2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T from North America

Summary:

This car is a LEMON

Faults:

I've had 2 sets of ignition coils replaced.

1 mass air flow sensor.

2 oxygen sensors.

All the spark plugs.

Coolant.

Several hoses and clips.

Brake pads.

Window part by recall.

General Comments:

This car has the worst performance and durability. I've never driven a car like this. I was fooled by Volkswagen marketing, thinking that this was a good car. I know better, and already am in the market to purchase a Honda.

ABS brake failure - will cause fire.

Window defrost failure... Unit fails to allow fresh air to defrost your windshield.

Wheel well... if your tire blows, will penetrate the well and blow the gas tank. Now, this is a "selected" recall of this year, yet all came from the same assembly line. VW is "suppose" to send our a notice, but we know how that goes. This issue is "hush, hush)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th September, 2003

23rd Nov 2003, 07:37

I've had many of the same problems with my 2001 Jetta 1.8, The ignition coils went 3 times, the emission system needed to be adjusted. To be fair, Volkswagen has picked up the bill for everything so far, but the inconvenience as been frustrating.

Every five months the check engine light goes on. This began when the car reached 12,000 miles. I'm taking it in again tomorrow. I just received a letter from V.W. about the mass flow sensor. We'll see if this is what the problem is this time. While I love the way the car drives, It's been the most unreliable car I've ever owned.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

This car is a moving disaster

Faults:

This car has been taken in for service 10 times since March of last year.

Engine light always shining. The problem always starts the same way

Car shakes violently and stalls abruptly.

It has happened in intersections and on the highway. Luckily we all must have a guardian angel watching over us.

Everyone is afraid of driving this car.

I spoke to Representative of Volkswagen of America and they told me that there are over 400 pieces that could be changed. So good luck to all of you.

Getting a rental while your car is in service is almost impossible even when the car is in for more than a week.

2000 miles - replaced leak detection pump.

2200 miles - replaced radio fuse.

4900 miles - replaced wastegate control line/

6200 miles - 9 faults detected. Transmission hesitates when shifting

Radio not working. Thrust sensor etc.

7800 Miles - replaced catalytic converter. Heat Oxygen sensor replaced.

12,000 miles - coils replaced front tires aligned and needed to purchase two new tires.

20,000 miles- Coolant temp sensor replaced.

23,000 miles - replaced cylinder head.

Car is presently going to service for same problem. We have just got it back last week.

Problem is no-one know what is wrong.

Volkswagen of America not at all sympathetic.

East coast technical support came to check car last year. Fixed something else was back in service a week later.

A have a real problem on my hands.

General Comments:

The car is very dangerous a safety hazard. Think twice before getting involved with Volkswagen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th September, 2003

25th Feb 2008, 15:04

Wow... you are preaching to the choir on this one! 2002 Jetta here, and I share pretty much your entire list. Now my problems were a lot more spread out, where as you encountered all of these nightmares in a relatively short period of time. I'm at 104,000 miles now, and the MIL light has been my number one enemy for the past year. Had issues with it goin on for the past 4 years, but it would never go on when I would bring it in for a diagnostic. Got the ole killer gas cap routine a bunch. they even tried to sell me the fuel injector cleaning scam. From radio fuses, to two power window assemblies, to various lights shorting out on a consistent basis, to installing TWO (not one... TWO) cat converters, to a variety of sensors (two oxygen), two coils, to the latest and greatest leak detection pump. Yeah... can you say: LEMON? I know I can. Good luck, bro. Good luck.