1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 V from North America
Summary:
Lemon
Faults:
Head gasket blew at 76000 miles, which was only two months after the car was purchased.
Wheel bearings in both rear wheels have gone twice. The second time, I was driving over the Delaware Memorial Bridge during rush hour traffic when the rear brakes went. I pulled over as soon as I could, and saw smoke pouring out of the rear end of the car. Apparently, the wheel bearings had gone again. The friction had burnt holes in the brake lines and ruined the brake pads and rotors.
Brake pads and rotors have been replaced three times.
A/C system has broken three times.
Headlights, taillights and brake lights go out all the time.
The transmission went, and was replaced with a brand new one, but still has continuing problems.
Power windows have broken four times.
The power locks will not work.
Several reoccurring problems with the computer/electrical.
Cooling fan has been replaced.
Unacceptable rust damage underneath, caused the muffler to fall off, and catalytic converter needs to be replaced soon because of this damage.
Problems with the coolant system- antifreeze leaks, sensor has failed three times.
General Comments:
I thought that I just got unlucky with this car, but once I met more people with '96 and '97 models and found out that they too have had many problems, I started to think otherwise. After investing close to $10,000, I will never purchase a Volkswagen again.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 22nd July, 2005
11th Sep 2005, 04:00
We have had similar problems with our 97 Jetta GLX- interior and exterior parts that simply fall off, window regulators out on four windows in four years, door latches seize during colder months (not just the lock, the entire latch), etc. We have been trapped inside our vehicle with only one working window and four doors that won't open. VW should have recalled the doors and windows!