Faults:

Turbo went in the first few months.

CV joints replaced at about 70,000 Km (40,000 Mi)

Minor electrical annoyances, for example electric window swich stopped working, trunk release stopped working, rear defrost switch failed.

Replaced oil pan twice! (Rocks!!!) (VW should have option to have plate of aluminum instead of plastic).

General Comments:

Despite low horse power, is good off the line, and keeps highway speed without effort. Nice to drive, handles well, with good road feel.

Absolutely amazing fuel economy! I get over 1000 Km (>600 M) on a tank of 60 Liters (15 Gallons) of Diesel. Mind you, that's pretty much steady 110 Kph (65-70 MPH)

The trunk is enormous for a car of this size!

Faults:

Power door locks would not stop going up and down…even with engine off. This wore down the battery. Car needed to be towed to deal. Took VW technician’s days to locate the short in the electrical system.

Timing Belt cracked…needed to be replaced.

In cold, wet weather, all four doors freeze shut. You can’t get into your car when this happens.

Check engine light has gone on numerous times and been in at VW service. Catalytic converted was the cause the first time.

Oil pan has been punctured due to low ground clearance. This resulted in the engine damaged as well.

Speedometer/odometer/trip meter/gas gauge stopped working.

Center console latch broke off.

Glove compartment door latches cracked.

General Comments:

The Jetta has an excellent ride and is stylish. But the constant repairs outweigh any positives.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Outstanding, great ride, fuel economy and comfort.

Faults:

I bought my 2002 Jetta GLS back in August. It was my first car and I was pretty excited about it. I have recently been have problems with the car. They all seemed to come at once. First when I started my car it made loud grinding noise. I was told I needed a new started. That cost me 225 just for the part. Then just a week ago I was coming to a stop at a red light when the car just died. No warning, nothing. Just died. Put the car in park and it started right up, Although the Service engine light comes on. Then about a week later same thing happens, but in the toll booth going over a bridge. All I wanted was a reliable car and it seems I've gotten the complete opposite.

Faults:

Strut Bearings, Both sides, Wheel bearings Both front wheels, Antenna. Corroded replaced, Timing belts Clean Intake Manifold, Brake Pads Front and rear Timing belt Pulley, Doors are clunky, Rear Hatch Switch and Lock doesn't work. Busted three oil pans due to low clearance. Tonight it won't start another trip to the dealer.

General Comments:

You do save on fuel cost, but they are very high maintenance vehicles.

Like the drive feels like a big car good handling.

Good acceleration when it works.

Volkswagen needs to stop being cheap and put more quality and dependability into their vehicles.

This unit was approx 33000.00 can.

Faults:

My drivers side power window fell in. (Window regulator broke)

Rear-end bolts came loose and Axel dropped while I was on the freeway (Scary!)

A/C compressor went out, cost me $1500.00 to fix.

Engine light came on last week the car only has 45,000 miles on it, Im told it could be the catalytic convertor which (thank god!) is covered under an extended drivetrain warranty of 8 yrs or 80,000 miles... we shall see when I take it to be fixed next week...

Center console latch broke off.

Brake light switch failed (recall part...dealer tried to charge me for parts and repair)

General Comments:

Fun to drive and looks good, but I have had my share of problems.

The Volkswagen dealership will tell you that some of these problems are common in the Jetta, in particular the window falling in, don't pay for the repair! I called Volkswagen North America and they advised me this particular problem they will fix for free, they offered an extended warranty for that issue, it is good until March 2009.

Do your research before you pay a dime. There is a website that shows all the recalls of the 02' Jetta Wagon called the ODI (Office of Defect Investigation)

My mom bought a VW Tourag and had similar issues with her car, A/C, power windows...

I do like the looks of this car, but I wouldnt buy another VW.