11th Jun 2002, 21:03

Well I agree very much with all of the comments listed before. My Wolfsburg has had many problems. Just as the warranty ran out, my Jetta blew its computer and fried its wire harness. It was quite scary to hear the VW start up jingle not stopping, the power windows then start to go up and down, the alarm sound making a low hum, the trunk popping, doors locking, and smoke coming from the dash. Fortunately VW paid for this endeavor, but I was without a car for about 6 weeks! I enjoy VWs, but this made me a bit leery.

10th Sep 2002, 06:28

Same prob. with window left pass side. check engine light on as well.

13th Sep 2002, 00:55

I just got a 1999 wolfs burg and the left speaker is blown. that's the only problems I've had thus far.

10th Oct 2002, 06:09

First of all, I love my 99 Wolfsburg. Its actually the last of the older body style. As a former VW service advisor 8 years ago, some of these problems ARE known by VW. First the bad: I have had 3 window regulators or motors fail on me at different times. Pass ft and Both rears broke in the lowered position. VW took care of the repairs after the warranty expired. My Check engine light has been on since 36000 miles, but no drivability problem so I say the heck with it. AM radio reception is practically non existant (can't hear my Mets getting slaughtered) Sometimes the volume jumps up when being turned down. My 89 Golf had 2 wheel bearing/hubs fail That's the bad.

The GOOD: The original tires lasted until 69,000 miles and had plenty of wear left, but it was time. My front brake pads are original 72,463 miles! Car is a stick and I do downshift, but it is time and next week I'm getting them (brakes) done. AC gets as cold a a meat locker on the hottest/humid days. You all know that the car handles like a dream, and is a blast to drive. Oh when I drive on the highway I'm averaging about 32 mpg. Overall I'd say I'm pretty satisfied even though stupid stuff happens.

My 1995 Ford Windstar van has been by far, much more reliable than my VW's, but not nearly as much of a joy to drive.

9th May 2003, 11:46

I have a 1999 jetta wolfsburg with all similar problems occurring at once. Unfortunately, my warranty is expired and I'm spending a considerable amount of my money for the dealer's "expertise." Two window motors and regulators needed replacing. Car has always hesitated and the check engine light has always been an annoyance. Now, the car is having difficulty starting. Once I get it started, though, it runs well. The dealer has provided a tune up and new ignition wires at $500 but the problem is back one day later. Now it may be my oil pump (I'm no mechanic, but that makes no sense because my oil light has never come on). Before they can do any work though I must now document every oil change I've had done.. thanks for the service and "expertise". I would like to hear from other people with similar starting problems.

21st May 2003, 11:47

Oh--where to begin on the trials and tribulations of my 99 Wolfsburg. I have had all four window regulators and two window motors replaced (all of which happened right after my car went of warranty). I argued and argued that this should not be happening in a 1 1/2 year old car. Eventually I argued enough that between Volkswagon and the dealer most of it was covered. Next: Evaporator Core and Expansion valve went out so my air conditioner was out at 35,000 miles and 2 1/2 years old. I argued again, and again and got Volkswagon to pay for half of the Evaporator Core (something like a total of $800 with labor and parts). Next, my check engine light came on and stayed on. Dealer advised that it wouldn't cause any problems if I could just "live with the light being on". Well, I've been living with it for 2 years and now the State of North Carolina has changed their annual car inspections and my car doesn't pass the emissions inspection. Why? Well, the throttle body is out! Yeah! To the tune of $750! And, it is not covered under any of the federal emmissions warranties. I am fortunate that I was able to get some of this stuff covered, but as much as I love my car it is such a stress in my life--everytime I think I've got a problem solved, another comes along! I love the look of my VW, but my sister who has a 2001 Cabrio has had all similar problems. Volkeswagons are junk. My boyfriend has a 99 Honda--has only had oil changes and routine maintenance--my next car will be a honda!

3rd Jun 2003, 16:32

This is absurd.. we have a 99 Wolfsburg Jetta and have experienced all of the same problems:

-problems with automatic windows that will probably require new regulator or motor.

-check engine light and hesitation in the engine that has been diagnosed as a bad throttle body.

-radio that gets louder when you try to turn down the volume.

QUESTION for anyone who has replaced the throttle body:

Did the engine performance improve and the check engine light go off or do the problems continue with the new part? In other words, is it worth the money?

10th Jun 2003, 09:28

Wow. I was just thinking of bringing my 1999 Wolfburg Edition VW to the shop to have some things looked at/fixed so I decided to go on-line and see if anyone else had similar VW problems... I am shocked. This is absolutely absurd.

My VW issues with 46k miles on the car:

- front passenger side window will not go down

- driver's side back window stuck down (seems like it is off the track of the window) and has to be pulled up by hand

- flashing temp light quite often, but never seems to affect the actual temp

- rattling muffler which was just replaced one year ago

- fading light on dash over the rpms

- Molding on drivers side becoming loose.

Well, I guess I'm not the only one... I drove this car new off the lot in October 1998 and never had a problem until this year.

I can't wait to buy the 325xi BMW... probably sooner than later.

J - Boston.

19th Jun 2003, 15:41

I have a '99 Old body style Golf Wolfsburg. Love the car for its driveability and zip, but was also disappointed when rear passenger window motor failed (did not repair) and the front driver side window also failed (had to get that repaired = > $300). My idle and cold starts are choppy, and I've already been warned that I may need a new throttle body. I am interested that some people got VW to pay for their windows after warranty, and I'm wondering about recourse for the throttle body.

I guess I should count myself lucky that I haven't had any other stereo/electrical problems like other people, but I'm wondering if they're going to crop up. I'm with the Honda people!

Email: peter@nwf.org.