2002 Volkswagen GTI GLS 1.8 turbo diesel

Summary:

I want to say that it is a fun car to drive and gets exceptional mileage at more than 40 mpg

Faults:

The paint peeled off the drivers arm rest, light panel and the center armrest. These parts were replaced under warranty, but they continue to peel.

Brakes grab or jerk early in the morning as if it has moisture on the brake pads. I am going to replace the pads this weekend.

Stereo had one speaker that would not play as loud as the other three. I took the car in three times for repair. The service department replaced the stereo the first time, the speaker the second time and finally repaired a wire the third time which was on a Volkswagen bulletin.

Car stalls occasionally, but only once a month or so, usually when I have to accelerate quickly to merge into a high traffic lane. It only stalls for about 20 seconds.

Air leaks through the door seal when driving at a speed of 50 mph or faster.

This is very annoying on long trips. The service department said there is nothing they can do about the air leaking in around the door seal.

The tires that came on the car were made by Goodyear, and they worked fine with a smooth ride in the first 10,000 miles. They started making bumping, roaring noises that made me think a wheel bearing was going bad. The dealership said it was "chopped" tires. The tires were supposed to be rotated every time I took it in for service.

General Comments:

The service center personnel should have listened to me the first time I took the car in for the speaker not working properly.

I cannot get the engine to stall anytime I take it in for service, but it still continues to stall. Especially when I try to cross a road in front of on coming traffic.

It is VERY expensive to maintain at service intervals of 10,000 miles. It is about $59.00 to change the synthetic oil and filter.

It costs 100 to 400 dollars each time I take it in for service. The timing belt (yes on a diesel) has to be changed every 40,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th August, 2003

11th Aug 2004, 08:03

Interesting that you found a GTI that is powered with a DIESEL engine. Maybe you have a GOLF?

2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8 turbo

Summary:

Too many problems

Faults:

The ignition coils broke and were replaced by the dealer.

The window clips broke and were replaced by the dealer.

After just 46,000 miles, the clutch, flywheel and bearing are all worn.

I contacted Volkswagen directly and was told that a clutch was a "wearable" part and are not covered by the warranty. At least 70 percent of my miles are highway driven. It will cost me $1,600 to replace these parts and I was given no relief from Volkswagen of America. I would suggest that anyone considering this car should reconsider!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th August, 2003

21st Oct 2003, 15:27

I'm starting to see the same sort of problems in my 2002 GTI as described in this review.

At 25,000, the rear shocks were leaking, and at 35,000, the clutch is slipping, and I am getting the song from the dealer that this is a wear and tear item not covered under the warranty and could cost me $1600 to repair.

I've had manual transmissions in my cars for most of my life, including other VWs, Saab, Ford even Triumph and never had a clutch develop slippage this early.

30th Oct 2006, 20:28

I also have VW GTI 2002 1.8T. I had the luck to make it to 65,000 miles before my clutch started slipping. I though that it was strange and apparently I'm not the only one. The other problems I have encountered are as follows; 1. Ignition coils 2 of 4 failing at 20,000 miles, getting on the highway, corrected by VW recall warranty. 2. Both windows falling into the doors on my way to work, corrected by VW recall warranty 3. Rear brake pads and rotors grooved and worn horribly at 45,000 miles, not covered by warranty to the tune of $300. 4. water temp sensor for the cockpit gauge not covered by warranty $30. 5 Catalytic converter garbage after 60,000 miles, covered by VW warranty. VW covers up to 80,000 on their catalytic converters. 6. Front brake rotors garbage after 58,000 miles another $400 later.