23rd Dec 2007, 14:12
I have a 2001 Jetta that I bought new at the dealer. It has been problems since day 1. I have had the trans replaced at 98k, glad that I had the 100k warr. Window slipping problem, of course the crayon smell, numerous headlights and brake lights and turn signals. One thing that I've had problems with that I haven't noticed mentioned by anyone else is the 17" rims...I've had 4 cracked rims that leak air. Just placed an order for 2 more yesterday. Just had the radiator, battery, thermostat and fuse panel on top of battery. Also got a leak that had the driver's side of my car flooded. Was told at the dealer that it was the sunroof drain or something. That caused mold to grow in my car and trunk. Also need front tie rods and new struts. $1473 is the price quoted. Also $780 for front and rear pads and rotors. I have 135560 miles on it, but have been having problems for the last 4 years. I'm glad this car is paid for; I'm getting an Acura TL.
14th Jan 2008, 12:06
I just bought a 01' Jetta and it also smells like crayons. My friend has owned an 01' Jetta and his too has smelt like crayons. It's funny because I have made fun of this man and his crayon smelling car for years. He hates it so much and I just make it worse laughing at him. So I can't wait to hear what he says when he jumps in my car. So far I've had the car for 7 days and the smell hasn't bothered me just yet. Reminds me of elementary school... LOL.
4th Feb 2008, 15:30
I have a 2001 Jetta GL with cloth seats. My dad was a salesperson for volkswagen here in Arizona and answered my question about the smell. The crayon smell is the wax insulation in the doors. Its not anything in the dash or anything to do with the leather. Unfortunately, other than taking apart your door panels and trying to get the wax out, there is no fix for it. I just wanted to put an end to all the speculation as to what the crayon smell is.
18th Feb 2008, 21:45
About 4 months ago I got a 2001 VW Jetta VR6 when I got it the radiator had a hole in it, and my brake sensor went out a couple of days ago. My car doesn't smell like crayons I think it's just in peoples heads. I love my jetta and I am goin to get another VW, but it's goin to be a golf.
3rd Mar 2008, 08:49
My husband bought this as a second car after selling an older van we had.
I hate this car! It's a 2001 Jetta with only 53,000 when the window fell in the door on Christmas Eve. This after only owning it a few short months, and the engine light came on sooner than that after purchase. After visiting our local mechanic and spending $770, we thought it was fixed. That was for the engine coil and window regulator. After a few miles the engine light was back on and the mechanic has done some checking for us and found the many 2001 Jettas have problems with the oxygen sensors. So here goes another $250.
We got a recall reminder from VW headquarters, so I called the number and they said they couldn't help me because they have a different address on file than I gave them, yet the postcard was from them to us at our correct address. I am disgusted with VW and this was our first vehicle from them... and our last!!! I can't wait to get rid of this car!
9th Mar 2008, 15:30
I just purchased my first 2001 VW Beetle from a private owner. Unfortunately, my car has the annoying smell of crayons! Although, I am relieved to know that my car isn't the only one, it has saved me money from trying to get my car detailed, thinking it can be something I can control, which from the sound of it, I can't!
The price of the car was at a reasonable price, so at least I'm not stuck with car payments. But I am a bit disappointed that the interior paint is peeling off, Hot/Cold temperature turns on and off which if you open the hood and unplug it and wait 30 seconds, it should turn off.
The crayon smell is annoying, I'm still holding on to not selling my Honda, which has never given me issues. But I do like the way VW Beetle looks. I won't purchase another VW!
12th Mar 2008, 19:29
Ha, and I always thought the crayon smell was the heated seats activated. I have clothe material for seats, and on the driver side seat at the bottom of the back rest it looks like it's starting to burn! haha so... my boyfriend and I never cranked her up past 3. By the way this was a 92 Passat!!!
10th Dec 2007, 21:16
I have a 2001 Jetta VR6. I love it. Even though I have the crayon smell (but most of my friends love crayons) I do not notice it anymore; so to hell with that complaint.
I had problems with my brake lights, then The EPC light went off and the dealer replaced the EPC under warranty …and there was a recall on this. You have to check with the dealer if your brake lights are not on, it may be because it falls onto the recall based on the VIN #.
The lever that opens the center arm rest broke. $17 fixed the problem.
I read the problem about the tires spinning even with the traction control on, it is due to the tire. I had really good tires at the beginning and I changed to yokohama …they still do a little of spinning.
The ABS saved my front suspension just about some days ago. Rain, oil, and a curve are not good combination. It worked the way it was supposed to.
I drive more than 120mi/hr at times and the car seems flawless. I pass semi’s and the car does not move to the side like it does with the Honda’s (my sister has 2).
You have to change the cabin filter located under the hood, close to the passengers side wiper. $40 will do the job to get rid of any unwanted smells (not the crayon one!!!) coming out of the air vents.
Having the full size spare tire is a plus. Change it and you can drive like hell to wherever you need to go.
One thing I found out is that not a lot of places will do oil changes on VW’s. This is due to numerous lawsuits that other companies have had because their techs do not put the filter on right.
The hazard relay will go off on its own. The dealer had to replace the whole turning signal lever and its switch. It was covered under warranty.
Overall, it is a great car. You have to do maintenance to any car, otherwise it will break sooner. I have driven several cars from Chevy to BMW and I can tell you that this little car is GREAT for the price you pay. I would buy a new one if it wouldn’t look so …Japanese at the front.