2001 Volkswagen Jetta VR6 from North America - Comments

The EPC light and MIL go on every single time it rains or is damp -- and the car either doesn't start or just shuts down while driving.

Had to have brakes changed around 30,000 miles.

Wax spell is nauseating to me and everyone who gets into my car.

I've dealt with dealers on the East Coast and West and customer service has been horrific at every turn.

One day the plastic (I think that's the material) started peeling off the dashboard.

I should be at work right now, but I'm trapped at home because it drizzled out yesterday (I now live in San Diego -- doesn't rain much) and the car will not start. EPC light is on again. It comes on everytime it rains or is damp. I know the drill. Tow the car to VW. They will tell me I'm crazy and has nothing to do with the moisture. They'll replace the MIL for the fifth time. I'll be charged a few hundred dollars. It will rain again and I'll start the process again.

As for the wax smell, I don't blame the person who will never buy again because of it. It's enough to make you literally sick on a hot day and embarrassing when you have people in the car with you. Smells exactly like melting crayons.

I'm a few payments away from being done with this. I've thrown away $30,000 on this lemon plus endless time in the shop and rude VW customer service in all locales. The worst part is, I'm not in the position to buy a new car. So they've got me and I've got to keep playing this game. I traded in an old Ford Probe when I bought this car. VW got the far better deal by getting that Probe -- it ran great and was reliable. Drivers wanted? Suckers found.

Thank you for giving me such a good laugh with "Drivers wanted, suckers found." I used to want a Jetta until I read all of these disturbing reviews. I think I will stick with my old BMW. Happy motoring everyone!

I have had my Jetta almost three years now and have always wondered what that crayon smell was from... Do you know???

I purchased a 2001 jetta 3 months ago and the epc light has come on several times now. Nobody can tell me whats wrong with it, and yes the vw services guys are jerks.

I feel your pain! I just purchased a 2001 Jetta and have had it for four months. It is the most unreliable car I have ever driven. The sound of the blinker will randomly go off and tick for hours on end. It's so annoying. Not to mention the crayons. I thought that the previous owner dropped crayons into my dash. Last week, my exterior lights just decided to stop working, so I have resorted to driving with my brights on. I hate my jetta!

I purchased a 2001 vw jetta in 2002. I had the car towed 3 times and numerous service procedures performed. I contacted BBB and consumer affairs about the quality of the car and my poor dealership experience. I have replaced the ignition coil, temp sensor, tune up 4 times, belts etc. I spent $1000 to repair the car this week 3 days later the EPC and Check engine lights turn on. The quality of the car is extremely poor and the service from VW staff is horrible. No one knows what to do with the cars or even cars about there customers.

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE ANY VW PRODUCTS YOU WILL BE SORRY!!!

VW services guys are jerks even in Canada.

Wow! I own a 2000 jetta vr6 and love everything about it, my dealer is awesome and I will be loyal to vw forever. I have never had any of the problems mentioned above. maybe a little maintenence would resolve some of the issues described, cars are mechanical and do require periodic maintenence.

Sorry to here all the horror stories.

I love my vw and my dealer!!!

I have owned my 2001 Jetta VR6 since buying it new 6 yrs. ago. Overall, it has been a very reliable car in the 103,000 miles we have owned it.

I have had a few problems over the years requiring out of pocket repairs including ignition coil, MAF sensor, alternator and catalytic converter, but most of those occurred when it was over 5 yrs. old.

I have been very pleased with the car and it still drives as good as it did when I first purchased it. My local dealer,Howard Cooper VW in Michigan, does a great job of service for me as well.

Well everyone here seems to think that the jetta is garbage... well I think otherwise...I've had mine for over a year and yes I had to do the brakes, but I only did them to upgrade them... every other problem I've had was my own doing... as far as these cars lasting... they do unless the owner is abusive or neglagent... i have no idea what smell you are talking about when you refer to the crayon smell... go jetta! just don't drive it really hard and it will last!

I have owned my jetta for 6 yrs in that time it has been in the shop 3 times the last time was for a year and a half. I just got it back and it has a new engine. I drove it for about 100 miles when the emissions workshop light flashed. over the years I have had numerous problems, but I still have to say that I love my car, but they just have way too many mechanical problems.

I also have a Jetta vr6 gls and I have the same crayon smell!... It isn't too strong, but it's noticeable to me and it's the first thing that anyone mentions when they get into my car for the first time. As for the moisture affecting the car; have you tried changing the wires and/or spark plugs? That could be your problem.

I had the problem with my 2001 vr6 jetta, with the rain. It turns out I had a leak in the coolant system, and since the wiring was already corroded from the leak, when it would get damp outside, condensation would collect, causing a short or a misfire, and my car would need to be repaired. i thought it was just a coincidence that my car would have this problem when it rained, but it wasn't.

I actually had the coolant system leak for 5 years before the dealership finally just fixed it. in the meantime, I went through having spark plugs, coils, and wiring replaced 3 times, I went through 6 batteries in 4 years, and the only thing the dealership remedied when I complained about my light, was turning the light off or offering to have the sensor replaced. however, as soon as I had the coolant leak repaired, I no longer had problems when it rained - let alone any of the other problems I mentioned. good luck.