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
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.
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.