Faults:
At first I loved this car. It seemed to ride great, corner well, etc. But soon things started to go wrong (almost immediately after purchase). I was racing my brother in law (he has the same car 2 years newer) and suddenly the car seemed to jerk back and lose power. Ever since this has continued to happen infrequently. Usually in the colder weather, but the first time it happened it was summer.
The check engine light has come on more times than I can count. Dealer said that is was a sensor problem and I decided not to get it fixed because it was going to cost me a mint. (around $500) This is still a problem by the way.
The same fall the automatic sunroof decided to jam itself.
The cup holders are total crap. The rear one doesn't hold a cup at all and the front one was so flimsy it broke right off.
Two grates on the air dam on the front have fallen out and had to be replaced.
Impossible to keep clean. The interior is black and the fabric is velor and everything sticks to it.
Glove compartment broke. Actually came back from the dealer broken - They said that had no idea what I was talking about. Doesn't close properly now without being slammed shut.
Since I have owned the car the heated rear view mirrors have never worked.
Wax like substance leaks from left hand side rear door under door frame.
Left rear brake light has been replaced 3 times.
Floor mats made poorly. Fell apart long ago.
Light in trunk works when it feels like it.
Center rear seatbelt jammed. Doesn't work at all. Was never used.
Radio lowers volume itself once in awhile.
Oil pan cover falls off and drags under car driving under normal conditions.
Makes annoying squeaking noises when you go over bumps.
Back seats are too small for car seats.
2nd Apr 2003, 12:38
I wish I would have read all of these before purchasing a 99 4th Generation Jetta with 29,200 miles on it. So far, the only problems I've had (after owning it for 5 days) are the fuel door being broken, the radio not picking up AM stations clearly, and the right front AC vent is broken. Now I've only owned the car for 5 days, but it's one of the most fun cars I've ever driven. It's handling and driving feel make it seem like it has 30 miles on it ... not 30,000. So far, everything is going good and I've already put about 500 miles on it. I can live with little things going wrong, but if anything major occurs, I'm going to be very upset. Mainly because I traded a lemon in on it.