2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6

Summary:

It is a headache and a money pit!

Faults:

I have a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX. I hate it with a passion. It has given me problems since the day I bought it and I am in the process of getting a new car and trading it in - poor soul who gets it next...

Check engine light is constantly on - so much so I want to take a sticker or piece of paper, and cover the darn thing! Every time it comes on, I get a knot in my stomach because I know I will have to take the car in for service and something else will be wrong with it.

I have had both windows fall into the door.

A new battery (YEAR TWO!).

A new cooling system.

My airbag malfunctioned and smoke came out of the steering wheel - scared the crap out of me!.

I had my premature wear on my brake pads.

O2 sensors out a few times.

Knock sensors issues.

Tail lights out.

The armrest friggin breaks all the time - not to mention the sides of the armrest have come apart, and well apparently that's an issue that can't be fixed.

My gear shift no longer lights up.

The computer display of mileage and MPG is slowly fading away.

Right now the EPC light was on and I could not get it out of park - needed a tow and more money to get it fixed... and that is all from memory ---- there is probably more I am forgetting!

The service department sucks, and when I get mad, they do nothing... so when I get postal, they tell me that I shouldn't be speaking to them that way... well screw them... I paid a lot for this thing and if I want to yell, scream and curse tough...

Oh, and I can't even begin to mention the awful smell that comes out of the ventilation system... it smells like a cat died in my engine - awful!

General Comments:

Don’t get a VW... they are terrible! Get on a first name basis with your mechanic and bring your checkbook.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th July, 2006

26th Jul 2006, 12:02

Hello - original poster here - I forgot to mention my car is about 6 years old - has a little over 41,000 miles on it (that means I drive it ONLY an average of about 8,000 miles/year) and burns oil like it is going out of style - apparently it is common to put a couple of quarts of oil in the car in between oil changes - WHAT? It is a new car! The engine knocks and there is a slight friction and drag from the brakes, but those sounds are "not abnormal" according to VW service WHA???- yeah, OK, where is the logic there???

26th Jul 2006, 12:02

I totally sympathize with your "Jetta-tastrophe". I pray at night that somebody steals my car for the insurance. Too bad I can't just leave the gate open and hope that it runs away.

16th Mar 2007, 09:12

Same here.

I wish it was stolen.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta T1.8

Summary:

I am so MAD

Faults:

I have had my Jetta for a year and now it just won't start. Well it starts, but turns right back off. It is a security feature to keep you from using a "non-authorized key". It's the key I got with the car...

So the dealership says I will have to tow it, and it is a computer hiccup. Who knows how much it will cost?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th July, 2006

25th Jul 2006, 11:03

This review sucks. The person bought the car used, is using an unauthorized/non-original key, and blames it on the car.

Next.

26th Jul 2006, 14:36

I have the -exact- same problem with my car. Using the master key and the valet key! They tried replacing the coil that surrounds the key. This failed to do anything, they're looking into it now... it broke so fast!