31st Dec 2007, 13:32

I've had the following problems on Jetta 2004 1.8t GLS. I am the first owner and got it in Feb 2004.

Replaced one coil pack, and after 8 months, I noticed that the engine is hesitating again. Finally replaced all the other 3 coil packs, so I don't encounter this problem again (since it's really dangerous when you are on a highway, and it could get you into an accident).

I have 53000 miles on it now, and it's using fully synthetic oil every time, and I am changing it every 10000 miles with oil analysis, just to make sure. And from time to time, an engine flush using Amsoil filter and oil.

I have changed the brake fluid too.

I have changed the automatic transmission oil at 40000 miles, and when I removed the old oil, it had a burnt smell; lucky I changed it. Note that I have only replaced 60% of the oil in it, and will again replace the oil at 60k miles. Cost around $35 per quart, oil used by VW.

I have replaced the rear brake pads and calipers, since I'm having trouble retracting the caliper to put in the new pads.

I have replaced the spark plugs at 40K miles, and added coolant from time to time, since the coolant indicator lights up on a very cold morning. I used the coolant from VW, so I don't mix other brands.

Replaced 1 headlight bulb, and another bulb in the rear. Replaced a fuse as well.

I've done all this by myself, since bringing it to the service dealer would cost me so much. I have probably saved a lot of money doing it myself.

I am hoping I could get this car up to more than 200K miles. If you need to know more details on to how to fix it, go to alldatadiy.com and sign up or buy yourself a repair manual so you could research it first. The service technician sometimes will not be able to find the problem if it doesn't appear while in their service department. You could probably fix it and troubleshoot it by yourself.

1st Aug 2008, 13:24

Just like most of the people that posted on here, I never thought I'd have any problems with my 02 1.8t Jetta. I just got back from the shop after having another coil replaced. Luckily these aren't too expensive to replace at a private shop but I don't feel good about driving my Jetta long distances anymore. I've had way too many problems for only having 80,000 on it. These will be my last miles in a VW, I'm getting rid of this lemon and getting something reliable. IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BUY A VW... LOOK FOR SOMETHING ELSE. I'm very disappointed with this car. It's fun to drive but not worth being in the shop all the time.

12th Oct 2008, 21:51

Like everyone else, my 2002 2.0L Jetta is a total junker. I got it used in January 06 with just over 40,000 miles on it. Thought I was getting something great... yeah right. Things started going wrong almost immediately.

In the past two years I've replaced the ignition coil packs, O2 sensor, Catalytic converter, water pump, 2 sets of spark plugs, and a whole list of other things I can't even begin to remember right now... basically I've paid almost as much in repairs as I did for the original car. What a waste of money.

Engine light won't go away. The codes are for parts that have already been replaced. I needed this car to make it another 2 years till my husband pays off his Honda, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen as problems are starting up all over again.

Now the engine won't roll over when I start up (and no its not from a dead battery!). The husband is an ex-diagnostic Infiniti tech so he knows a thing or 2 about cars, and he is over fixing my car. We are just tired of dumping money into it.

Bottom line... advice I wish someone had given me two and a half years ago: do NOT buy Volkswagen... just go with a Honda or Toyota or their higher end counterparts Acura and Lexus.

15th Oct 2008, 14:23

It is like reading a history report on my car.

2004 VW Jetta 1.8T GLS. I bought it with 19k miles. Beautiful car. Nothing went wrong for the first 20k miles I owned it.

Since then, coolant temp sensor, coil pack, coolant, battery.

For some reason I have to replace the tail light, not the brake light, just the tail light every other month.

Now it has a random misfire, which I am guessing has something to do with another coil pack.

There is some kind of slippage in the transmission between 1st and 2nd that cracks me up, it is an automatic. Only happens in cool weather. Anything below 50 degrees (I live in MN), which is most of the year.

When you start it the coolant lite comes on.

Come on VW. Please somebody read this website, put 2% of your gross annual profit into keeping customers happy! That is all I ask, 2%. Like replace coils for free, or spark plugs.. Something.

Anyone wants to chat about this vwjetta04@yahoo.com

16th Oct 2008, 18:33

Help!! I have hada Jetta 2002 1.8L for almost two years.

When I purchased it, within a month the coils needed replaced, ran well for few more months and then the trouble started.

I have put into this Jetta over $3000.00 within the last year. It has been in the service garage about six months of this year. It looks great!! Has so many problems.

As soon as I get it serviced again, $300.00, I am definitely trading it in for something different!!

I have learned to hate my Jetta.

24th Oct 2008, 22:54

Hi, I have a 2002 1.8T Jetta I bought in August 2007 (because my family has had older VWs for years and they've been very reliable!)

Since then, it has had to have the following replaced: spark plugs, coil packs, thermostat (2x), ECM (had to be reprogrammed twice because they didn't do it right on installation), brakes all around, throttle position sensor (2x), catalytic converter, turbocharger, water pump.

It still has the Check Engine light on (for catalytic converter efficiency) and intermittently the EPC light comes on and it abruptly loses power. Sometimes it shifts rather roughly, and now it makes a strange noise from the driver's side under acceleration.

When it runs, it's the best-handling car I've ever driven, looks awesome, and is great to drive on my 90 minute commute. When it runs, that is.

I hate to say it, as it's a beautiful car, but I'll never buy another VW. V-Dub, heh, more like V-DUD!

2nd Jan 2009, 17:31

I have a 2003 Jetta 1.8t, and had it in the shop multiple times in the past 15 months for numerous things. Ignition coils 3 times, brake light switch 2 times, and the list is too long to go on. I would not suggest on buying this car ever!!!