1999 Volkswagen Passat GL review from North America

Needed new fuel pump

needed new oil pump

burns oil

rock guard fell off while driving

AC/heater lets in outdoor air, so it is never comfortable (too hot in summer, too cold in winter)

on-board computer malfunctioned and says that brakes don't work when they do; part was over $500 and labor was terribly high, so I drive it with the lights flashing...

Defrost heater in exterior mirrors quit working in first year

not all doors lock when you lock them

doors sometimes lock back immediately when you unlock them (don't ever leave keys in the car for a minute!)

WORST OF ALL: number one cylinder blew -- engine needs replacing; car is too young for this (and not worth the repair)

Very attractive, comfortable car. Too bad so much went wrong with it. It never, ever should have had to have a new engine at 120,000. I drove my last VW (an '87 Jetta) for 212000 miles and never had to do anything to it, but replace the CV joints. I have been driving VWs and only VWs since 1979, but this one has me spooked. Such a nice car; leather seats, seat heaters, sunroof, etc. Too bad it won't run!