26th Jan 2004, 19:49
I just found I have the same problem on a 1998 Jetta GLX with 70000 miles. I can't believe how expensive this part is, and nothing is covered under warranty. Very frustrating.
29th Oct 2004, 00:16
I've had the same problem and am still researching the issue. I've taken the car in a 5 separate occasions now and they replaced coils, sensors, even the engine wiring harness, but I still have the problem. They now tell me that it's a known issue in about 1% of their 1.8T inventory and the "factory" is working on a solution. To quote the desk clerk from my last visit, "...the car will do that for the rest of it's life..." That's reassuring! I've contacted Volkswagen corporate and received about the same response except they told me to try taking it to another dealer. I'm amazed at the lack of customer service and this will definitely be my last VW purchase.
6th Oct 2005, 14:14
I have had the same problem on my 2002 Jetta 1.8 turbo. The ignition coil has been replaced twice now. Now my electronic power control light has come on, and my car barely starts. I too have had my car towed at least 4 times from the time it was two months old. I called Volkswagen to ask what this EPC light is and they told me it is a problem with the brakes. I will never buy another Jetta again.
20th Oct 2005, 07:12
My girlfriends car just started bucking and skipping yesterday out of the blue along with a flashing CEL (check engine light)
It really scared her and really made me hate the car more than I already do. This is very dangerous and I'm not happy.
After researching I've found this coil pack issue. I hope this is it.
I think it's time for the car to go to a dealership and never come home.
She was a die hard VW fan, but after all the issues shes had, and seeing how I have no issues with my Subaru. shes been converted.
This is ridiculous.
22nd Oct 2005, 14:01
I own a 2002 Jetta 1.8T, and I believe in around 2003 or 2004 I received a recall letter from VW, stating that parts would be replaced at no cost and towing/rental expenses would be covered by VW. When one coil did begin failing, I took it to my dealer, who replaced the parts at no cost within a day. I am very satisfied with my VW.
13th Nov 2005, 13:04
I've had my 2001 Volkswagen Golf for about 3 months now and I've had similar problems with the coil packs as everyone else, but I have them replaced twice since I've had the car. I have recently found out that the coil pack isn't the issue for me, but the wiring harness connected to the coil pack. The wires are cheaply made a put right on top the engine to be pretty much baked. The heat from the engine caused the plastic insulators on the wires to crack, which then makes them short out and misfire. I also found out that this replacement part costs at least $500 bucks that I don't have. Needless to say I'm not exactly happy with Volkswagen right now.
5th Dec 2005, 00:46
I am yet ANOTHER victim of the ignition coil and wire harness problem!!! This is absolutely dumb. I have a 2002 Golf GLS 2.0 Liter with only 54,000 miles on it which I purchased from a previous owner (who probably experienced the same problem). I purchased extended warranty on the car, but it sounds like these coils are not covered under the original or new warranty. SO, after some research, I did manage to find a recall press release about the coil problem and am going to bring that press release into the dealer. The press release states that VW must repair and replace the coils FREE of charge AND cover car rental. Let's hope this is true. I'm bringing it in tomorrow. If anyone knows of any way I can get get VW to cover these costs, please email me at grass612@gmail.com. I live in Minneapolis, MN. It is so unfair. If you're having this problem now, please contact me. I'm sure that if people gathered together and made a huge enough fuss, VW will HAVE to listen. I'm willing to do it and if you are, please email me. Thanks and good luck to all of you.
5th Dec 2005, 19:47
The coil pack problems usually occur on the 1.8T models, and that is what the recall is for. It's not as common on the 2.0.
21st Dec 2005, 22:02
I own a 2001 Jetta VR6 and have replaced my engine coils once around 50k, now I'm at 70k and my EPC light has been coming on. I'm having trouble getting anyone at VW (on the phone) to pin down what's causing this issue short of paying $65 an hour for diagnostic work at my local VW dealership. It's very frustrating. Any ideas?
22nd Dec 2005, 07:02
There is NO way ANYONE can diagnose this car over the phone.
The dealer will want you to bring it in for 3 days of unnecessary work that will not fix your problem, costing you time and money.
That thing will need a full diagnostic check run. I would look for a well recommended independent VW shop, instead of the lame dealer (stealer sp?) network.
7th Nov 2006, 11:04
I own a used 2002 Volkswagen (VW) Passat GLS 1.8T/A5 FWD. It has an oil sludge problem. I am told by VW customer care that an 8 year extended warranty is in place to assist in needed repairs. However, to get assistance you must have followed the recommended maintenance schedule. I believe VW's 5000 miles or 6 month oil change should be emphasized as a requirement instead of a recommendation. I asked VW to take responsibility for its engineering flaw and cover the cost of cleaning the reported engine sludge problems and they declined unless the recommended maintenance schedule is followed. I have concerns about Volkswagen's corporate fairness.
10th Jun 2003, 09:01
I also had this problem. Back in December I had to have my car towed to the nearest dealer (which is $25.00 over the allotted $100 towing the useless roadside assistance program offers... which is why I now just use my AAA card instead.) They replaced Engine Coil #4 and sent us on our way. Now it is June and the tow truck just left my house an hour ago with my 2002 VW Jetta SLS 1.8T. Same problem, different engine coil. My service technician assured me that they were going to replace all of the engine coils when they received the car at the shop. I hope that actually happens, and puts an end to this problem. This is ridiculous for this to be happening to a $24,000 vehicle that prides itself on its reputation for reliability and longevity! Those were the reasons we bought the car in the first place. I have an hour commute to work each way and a newborn baby. Now I am afraid that I will be stuck somewhere in the future, either with the baby or while someone else is watching him! I hope other people with this problem are beginning to receive a much faster resolution now that time has passed and VW has seen the light.