1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 Gas

Summary:

Purchase an extended comprehensive warranty!

Faults:

Replaced 1st Cat Converter at 71,000 and again at 127,000.

During warranty period (2 years) :

Transmission failed

Brakes need to be replaced

Mirror adjuster broke off

Front cup hold sticks

AM radio reception non-existent.

After 2 year warranty expired:

Moon-roof came off tracks (very next week)

Brakes had to be replaced again

Front alignment required at 100,000

Window would drop after 100,000 at random intervals

Car would just shut off (electrical) at random times

Battery had to be replaced at 85,000 and 110,000

Light group for the temperature controls came loose ($300 to fix)

General Comments:

During the 1st year, while under warranty, the car ran great.

I would have recommended it highly.

As soon as the warranty expired (2 years for the 1999 models) the problems just kept compounding.

Driving the car is wonderful. Fixing is another story.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th February, 2005

8th Sep 2005, 19:45

I had the same problems you listed and much more. The car was a lemon from the day I drove it off the dealer. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 Liter Gasoline

Summary:

It's a looker, but not a keeper

Faults:

Bumper fell off!!! Button on center console shot out at a drive-thru. Interior soft touch paint peeling everywhere. AM radio stations come with LOUD alternator noise. Not just a whine, but a LOUD annoying buzzing noise and gets louder and faster as you drive.

General Comments:

The car looks great.

No power at all, in fact 18 wheelers slow down for me as I enter the freeway!!!

This car handles well and very smooth.

There is a crayon smell that emanates from the interior. I have heard from other Jetta owners regarding this problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd January, 2005

20th Feb 2007, 22:25

I have the crayon smell too, but it's not too bad. Also got the window problems which VW pays for (reimburses). My transmission blew out 3 weeks before the warranty ran out on a Certified Pre-Owned 99 Jetta. I was lucky and they fixed it. I think the transmission fluid just leaked out and there was no warning indication in the instrument panel. I use synthetic oil because it does burn oil, and that solved that problem. A hinge broke on the glove box too. And the cup holder, which is flimsy, also in disrepair. But I like this car a lot it drives well in the city and highway. I have a standard transmission which is fun to drive.

1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6

Summary:

My third and last Volkswagen. Unreliable

Faults:

My driver's side window fell into the door.

My Mass Air Flow Sensor went bad.

My radio cannot pick up many AM stations.

My Goodyear tires were making strange noises.

My battery died after 2.5 years.

My alternator died.

Springs fell off both front seats.

Trunk light works infrequently.

When using the remote key to lock the doors, the driver's side door and rear door do not always lock.

Windows and sunroof no longer open/close by the driver's side door key.

The Volks Wagen badges on the stud covers for the mag wheels continually fly out.

General Comments:

The car handles well and has good acceleration.

Volkswagen has refunded money to me for the widow repair and the Mass Airflow Sensor replacement.

Volkswagen replaced the tires, free of charge and repaired the driver seat bottom as well. It is still very uncomfortable.

I spend a lot of money on repairs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th November, 2004

29th Jun 2007, 20:16

Ooh... Sure, that's why there are so many complaints about Brazilian VWs, like their own designs -Pointer, Gol, Parati- and Brazilian Golfs... Some models of Jetta have problems because VW has problems, their 1.8T, for example, is quite tricky and not the most reliable engine, but that applies also to their 1.8T Passat and to Audi TT 1.8T, for that matter.

Some of the best VWs are Made in Mexico, for example the Type I Beetle, the Quantum, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd generation Jettas and many of the 4th generation ones, the ones with 2.0 liters are quite better.

Mexico, by law, forbid the importation of vehicles in the 60's, so it developed a very good tradition and quality in their assembly plants. No wonder why, many Mercedes E420, C280 where Made in Mexico and many Mercedes engines for trucks are still made in Mexico.

For VW fans, there is a fact to understand: VW is passing through a bad moment reliability wise.

"German built Vws..." That makes me remember the G compressor in the Corrado, Passat and Polo, what a disaster that was.