2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2.8 VR6 from North America

Summary:

Good looking, but unreliable

Faults:

ETC sensor broken

Alternator

CVT joint boots cracked

Door ajar sensor (driver side)

Radio knobs have fallen off

Remote keyless entry fails sometimes

Will not start occasionally

Driver side window roll down delay.

General Comments:

This car is very fast. Also it is very good looking. The cabin is tight, don't even try to sit in the back. The highly bolstered seats are a bit tight also.

Overall, this car is great despite the extreme unreliability and minor annoyances.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th December, 2008

2003 Volkswagen Jetta from North America

Summary:

This vehicle is not worth it

Faults:

* Recall on heated seats (overheating problem).

* Window regulator arm broke at 30,000km.

* Driver's door lock was jimmied by vandals, which triggered the weird function where all windows open when you turn the key 3 times? I don't even know how to activate that function, did it by itself once...

* Intermittent no start problem over the past few weeks - it's been temperate here in Toronto so it's not the same as others where heat is a factor, the car just won't start, you have to wait 5-10 minutes then try it again and it works. My mechanic can't replicate the problem, so doesn't know what's causing it.

General Comments:

This vehicle handles really well in the snow.

The cabin is tight and small, which is good for small people. The seat belt thing and seat adjustment knob are way too far back, and you have to crank your arm to reach them.

Overall not bad, but next time it will be Toyota again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th October, 2008

23rd Jul 2014, 08:53

Hi,

Did you manage to find the fault with the no start issue?

2003 Volkswagen Jetta from North America

Summary:

Definitely should be a recall by VW!!!

Faults:

Leaking on drivers side floor and rear passenger (behind driver) floor.

General Comments:

We have had a water problem ever since we bought the car. We didn't notice it for awhile when we first bought the car from a VW dealer, but I did notice a faint odor which I attributed to sitting at the dealer lot during damp, hot weather.

Over time I noticed dampness on the drivers floor, now it has developed into full blown puddles which have also dampened the rear carpet too. I have noticed condensation and the smell has become almost to much to bear.

We have tried to find the leak, running the hose along the bottom of windshield, top of windshield all along the doors and back window - no luck.

I am calling the dealer tomorrow - thank goodness I still have warranty. But from reading the messages posted, it sounds like a serious design flaw.

What will VW do about it - probably nothing! I too am interested in hearing what VW has to say about all these problems.

seapei@hotmail.com

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st September, 2008

2003 Volkswagen Jetta from North America

Summary:

I love and thank God for it

Faults:

Check engine light came on periodically 1st year I purchased it, but letting extra air out of the gas tank turned it off.

Replace catalytic converter.

Had to have the brakes replaced.

Key-less entry won't work even with new batteries.

Brakes act up on me when it's super icy out, but still catch.

Front passenger and driver window fell off track (once each year). Took it to the dealer and everything was replaced and fixed at no charge. Haven't had that problem again.

General Comments:

Any service I've had done (brake switch replaced/ above problems) was same day ready for me. The guys at the dealer are really great.

Anything else major not covered under the warranty, I let my uncle (certified to work on most German cars) do it at a cheaper price. Missed one or two oil changes but it still runs great.

I live in Cleveland, so my Jetta has been through waist high snow, flood like rain, and sahara like heat, and it pretty much still runs like the day I got it.

A few dings in the door and trunk from me bumping my garage handle and parking too close in parking lots, but otherwise my baby looks new.

I love it, and probably will keep it as a 2nd car when I go for my Audi.

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

Review Date: 14th June, 2008