6th Sep 2003, 15:58

Tom & Karen 9/6/03 Bought a 2000 Jetta TDI in January 2000 and for about two years was very happy with it. Then we started having problems and didn't realize until recently when the passenger power window broke that everyone was having the same problems. First it was a glow plug, which we were disappointed, but just excepted. Then I took it to the dealer for an oil change and I drove the car 4o miles and the "Check Engine" light came on, took it back into the dealer and they said it was a glow plug for $125, got the car back and again drove the car another few days and it happened again. Took it back and was told it was a sensor which was expensive. Three weeks later the light came on again, this time they gave us a loaner car as they had the car for a few days and they finally fixed the car with a glow plug wiring harness. In about 6 weeks we had spent $800. Then a spring came off the passenger seat, followed a few months later by the one on the drivers seat. Then the glove box hinge broke and then finally the passenger window which is not used that much dropped into the door. We have also complained about this yellow stuff that comes out of the doors when it is hot. I am afraid to take it back to the dealer as it always adds up, but they say they can fix the window with clips that they have and it won't cost anything. Until then we would think twice about getting another one which at one time we thought of buying another one. We went to a Nissan Altima instead!

10th Sep 2003, 14:05

This survey has convinced me to retain my current vehicles and not purchase a VW product. I have been stressing over the cost of fuel, but it appears that the cost of repairs on the VW cars, diesel and gasoline versions, far outweigh any savings I would receive selling my old technology vehicles. I just wish I could find a new fuel efficient car that is reliable. I cannot drive a 15-year old pickup truck forever. I drive a 1989 Chevrolet K1500 Z-71 sport-side short bed, regular cab truck with a 350c.i. V-8 engine. I have performed routine maintenance and have had no major repairs since I purchased new in 1989. It now has 148800 miles, most of which are city driving and trailer towing miles. My other vehicle is a 1992 G20 hi-top extended chassis conversion van with the 350 V8 as well. As much as I hate 16mpg fuel economy, it is much cheaper than the repairs described in this survey by VW owners. Not to mention I have hardly ever wasted my time in repair shops or dealing with rental cars.

Any suggestions on a reliable AND efficient car?

15th Sep 2003, 10:41

Certainly not news to any of my fellow dissatisfied VW Jetta owners on the board, but I still feel VW deserves yet another slam.

My 1999 (.5) VW Jetta GLS, at 4.5 years old, owned and operated solely by me and now in the shop with only 19,100 miles on it had experienced the following technical difficulties:

1) O2 sensor, 4 times;

2) Front passenger window regulator, 2 times;

3) Battery problems, 2 times;

And this one I am partly to blame for.

4) front bumper disconnected and hanging in limbo from an accidental, however nominal, encounter with a cement parking block.

Neither VW nor any of VW's constituent manufacturers will ever have me as a customer again.

9th Oct 2003, 13:50

Yes... problems. I own a 1997 Jetta that has been great for the last 4 years (I bought it used) until 1-2 months ago. It has over 150,000 miles on it and I never had a problem. Then:

1. The engine would "miss" when accelerating. First, only with the a/c on and then all the time. Got the spark plugs, cables, and rotor replaced - $350.

2. The windows have always been flaky - they would go up and down on some days, and not on others. Then one decided to stay in the down position - a problem with rain and theft. "Fixed" for $200 and stopped working in 2 days, and then the window regulator replaced for almost $300.

3. The glove compartment doesn't close all the way - too cheap to fix it. Now the back window won't roll down - don't feel like fixing that either. The engine light has been on for 2 years (when we went on a trip to the mountains/higher altitude?) - runs great, so would rather live in ignorance.

I love my Jetta, but my husband is threatening sending it to the junk yard and that it might be cheaper to buy a new car!

20th Oct 2003, 17:04

Have a 2000 Jetta 1.8T. Same problems with windows. 3rd time on driver and first on passenger. Glove box twice and armrest once. But luckily none of the other problems, yet. After reading all of the continuous problems, won't be buying a VW next time. Hopefully the car will last until then. For anyone interested, there is a class action lawsuit being filed against VW of America about the defective electric window problem.

29th Mar 2004, 17:33

I agree with everyone else when they say they will never purchase another Volkswagen product. I drove a 13 year old car that did not have half of the problems that my 3 year old Jetta has. I have considered filing suit against the company for the poor workmanship of these vehicles. What a waste of an investment! I have been to the dealership numerous times for various problems such as

1. both oxygen sensors

2. engine burning oil out every 700-800 miles

3. engine light on

4. transmission problems

Volkswagen customer service was no help. The dealerships offer horrible service. I have several friends with cars from other manufacturers, and they cannot comprehend the amount of problems I am having. The word is out in my circle that VW cars are just no good. I totally regret my decision to my this vehicle and not the more reliable Honda Accord. In fact, I am getting rid of this Jetta and will purchase the Accord within the coming months.

Take my advise- Don't by VW!!!

5.