4th Dec 2006, 06:39

Saw this site and I definitely have a comment. First off here are the specs. Purchased in August of '06: 1999.5 Jetta GLS 2.0 for $3,000.00. It had a damaged Windshield, Driver side window was down, Front grille and front bumper insert were missing, and sunroof was not working,

So far I have gotten two Driver side Window Regulators @ $45.00 a piece. Then the sunroof needed new rails. There are 4 of them and the dealer wants 400.00 each. I bought the grille bumper insert for about 60.00 together. I have purchased three DIFFERENT coolant lines 2 times each and one of them is a bi-monthly hassle. Radiator Sensor plug had to be completely re-wired. Windshield Wiper Switch fell apart, I have the same problems with the alarm. I put the key in and lights blink, but, no horn. Sometimes it will randomly go off. And to top it off tonight it blew another hose, and possibly the thermostat is toast. It will all get fixed because my Girl loves the look of an all black Jetta. I guess that if you don't have to fix it then you could like it.

1st Jan 2007, 12:35

I have a '96 Jetta GLS, that was bought new by my parents and then I got it once I got my license. Over the past several years, we have had several problems with it. The problems have ranged from windows not functioning properly, window motors breaking, the door locks broke, O2 sensor went up, and countless coils. Most recently, the car will not start if its raining or if it has rained and if you do get the car to start, don't pull out in traffic because it chugs and sputters. The only good thing is that it has 180,000 miles on it and the clutch hasn't had to be replaced. (knock on wood). Also, we disassembled both the drivers side and passenger side doors and managed to fix one of my door locks. The lock mechanisms are made of white metal and become brittle due to the weather and wear and tear, we were able to use some lubrication to get the tumblers to function the way they should and took pieces from both sides to get one properly functioning lock.

Good luck to everyone, I know I will never own another VW again, especially after sitting here nodding at what everyone else has said!

4th May 2007, 08:48

I have a 96 Jetta gls, so far for a year, I have had no problems with it, except that you have to press the button a little harder for the driver's window to open up. Besides that it is perfect. So I am thinking about getting a GLX. So if anyone knows, is the GLX any better then the 4 cylinder ones? Is the motor more reliable? Please feel free to comment. I have a freind that has a 99 Jetta and his breaks all the time, even right now its in a shop. So I think I know what you all are talking about.

26th May 2007, 12:18

My husband bought a 1996 Jetta GTI (Canadian) in 2003 or 2004. The DAY he drove it home, the entire exhaust system FELL OFF, which pretty much set the standard for the rest of our experience with this vehicle. All of the side mouldings have fallen off the car (by the beginning of 2007) and the list of repairs is longer than my arm. We'll NEVER own another Jetta. Thus far, we've replaced virtually EVERY sensor on the vehicle, the headlights (these were full of condensation and crap so that they barely cast light), and a whole PILE of switches including wipers, gauges, alarm and AC stuff... You wouldn't believe the list. What makes it worse is that the local repair options are limited to the most uncooperative dealership ever, and an expensive "import" shop that likes to charge twice as much simply because they're the only game in town. How would YOU feel about paying $600 to have the tranny fluid drained and replaced??

If it sounds like fun... we have a car for you!!

16th Jul 2007, 21:02

Well well well!!! LOL!!! I read every comment about these cars & can say I agree with most. These cars are junk! I myself am a Ford man I have & always will own Fords I love them!! I have an F150 with 180,000 miles & a 1996 Thunderbird v8 that is my show car!!! Unfortunately I found that special someone & guess what her car is!!! LOL since being with her for 3 years, & now getting married to her. The car must GO, I am getting her a Ford Fusion. For The last 3 years she spent more than enough on that car, especially all 4 windows, oil leaks & yes the transmission. Well Good Luck to all of yous .

27th Aug 2007, 11:16

Looking for some help. I've got a 1996 Jetta GLS (manual) that has started having some very strange problems. Wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar in their Jetta?

The problem: in the mornings, when it's cooler out, my car will start, idle fine. But then when I give it gas it will idle really rough, then die. Before it dies, though, the RPM needle will go wild and the clock and trip meter will reset themselves.

I've had it in and out of the shop for the last two weeks. They've replaced the mass airflow sensor and the ignition switch (the electrical portion). At this point, they're not sure what's wrong with my car. They say it's something electrical, but figuring out exactly what is like finding a needle in a hay stack. Argh!

Has anyone else experienced this same problem with their car?

Please email any help to: stopaytoll@yahoo.com.

Thanks!

18th Oct 2007, 04:22

Wow, Thank you a billion times all of you. Thank you again. Earlier today I went over to see a 96 Jetta K2 Trek, even put a down payment on it. Now after reading all your posts I can't wait for daybreak so I can go get my money. I really didn't know Jettas are that awful. Sorry for those who lost money,

15th Dec 2007, 11:52

Jetta Not Starting Solution.

I think I found what the problem was...

So the car died again yesterday just as I drove it into the driveway. I tried to start it and it just wouldn't turnover. I popped open the hook and found a torn hose. I'm not sure what it was, but I think it's a exhaust recirculation hose because it came from the bottom of the block into the air intake. I ducktaped it for a quick fix, I just hope it holds. After Ducktaping it, the smell of exhaust/gas went away. But I ended up getting a new engine code (Hall sender G40). Maybe this fix will take care of it.

Update: * the starting problem was the Ignition Coil * Car works amazing now!