2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9 turbo diesel from North America
Summary:
An extremely slow mistake
Faults:
Timing chains.
Mass air sensor.
Intake stopping up due to diesel fuel.
Computer problems.
Glow plugs going out.
Air conditioner works on occasions.
Some interior lights not working.
Broken cup holders.
The list goes on and on.
General Comments:
The car looks great, but that is about the only thing positive thing I have to say about the 2001 Tdi Jetta.
The car ran great the first two years with no complaints at all. Everything went down hill after that.
First off, if you get this car to save money like I thought I was supposed to do, you will not be satisfied with it. Sure you get better gas mileage, but you end up spending more because of all the repairs and maintenance.
To get the timing chain replaced costs about $500 at the dealer. Even though a normal chain lasts about 100,000 miles, the vw dealership told me that in order to "always be covered under warranty, you have to replace the chain every 40,000 miles."
Do some research and you will see that the electronics and computer systems in vw cars are the worst part about them. My check engine light comes on constantly and my engine is always getting clogged from the trash in the diesel fuel.
In order to use my air conditioner, I have to get on the ground and reach up to the air conditioner and wiggle some wires for it to kick on.
The car has been running extremely slow (0 to 60 in about 20 seconds!) lately and the check engine light just came on. I got back from the dealer this morning to find out that the mass air sensor is broken and a glow plug is out. The price for repair is $600. I told them to put the broken parts back on my car and don't worry about fixing it.
I am on my way first thing in the morning to the Honda dealership to trade in on an accord.
Beware of the VWs!
The worst part about all of my problems and repairs is that so called "wonderful 100,000 mile warranty." Every single repair I have had to make on this car has not been covered under warranty. I think the warranty might cover the gas cap for 100,000 miles, but everything else ends at 12,000 to 24,000!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 23rd June, 2003
2nd Oct 2003, 11:24
I have had the same experience, but worse. The @@@@ engine fell out last month. The engine mounting with two bolts (10.5 strength sheared) and the engine fell down on the transmission. Then I had to replace the tires (third time on 68,000 miles), the battery went dead (no one sells these batteries ofcourse except the dealership), and then it overheated and stopped (twice). This happened all this month. I stopped going to the dealership because my dashboard is a Christmas tree with all the lights coming on and off. I took the car to my friend's garage who told me the last overheating is due to a silent broken water pump (after changing everything). The dealership said that there was a leak. I had to take the car in three times before they changed the air flow sensor, so I expect to struggle to get them to change the water pump. My advice is to change the lights on the dashboard to red chili lights and use it as a Christmas tree. Anyone for a 2000 Jetta?
29th Jun 2003, 21:25
Oh my. I could've written that review myself! I bought a 2001 Jetta TDI in May 2001. The car is a NIGHTMARE! My intake manifold is completely clogged with carbon, and I've been told that it could cost between $400-$2000 to rectify the problem. Sometimes I'm lucky to go 40 mph with the thing floored. I just replaced the cupholder to the tune of $130, the power windows broke, the check engine light flashes constantly, and I had defective brake calipers. I'm in the process of filing a complaint with the BBB, the attorney general, my congressman, the Consumer Products Safety Commission, and VW. Some 100,000 warranty huh???