4th Feb 2006, 10:13

You must be joking!

You're honestly telling us that any problems with a Jetta aren't VW's fault, but the fault of the dealership and a neglectful owner?

Sorry, but I have known people that have abused their Hondas and Toyotas and those cars STILL never had anywhere near the problems people are citing here.

VW still charges a huge premium for its vehicles, something even more outrageous given most are made in Mexico. The new Jetta can easily reach $30K with options, the new Passat can top $40K. For such prices, the dealerships and the quality of the vehicles themselves should be beyond reproach.

11th Feb 2006, 10:32

I bought a 2001 1.8T 5-speed in Nov of '04 with 42,000 miles on it. I have had quite a few problems with it, but it looks to me like most of them were caused by the dealer not knowing what they're doing. The only 3 major problems were the air pump, heated seat, and now the ignition coils. All of these were covered under warranty. I actually had the latest revision coils go bad on me. The other problem was some clamps on the intake on the pressure side of the turbo. VW said they were tightening them, when in fact they were broken. I have a mixed opinion about the car right now. Maybe there was a severe difference between ones that came from Mexico for a little less money from the ones that actually came from Germany.

3rd Mar 2006, 12:35

Just to throw in my $0.02, I own a 2003 Jetta 1.8T Wolfsburg, @ 40k miles. I paid $19.5k for it. Only problems I have had are a recall on a part involved with the door latch/lock (the rear passenger door was un-openable when I drove off the lot), and the battery dying at approx. 2 years later. Beyond that, I personally feel this is the best $/performance value that was available at the time. I still love to drive this car, zippy power and awesome handling. The dealer has provided decent service, although overpriced. I am truly upset to hear all the problems others are having with these cars, VW must have a severe quality control problem to have so many lemons. I feel lucky so far...

15th Mar 2006, 17:49

I own a 2002 jetta TDI with a manual transmission. I bought it new after good reviews for prior models in consumer reports. We have had nothing, but problems with the car. Like the other postings: broken center console latch; interior rubber coating on dash and doors peeling off; failed master brake cylinder, failed power windows, failed sun-roof, wheel covers falling off, and now the car barely runs. We have taken it to a dealer all along for maintenance, who at this point, just kind of sheepishly shrugs their shoulders. Now we're told the latest problem is dirty fuel injectors which should run around 2K to fix. I will never ever buy a VW again. The latest consumer reports has VW as having the worst reliability, even worse than GM and Ford.

3rd May 2006, 17:51

I, too, own a 2002 Jetta, and have experienced some of the same problems others have mentioned. The center console broke, the passenger window fell in the door, the radio stopped working, and now the stupid thing is stuck in park at my office! There was one previous owner- my cousin, who is adamant about servicing cars according to the maintenance schedule, so it was up to date when I bought it. I have kept up the maintenance also, and only use synthetic oil and mid-grade gas. This was the worst purchase I have EVER made, and I will not buy another one! I have fewer problems out of my 1996 Acura 3.2 TL than I do from my 2002 VW Jetta. Shame!!!

26th May 2006, 16:35

Well I have a beautiful dark blue 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T, and I've done all the scheduled maintenance, and always change the oils on time, and the transmission fluids as well. I love my car; it's a nice performance car. I recommend this car to everyone, it's a must have. These people that are having problems with it are obviously not taking care of their cars, so stop trying to race and your car will work perfectly.

G*

31st May 2006, 20:30

Please Unpimp My Jetta!

I bought a 2001 Jetta 1.8T 5 speed used with 35,000 miles on it from my local VW dealer. The car now has 105,000 miles on it and the transmission is about to go. I've driven nothing, but manual transmission vehicles for as long as I've been driving (15 years). Since I've had the car I've had myriad problems despite having taken extremely good care of the vehicle. It looks great and drives great, but with all the little problems I've had with it - I'll NEVER buy another VW for as long as I live. Do yourself a favor and buy Japanese or Korean.

Peace.

10th Jun 2006, 18:23

I have a 2002 1.8T Jetta. I've read through the comments. It seems like some drivers are blessed with the purchase from a reliable stock of VW's, and the other half is cursed with the lemons. I guess what's most important is to determine which one you've got. Luckily, mine came from the blessed stock.

However, I do have that rattle in the door from the stereo, very annoying. I've also started having a loud external rattling from below the car when I idle hard or if I'm driving on cobblestones. I'm thinking it's the exhaust pipe getting loose. Of course, I'm afraid to take it to the dealer because, well, you know how they are.

I'm wondering if anyone else is having this problem, and if they've found the simple fix.

Thanks

I do love my jetta!

14th Jun 2006, 11:48

Yikes... looks like another VW lemon site is starting up here.

I'm an 01 Jetta 1.8T owner, who's owned a Honda and a Toyota in the past as well. I'll say here what I've said in numerous other forums. First off, to those who are saddened by seeing such horrible situations some people are having with their VW's, do not worry. Hundreds of thousands of VW's have been sold in the U.S. since the early 80's; what you're witnessing is merely the Internet providing the small percentage of unhappy owners an ability to vent their disappointment and anger... believe me, there are FAR MORE happy VW owners who have no reason to spend time on the net gloating, when they could be out driving and enjoying their car.

Secondly, VW's I'll admit require a more rigorous maintenance schedule. To me, however, the joy I receive from driving the car makes it all worth it. Like I've said, I've owned a Honda, and aside from the short lived and extremely hard to find CRX Si, there is no Honda that is more enjoyable to drive over a VW.

Thanks for your time.

Dub on!