2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

It is a good car

Faults:

The car runs well, but the engine light stays on. Took the car two mechanics, but they could not pinpoint the problem using the analyzer. He reset the light, but it came on again. The glow plugs were OK. The mechanic suggested to keep driving until the light starts blinking.

The CD drive in the radio does not work. Does not eject the disk.

Have there been recalls by Volkswagen for these problems?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th May, 2009

14th Sep 2009, 13:11

It's carbon build up in your intake... I've the same issue!

2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 T from North America

Faults:

I also have had many problems with my 2002 Jetta 1.8T. I bought it used from the dealer as a "Certified Pre-Owned" with some warranty left on the vehicle. Luckily many of the original problems were covered under that. As soon as the car hit 100,000 miles, the transmission went. $3500 to have it rebuilt. Getting rid of this car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th May, 2009

2002 Volkswagen Jetta from North America

Summary:

One a scale of 1-10, I give it a 7 1/2 overall

Faults:

Leakage problem with sunroof and door seals.

Various electrical problems.

General Comments:

I have an 2002 Jetta Wagon GLS, and although I've had many of the same problems everyone else has mentioned, I still enjoy the car and will probably keep it for another 80,000 miles.

I find it to be very comfortable and reliable transportation in the winter.

The gas mileage isn't great, 20 mpg on a good day, but it has what I need a car to have, and it's paid for... always a bonus.

It's "zippy" on the highway and handles just fine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd April, 2009

2002 Volkswagen Jetta V6 from North America

Summary:

Not a good purchase financially for what you end up with

Faults:

Radio goes out.

Sunroof leaks.

Door handles are cracked.

Emergency brake is peeling.

Blinker sound is on always.

Engine light on.

PBS light is on.

Coolant runs low and light comes on.

Driver's seat heater only works on high.

General Comments:

Radio has gone out twice. This time the 42 fuse doesn't fix the problem.

Battery is always dying.

The sunroof leaked and destroyed my interior.

My engine light is always on despite having it reset several times.

My sound for my blinkers is continuously on unless I push the hazard button in.

The drivers side seat heater works, but only on high (5).

The door handles are cracked and the emergency brake handle is peeling.

The ABS light is always on and my coolant is always low.

Right now I can't get my car out of first gear without starting it up and letting it warm up for at least 15 minutes, after which it runs OK unless I step away from my car for longer than 1/2 an hr, and then I have to repeat the ritual again.

This car cost me close to 17,000 dollars as is, and I think it's unacceptable that it would have this many problems in 3 years! VW should be held accountable for these problems, seeing that just about everyone who owns one is having the same issues.

I will never purchase another Jetta, simply because I can't afford it amongst other things.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd April, 2009

27th Apr 2009, 12:15

Sorry to hear of all your problems. The older generation Jetta was a great car to drive, but not so much to own. Later models (2005-present) are much improved in the quality department as it were.

I may have some solutions for your persistent problems.

The battery always dying could be caused by a stuck brake light switch (was recalled) or perhaps the light in the trunk is staying on all the time.

The sunroof leaks are probably caused by clogged sunroof drains.

The blinker sound means you need to replace the "hazard relay" which isn't too difficult.

The heated seat problem is probably the switch itself going bad.

The check engine light needs to be diagnosed by somebody with a VW SPECIFIC scan tool (such as the Ross-Tech VCDS or VAS 5051). Going to Joe "American car" mechanic just to have him reset the light won't do.

The coolant running low could be a leak or something worse such as a faulty oil cooler or bad head gasket.

The ABS light means you need to replace the ABS module, but DO NOT GO TO THE DEALER FOR THIS!!! They will charge you well over $1,000. Instead you can get rebuilt ABS modules online on an exchange basis. A hassle to be sure, but better than spending a mortgage payment on it.

The first gear problem is difficult to diagnose without being able to see and drive the car.

Hopefully you're not going to the dealer anymore, since every one I've been to charges way more than most independent shops. Try and find an independent shop in your area that specializes in VWs or European cars in general. Often they're more competent at fixing problems than the dealer anyway.