6th Oct 2008, 18:53

I own a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T and I don't even notice the crayon smell anymore. Sometimes my friends will tell me they smell crayons, but it's a rare thing anymore. I've had several problems out of my car, but I love the thing more than words can say.

I've had to replace spark plugs and do all of that mess and my car still sometimes doesn't want to start. Within the past couple of days my car's brake pedal is incredibly hard to push.

I haven't had any problems with the windows, center console, or anything like that. My car has nearly 96K and I've experience nothing of that sort. My only problem is the check engine light is constantly on and sometimes my car doesn't start.

I love this car, but sometimes I wish someone would steal it so I don't have to deal with it.

18th May 2009, 04:31

Come on people! We need to pursue this collectively, and try to seek a resolution from VW. Since a lot of us are second owners, we probably need to argue the case from a health standpoint! Please someone help! We need a gas spectrometer that measures what is in the air, we need someone who is willing to help us with that expertise... much appreciated!

Maybe we need a website to start... anyone can start it?

Thanks.

29th Aug 2009, 10:03

I too have the the crayon smell in my 2001 Jetta-- currently working to resolve it (it is the carpet/padding). Will post when there is more to report.

30th Aug 2009, 18:30

2001 Jetta GLX VR6. Purchased used 5 months ago.

Pros: Styling, gas mileage.

Cons: Crayon smell, sunroof won't open, rear door won't open from the inside, rear deck behind back seat caught on fire and burned a 6" hole through the material (center brake light wiring appears to be the cause), power steering pump went out. Buyer beware!!!

11th Sep 2009, 11:42

I have had my car since late 2000. I was soooo excited to get the new 2001 Jetta and had saved up so much for it. Now, almost 9 years later... I am still suffering from all the problems this car has caused me. I have had most of the problems that everyone has been complaining about and I'm actually sooooo happy to hear that others have been experiencing the "crayon smell". ALL my friends call my car, "Crayola" because of it! It's so embarrassing though because some people won't even take rides from me because the smell makes them too nauseous! Now, this cannot BE HEALTHY!! I thought this was just something wrong with MY car... but if this is something that people all across the board are experiencing, there HAS to be something that VW corp can do. I think we need to take this action seriously, because if this is causing any type of health issues for us... they need to take some type of responsibility! Does anyone know if anyone has made any serious action towards this or any other problems?

Oh and just this month, my car started flooding every time it rains! HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN???

I really do feel like I got a lemon car! And the thing it that I love it like my child, that although it puts me through HELL, I've kept it around and don't have the heart to get rid of it.

9th Dec 2009, 21:12

Same prob with the smell and flashers on my 2001 Jetta GLX VR6.

I do about 125 miles on a full tank, is that normal?

12th Apr 2010, 21:57

I have the same crayon smell on my 2001 Jetta VR6. Someone told me it was the soundproofing material Volkswagen used under the carpet. Replacing it can cost anywhere between $600 to $1200 dollars. The hours required to do the job is what kills you.

My advice, sell the Jetta and get an Audi. Same feel, without the stink...

20th May 2010, 06:42

I have a 2002 Jetta and frequently friends complain about the smell in the car. I'm concerned about the potential health risks, in addition to it being somewhat embarrassing. Has anyone filed a claim with the BBB or had any positive results reporting this problem to VW?

8th Jul 2010, 22:09

Wow, I am not the only one! I have an '01 Jetta TDI, and just recently started noticing the smell. I change the cabin filter once a year. I have had both regulators replaced in the front doors, glove box latch, cupholders, arm rest latch. Most of the work I do myself, and it keeps on truckin' with 205k! Diesel is the answer, and I definitely would buy another TDI.

31st Aug 2010, 15:05

I've got a 2001 VW Jetta too. I've got the crayon smell. Has anyone had any success in getting VW to fix the problem?

5th Oct 2010, 19:23

I have a 2001 Jetta 2001 GLX turbo VR6, bought it used 3 years ago.

For the most part it has performed well, however I have replaced a few items on my own, like the fuel filter, O2 oxygen sensors, auxiliary water pump, rear shocks, front control arms, and now I am about to replace the rear axle beam, because the rear tires are wearing out, and the car cannot be aligned. I have spent over $1,000 in doing repairs, but I think the repairs are due to normal usage of the car, it has 145k miles, and it runs great.

Would I buy another Jetta? Maybe, maybe not, definitely not a VR6, the turbo eats a lot of gas. Overall I am still satisfied with my Jetta, it still keeps a decent resell value, and that's important.

11th Oct 2010, 13:21

I am a used car dealer.

I bought a 2001 VW Jetta almost ten months ago to drive.

In last ten months, I always felt that there is a bad smell inside the car. The smell was like wax, and nobody could find out where this smell was coming from.

Finally today I searched the Internet, and realized that it is the crayon smell from the insulation and dash.

In last ten months, I have felt that I am sick and tired all the time. The manufacturer has to do something.

20th Feb 2011, 18:00

I'm very depressed to see I'm not the only person in this situation. I'm very unhappy that VW caused this crayola problem and will not fix the problem except for me to pay the bill. VW offered a rebate on a new VW, but I don't purchase new cars when something goes wrong, I buy a car and drive it at least 10-12 yrs. I'm not sure why a big German company is not responsible for this problem. VW dealerships misled me about the smell for years, telling me it's the filter, and few years later maybe it's the cabin filter, knowing it's not the filter problem at all. So then I had to pay more bills by changing filters that would not correct the problem. I get tired and feel sick when I drive my car (so sad). The sad thing is I love my car, but can't stand the smell. I wish someone could help all of us who have this horrible problem.