1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 4 cylinder from North America
Summary:
I would not buy another VW due to reliability and maintenance issues
Faults:
1/98 - Front passenger seat belt lock failed/replaced
3/98 - Front passenger seat belt casing cracked/replaced
11/98 - Left signal flasher replaced & left rear window bolts replaced - had sheared off
2/99 - Replaced all 4 tires at 15,000 miles & replaced right rear taillight lens - I broke that
6/99 - Passenger side repainted - paint was chipping and flaking
8/99 - Ignition switch failed/replaced - now need 2 keys as dealer would not match doors to ignition, Driver side front window bolts replaced, sheared off
8/99 - First O2 sensor light warning
11/99 - O2 sensor & fuel vacuum pump replaced
1/00 - High beam switch replaced, was broken by tech when replacing ignition switch
3/00 - Front brakes replaced
6/00 - Battery case cracked, leaked acid, ate away base of power steering reserve tank, replaced both
3/01 - Driver seat cushion replaced, had split
3/02 - 40,000 mile service - all belts replaced, throttle body assembly cleaned, more O2 sensor warnings
8/02 - New front tires at 40,800 miles
3/03 - Front brake pads and rotors replaced
4/03 - Stick shift cover replaced
12/03 - Blew right front tire
2/04 - Front windshield replaced with no discernible cause
2/04 - Right headlamp replaced
5/04 - Rear struts replaced after seal on right side blew out
9/04 - Exhaust system replaced after exhaust pipe sheared in half at front support for muffler
10/04 - all tires replaced - 62,700 miles
1/05 - driver seat cushion replaced again - I only weigh 220lbs, replaced crankcase breather tube that had split
3/05 - Front brakes and rotors replaced again - 68,600 miles
4/05 - Replaced leaking valve cover and air intake gaskets
6/05 - Replaced front passenger window motor
8/05 - Replaced parking brake handle, button snapped off - replaced handle cover too
12/05 - Battery replaced - 77,700 miles
12/05 - 80,000 mile service - Timing belt & tensioner replaced, O2 sensor replaced again, throttle body cleaned again
2/06 - Replaced starter when ceramic insulator failed
9/06 - Driver side front window motor replaced
9/06 - Replaced front tires - 87,700 miles
1/07 - Replaced front brake pads.
General Comments:
I love the car, I hate the car.
Check engine light is almost always on now. O2 sensor is too sensitive.
Handles great, accelerates well.
Goes through tires like crazy. Some of that is due to my driving habits.
I only mentioned the highlights that I documented.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 23rd January, 2007
14th Feb 2007, 09:40
It seems as if you just drove the hell out of it. Heavy druiving account for most of the problems you encountered.