11th Aug 2007, 20:04

WOW I couldn't believe everything I saw on this message board! I have a 2001 Jetta 1.8T and have similar problems as those listed above!

1. interior paint chipping

2. arm rest broke

3. just had to replace alternator 500.00!!!

4. had brake light switch replaced

5. weird rattling noise from muffler

6. when I start it in the morning it seems to want to shut down and rattles and when I put it in reverse, it sometimes dies or the brakes stop working (what causes this?)

7. leak in front passenger seat when it rains hard (dealer claimed they fixed it twice and when it poured, I thought it was fixed until I lifted up the mat and mold was growing!!!)

8. the horrendous smell of CRAYONS!!!

13th Aug 2007, 01:57

Okay, so I'm not crazy! I'm searching for a new (used) car and settled in to find just the right 2001 Jetta. I *chose* the 2001 because Consumer Reports listed the 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2005 models on their "Worst Used Car" List. I've always wanted a Jetta and thought this was my big chance.

The first 2001 Jetta I looked at had such a strong musty smell that I couldn't wait to get out of it. The second smelled worse, at first I thought because of an air freshener hanging on the turn signal lever, but then realized it was a combination of the air freshener and the same musty smell. Today I drove my 3rd (and sadly final) 2001 and wow, this car had been kept up *well* and the musty smell was even worse. Crayons? Sure, I could call it that. But whatever you call it, I can see how it would stick to everything, clothes, hair... you name it.

None of the owners whose cars I test drove acknowledged it. I'm so grateful to find I'm not the only one who noticed it - and super grateful I didn't buy any of these cars hoping it would go away!

15th Aug 2007, 13:33

I bought my 2001 Jetta new and noticed the "crayon" smell after about 6 months. It has gotten progressively worse over the years. Everyone that gets in my car says, "Hey, did you know your car smells like crayons?" Ummm...yeah, it's hard to miss. Sometimes I can smell it outside of the car if it's really hot, and if I've been in my car for awhile the smell clings to my clothes and hair. It drives me nuts. Other than the smell I have loved my Jetta. The only problems I've had are: mass air flow sensor (warranty), brake lights (warranty), and peeling paint in the interior. I wish there was some cheap way to get rid of the crayon smell, but there isn't. Putting baking soda in the carpet and vacuuming a lot seems to diminish it slightly. Air fresheners don't really help. You end up with Strawberry or coconut flavored crayons.

31st Aug 2007, 00:49

I purchased a new 2001 jetta and I have never seen such a lemon:

1- Break pad came off a damage disk -rear right tire

2- Ignition coil had to be replace

3- Both front windows fell off

4- Front bumper keeps coming off

5- cup holders broken

6- AC had electrical problem

7- Transmission jitter

8- Two Water leakages (go to the parts department and they will explain what parts you need)

9- smell of car and AC

10- sprig coil under front Passenger seat came out (i.e. it sounded like an small explosion)

11 – the list goes on

12 Don’t buy VW.

31st Aug 2007, 09:50

I have had my 2001 VW Jetta VR6 for about 3 years, and the problems are all over the place. I have had the horrible crayon smell like everyone else, replaced the alternator (about $1,000), my driver side window is no longer on track and falls into the door, my front bumper is coming off, my hood release broke, I use what seems like as much coolant as I do gas, my center console is broke, I have put way to much money into the car. Also, the VR6 gets horrible gas mileage, the engine is loud, the check engine light never goes off, I have had the recall for the brake lights (which I found out when I was pulled over for it), you can't hardly replace any of the headlights or brake lights yourself and then the dealership wants to charge you an arm and a leg to replace it, half of the oil change places don't have the right tool to change the oil and the oil filter costs about 3 times a normal one. I would not suggest to anyone that the get a Jetta, I know when I can get rid of this car I am going straight to either Honda or Saturn and getting a reliable one.

8th Sep 2007, 11:59

I bought my 2001 Jetta brand new and I have experienced some of the problems that people have listed, but I don't think they're nearly as bad as a lot of the posts make them sound. I'm told by everyone who gets in my car that it does smell like crayons, but I honestly never really noticed it. I also had a problem with both the glove box and the trunk getting stuck. Otherwise, all the other problems that I've had are all to be expected with a 6 year old car with over 80,000 miles on it. I've had several cars in the past with that many miles that have had far worse problems. I will definitely buy another Volkswagen.

22nd Sep 2007, 21:12

I recently went to the nearby Volkswagen dealership and checked out a couple of 2001 Jettas and I noticed they all smelt like Crayons. It was awful; I asked them what it was, and they pretended it was not there. I looked into a 2002 and it didn't smell like Crayons so I'll most likely buy that one...

It's quite sad, I love the look of the Jetta just the smell, I don't know if I could take it.

27th Sep 2007, 19:31

I have a 2001 Jetta and have had several problems with it. Has anyone had the problem of your dim lights not working? We have changed the bulbs, but that is not the problem. The bright lights work and the running lights. Any ideas?

20th Oct 2007, 22:52

I've got a 2001 Wolfsburg edition Jetta 1.8 turbo and my hats off to all of the other crayon cars out there, I thought I was the only one. That aside I was wondering if any of you have had any electric problems (but not regarding the alternator)? When I'm driving for more than 20 minutes at night and I decide to put the windows down or up (using electric obviously) the headlights and dashboard completely dim down, and sometimes even shut off! They quickly turn back on and cruising down the highway at night going 70, that can be a bit disturbing! Also if I use my turn signals, the lights (dash, headlights, and radio) dim with every blink. I've had my alternator replaced, ignition replaced, coils replaced, transmission replaced, catalytic converter replaced, clutch replaced, turbo replaced, water pump replaced, timing belt replaced, battery replaced (twice), not all regarding this issue, but I know it's not any of them. Sadly only one or two of those were under warranty. I had my alternator checked again and they said it wasn't that. Any ideas??? I'm running out of money!