2001 Volkswagen Jetta T1.8L from North America - Comments

1) Rear brakes gone at 25000 miles

1) Oxygen sensor busted at 30000 miles

2) Vaccum T and spark plugs went at 34000 miles (twice within 2 weeks)

3) Front indicator lights blew at 34000 miles.

1) How can a car 3 years old give so many problems?

We bought this car new in 2001. It was fast, comfortable and smooth. We loved it. However this nice life got shattered when the rear brakes went out at 25,000 miles. We got the car into Smithtown VW. Thankfully the dealer was very friendly and helpful in providing us with shuttle service. Bill cost: $430+

Next, the check engine light came on in midtown Manhattan. Manhattan dealers maybe pricey compared to others, but anyways they fixed the problem stating that it was the oxygen sensor. Bill: $350+

The next problem was at 34000 miles when we moved to Kansas City. The check engine light kept flashing repeatedly. And the car would start and immediately start rocking and then stop completely. This time we took it Barron's VW. The dealer was very friendly, but they had no loaner cars or rental cars. So I spent $100 on rental car for 3 days of loss of service.

2 weeks later, the car gave the same problem. It is now at the dealers and again the dealer did not have a loaner car and I am blowing money on rental cars.

Surprisingly, the dealer did not identify the problem with the right indicator light having gone bust (though I forgot to tell them about it), I am surprised they didn't check for something so obvious, well maybe they don't.

I liked the VW, but it is unreliable and it is heartbreaking to see a shiny car getting towed so often. My suggestion is to stick to Japanese cars, I have had used ones for years without any problems. When I read the comments on this site the first time, I thought, some people were just unlucky. But I know I really believe that some Jetta's may not have been manufactured well.

I had the same problems with my jetta 1.8 T. One problem after the next, and my car was improperly diagnosed every time. Then I switched dealers and the problem was quite easy. The ECM requires REFLASH for CELO malfunction. Tell them to relash it. Trust me. My O2 sensors both replaced, car in limp mode (needed 3 tows), vacuum hoses replaced, valves replaced, turbo devertyer valve replaced, CAT replaced and the list goes on. As per the V010305 guidelines the ECM requires reflash. If not, the car will temporalily be fixed by clearing codes, until a week or two when the next code returned. I would suggest to switch VW dealers, and have them do the job right. P.S. Its under the factory warranty. My car has 54k and it was covered.

Good Luck

Rebecca in Schenectady NY.