Faults:

Replaced seat harness, driver side seat was loose.

Recall ignition coils. Replaced the coils at 18k miles.

Replaced electronic control module and many sensors at 25k miles.

Replaced ignition coils again at 28k miles.

General Comments:

This car is attractive and fun to drive when it is running. However, the VW's have many reliability issues. All of the VW's will have greater than expected (based on Japanese cars) issues, mostly electrical problems. The cars are mechanically sound, but the problems are in the computer and the sensors which relay the information to the computer. These cars are very expensive to repair even on the electrical components. Mine had about $3,500 in under warranty repair cost when I sold it and the car was still giving problems.

Faults:

Recently, I was closing the shade for the sunroof and a long piece of plastic fell out of the sunroof area. It appears to be a guide of some sort. It is going to get checked out by dealer this weekend.

The center console (where the ashtray) is squeaks like mad during city driving (lots of stopping, going and bumps). Very annoying.

Transmission takes too long to get into gear from park position. I tried my friends car (identical model) and same problem.

General Comments:

Whoever had this care before me took really good care of it!

Engine looks brand new and rotors are shiny as mirrors.

Very stylish. Love it!!

Monsoon sound system is flawless!

Faults:

Honestly I have had no problems with the 2001 TDI Jetta.

General Comments:

For having great fuel and economy the turbo diesel is fast with only 90 horsepower.

I drove to 706 miles on 12 gallons at 70 mph.

To drive the 706 miles with out pulling over I must say the seats are comfortable.

Faults:

Rear Brakes replaced after only 18,000 miles.

Window gears replaced at 14,000 miles.

ABS/Brake light sensor repairs at 25,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid light sensor broken at 25,000.

ABS/Brake light problem still unresolved.

Interior handles showing excessive wear after only two years owning the car.

General Comments:

I have been extremely disappointed with our 2001 Jetta. We purchased the car with high hopes after owning a Ford Explorer for 10 years. We expected the car to be "worry free" compared to the old Ford, but this has not been the case.

First problem was the window gears, which had to be completely replaced at 14,000 miles. The rear windows would drop into the door and not come up. VW said it was a manufacturing problem.

We spent $500.00 on brake work after driving the car less than 2-years. (Approx. 18,000 miles.)

Now we're hassling with an ABS problem. The ABS light comes on, as does the Brake light. The dealer first said it was a sensor problem and charged us $85 to fix. Within three days, the problem was back. (Did it ever go away?) The dealer now says the need a minimum of 3-5 hours just to find out what the problem is. They said they'd probably need the car for 3-5 days to then make a repair. At $85/hour labor alone, this could be VERY costly.

We're about 8 payments away from owning this car. What a shame. It's not at all worth hanging onto. We'll probably go back to Ford.

I would warn buyers to steer clear of VW Jettas.