Leaking radiator hose.
Broken console latch.
Seats wearing in spots.
CD player malfunctions.
Replaced transmission at 30,000.
Front seat uncomfortable.
I just traded my Jetta in. I wanted to save it for my son, but transmission problems plus premium gas requirements chased me away.
The car was a rocket, was solid, quiet and had a great fit and finish. Interior was first rate, except back seat too small.
The car ran rough, would pause under acceleration from rolling stops, and then the transmission began to slip. They replaced the shift control module, then the transmission at only 30k miles. The new one shifted late and still slipped in two gears. Service department staff cold, but fairly efficient.
None of us could ride in it for more than 45 minutes without back issues. In a way, I will miss it, but I can't take it anymore.
Hopefully the new Jetta is better, but I didn't take the chance.
I had a 1997 Jetta whose transmission did the same thing. Volkswagen is notorious for never correcting issues as such.
You should have gotten the manual transmission, most buyers outside the U.S.A. never consider anything else. Fuel mileage is better with the manual as well. I can't see anyone buying an '03 Jetta for adults to ride in the back seat - that must have been obvious when you bought it.
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