1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI from North America

Summary:

Not in my back yard..

Faults:

Check Engine light on just over 24000 miles, conveniently when the basic warranty expired. Dealer charged over $600 to replace Glow Plug Relay and Glow Plugs. About 1000 miles later, Check Engine light returned. Customer service refused compensation or any complimentary follow-on work, so the light has been on ever since.

Driver-side power window supports failed (plastic clips that hold the window up). Purchased complete manual window kit for over $80 to harvest clips that are not sold separately.

Passenger-side power window plastic clips failed within 2 months of driver side... opened door panel and stuck a 2x4 in to hold the window up permanently... also had to disconnect all power to that door to prevent inadvertent use.

Radio display stopped doing it's job (displaying). Probably due to condensation of drinks in the cup holder directly above.

Power mirror adjustment knob broke off... probably due to exerting more than 2 lbs of pressure in any direction in the bitter cold... gotta love plastics.

At times, the glow plugs don't seem to be in the mood to heat up, or maybe the relays are to blame because I sometimes have to re-seed the relays to start the car.

General Comments:

Don't buy VW or any stuff assembled in Mexico until they can prove better practices.

I don't wash my Jetta anymore, I don't clean the interior... it draws comments and gives me an opportunity to talk bad about the POS and the lack of VW standing behind their product.

I have never experienced such a poorly made vehicle, especially considering the price they charge for these things.

Instead of putting money into the car, I'd send money to the local papers to put in mini-ads about how crappy VW is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th April, 2003

26th Apr 2003, 14:51

My (then new) 1982 Volkswagen was also built in Mexico. It was a lemon from the start with a ton of electronics and mechanical problems -- all the result of poor design. 21 years of practice hasn't improved the product; but it is not just the assembly in Mexico to blame. VOLKSWAGEN ENGINEERING IS OVERRATED. This was the case many years ago and continues to be. Volkwagen will also sell the same bag of unimproved junk for more consecutive years than other car makers.

17th Oct 2007, 20:18

WoW,

It sad to hear so many negative complaints about Volkswagen. I just sold my 4th Volkswagen it was a excellent car as were the previous ones. I have been driving Volkswagens for 20 years. The most recent one, I bought it used with 130KM and sold it two years later with 165KM, all it cost me was a wheel bearing and a crank position sensor, I also got the same price back for it after two years of use. I was thinking of moving up to a Jetta MK4 VR6.but not so sure if my luck has run out.

1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR^ 2.8L from North America

Summary:

An unreliable, over-priced yet luxurious car

Faults:

The moon roof cover came off track.

I Put in the following parts: catalytic converter, engine control module, throttle body, 3 oxygen sensors.

The check engine lights never seems to turn off.

General Comments:

The car has great acceleration and power.

A very fun car to drive especially when the moon roof did open.

Very good sound system with factory 6 disc changer.

Was once in the VW dealer's shop for over two months until finally diagnosed correctly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th April, 2003

1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 from North America

Summary:

A stylish car that meets high performance needs

Faults:

The oxygen sensor and max air flow sensor both had defects.

Burns a high amount of oil.

Defect with the windows in which case they fell into the door of the car.

Trunk latch is broken.

General Comments:

I got this car brand new when I was 16. I've taken it off road and against all kinds of terrain. Being a "teenager" I do indeed drive really fast, brake hard, and take turns a little faster than I should. Overall this car has been awesome.

All the defects (which aren't a lot) have all been corrected by the manufacturer to a high degree of satisfaction. After reading a bunch of reviews about this model I feel obligated to correct the people that have written such poor reviews.

This is not a super car that fixes itself and never falls apart. Indeed this car is like any other car. My cup holders are all broken due to me using over sized cups. My jockey box is broken due to me over stuffing it. My trunk latch is broken due to natural wear and tear. I have thrown out my mats due to natural wear and tear. Those are not problems due to manufacturer defects or cheap parts.

As for the defects that this car has had (windows falling into the doors, oxygen sensor malfunction, and max air flow sensor malfunction) those have all been professionally corrected by the manufacturer.

This car has seen the worst of times yet has performed immaculately well during those tough times. Even the look of the new model (99' and up) is awesome, I'm always complimented on its looks. The leather interior is still up to par and the sunroof is in good working order.

I'll admit it does burn a lot of oil. I've read the complaints, but from what I've read from mechanics who have reviewed this problem is that their point of view is simply stated as "it's the way the engine was designed to work."

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2003

20th Jul 2010, 09:26

I think this being your first car we could understand your opinions and the attachment with the vehicle.

Notes provided by others are in comparison to other vehicles they have owned and the less headaches in comparison to their Jettas.

I for one will not go back to the VW family again. I will stick to Mercedes and Toyota.