rid of this piece of junk. I'll never get a Volkswagen ever again.

Maybe if you stopped whacking those parking barriers your bumper wouldn't have fallen off.

You did get 125,000 miles out of it, so it couldn't have been all bad.

I have to say my 1999 Jetta is a stinker too. I JUST hit 100,000 miles and EVERYTHING is falling apart. My glove compartment, my latch for the hood, cup holders, interior, ECU system, catalitic converter, the list goes on, it was nice in the beginning, now I am ashamed.

It's honestly pretty sad that VW owners think 100,000 miles is an ample amount of usage in a car that costs 30 grand. Seeing my friends' Toyotas and Hondas at 225,000+ miles and my old Buick at 190K, it would be shameful to see any necessary major repair before 150-175K on a car you would deem 'reliable'.

When I've asked my other friend with a Jetta why she's continued to put up with the dozens of repairs, she like most VW owners candidly replies "all cars have problems... and these are all 'little' ones."

No, that's NOT normal if you ask people with REAL reliable cars. I've had one repair on my family's Toyota in 7 years! And it was less than $200.

The infamous 'little' repairs added up to the tune of a couple grand for me - for a car only a few years old!!! Time to move on.

I have owned used VW's since 1980. All with lots of miles on them. I now have a 1999 New Jetta with over 100,000 miles. I have never spent more than $500 per year on repairs, other than replacing a transmission on a 1979 model. I also own a 1981 Pickup and a 1989 Golf. One reason I keep buying VW's is because I don't have to repair them like the other brands I have owned.

My check engine light comes on for awhile and then goes off. My cup holder broken. Other than that everything works fine and I love the car.

I have a 1999 Jetta also. My windows have fallen in. My cup holder is broke. My glove compartment is broke. My check engine light is on. It is in the shop right now getting a new interior ti-rod and front and back brakes and rotors. I am about to hit 110,00 miles so I realize that some upkeep is due, but everything on the inside is cheaply and poorly made. I wish I would have went with a Honda.

I own a Jetta, one brother has gone through two golfs and a Jetta, and I used to agree with the saying that,"VW can make a power train, but they can't make a door handle".

This has always been true, until recently, my other brother has replace the engine in his '98 Diesel twice in a year.

I love the mileage with my '99 TDI... but that's the only good thing I can say about it!

Happy Drivin'

Wow,

I love to drive my little jetta, but... the inside is falling apart... the glove compartment is broken, the middle console storage area is broken, the mirror covers are broken, which keeps the mirror lights burning, the driver door is completely falling off, and the check engine light remains on all the time... but I have to state this... I love to drive my little green jetta...