4th May 2008, 16:28

I just bought a 2002 VW Jetta Wagon, MISTAKE. It is equipped with the 1.8 Turbo motor. I love the looks, it's silver with the 17 inch wheel package, looks sharp, but guess what at 74k miles the transmission is shot! It shifts from 1st to second hard! 3rd no problem, but then NO overdrive!! I got a good deal from a private seller, but $2500 to fix this problem, not so good!! If anyone is suing VW email me incognitonoone@yahoo.com, I want in!

6th May 2008, 13:38

Hi, I posted earlier regarding a lawsuit vs. VW for shoddy manufacturing involving my 2002 1.8 Turbo Jetta. I've contacted a Lemon Law attorney here in California, who is reviewing my case. Hope to have some info posted here soon.

15th May 2008, 21:45

I sure do wish I had seen this site earlier! I have a 2002 Jetta 1.8 T and I have always noticed that the transmission seems to slip or hesitate (especially if I don't let it warm up). The truth is that I don't always have the extra 5 minutes to let my car "warm up." We shouldn't have to wait for something like that in the first place. Tonight I was at a stop light when my car started jerking. I went on but it was hesitant (and still jerking) and my engine light started blinking. I am taking it in tomorrow but I am sure that they are going to tell me that I need a new transmission. If that is the case, goodbye VW! Please let me know what happens with the lawsuits!

18th May 2008, 22:58

BUYER BEWARE! I recently just parked my 2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T. It was jerking into gear and slow on the uptake. I brought it to my local Volkswagen dealership where the repairs were estimated at $6,500!! It needs a new transmission among about 10 other problems including different sensors and coil packs (which I already replaced once). I am meeting with a lawyer tomorrow in the early afternoon. You have my support for any legal action. I'll check back.

20th May 2008, 09:00

I can't believe what I am reading! I thought we were just an isolated case. Now I am finding out that Volkswagens have issues with their transmissions. We bought our daughter a 03 Jetta less than a year ago and we were just told that she needs a new transmission which will cost upwards of $3500. We went out of our way to buy a good (so we thought) reliable car for her that would get her through college. I called Volkswagen of America because she only has 74K miles on it and they were absolutely no help and said there was nothing they could do. It's just unimaginable that a car with this few of miles would need a whole new transmission. I would also be interested in a law suit. Somebody help?!

20th May 2008, 23:17

Any news on the Class action lawsuit? I am in too. I just passed 50k miles last week. 2002 Jetta 1.8T Auto Tiptronic, I bought it new.

I had transmission fluid coming out of the transmission seal gasket at 25k miles, the dealer said that was normal. Then I contacted VW America at 41k miles and had the car transmission checked twice. The dealer said it was normal.

Three months later, one day my sister was driving my car. She said the car jerks very bad, then when I drove it, it was all fine. After a week, I found out. it is how you start up the car make the difference. If you insert the key, turn the key to ignition in one fast motion, the car does not jerk. If you do it slowly, (waiting for all the instrument lights to turn on and off then ignition), the car will jerk after you put into drive. If that happens, shut off your engine and restart your car, everything will go back to normal. Do not drive if your car does not feel right, you can kill your transmission in minutes.

My feeling is that the mechanics of the transmission is fine (excluding the transmission fluid leak), but the ECU (engine control unit) needs a software update. I hope my solution can save you some $$ for a new transmission, but I am still in for the lawsuit. I live in San Francisco. Email me if you have questions. bamboo2@hotmail.com

25th May 2008, 23:22

Just bought an 02 Jetta 1.8T with 62 k miles. My transmission shifts hard. Before I bought it, I asked the salesman why it shifts hard. He said that it happens with all vdubbs. I figured he was right, didn't see this site and now dropped 9k into a car as-is. AWESOME. I don't even know what I am going to do...

8th Jun 2008, 15:03

I just bought a 2002 Jetta 1.8 t about 3 weeks ago, the car looks like new, clean in/out, beautiful car, but last week the transmission wasn't working good and 2 days later the check engine glows. I've read all the comments and I've start hating Jettas.

I'm 19 years old, and I was planning to buy a car that would last many years with no trouble, but guess I made the wrong decision with VW.

I'm in any lawsuit... please contact me at hotraul@hotmail.com if you think you can give any advice about my car.

9th Jun 2008, 17:32

I am having the same problem with my 2002 VW Jetta. It's been to the shop 3 times while under warranty and the mechanics all say it just needed to be adjusted, but of course it happens again. My warranty is about to expire soon. What can I do?

17th Jun 2008, 22:42

I agree I bought a 2002 Jetta 1.8 Turbo Dec 1st of last year. It was OK until about a month later, than it started shaking, and not shifting right from 2nd to 3rd gear. I have automatic. But now the car shakes from 30-60 miles and I have had the car in the shop 3 times and all they said was it was a baering. I agree with everyone this car is nothing but a headache, I say lawsuit I am with anyone on that.. If anything goes with the lawsuit theory, my email address is Sweetheartgal204@aol.com.

7th Jul 2008, 10:54

I had a 2002 Jetta with Tiptronic Transmission and 1.8T Engine. I brought new from VW dealer in Feb 2002. I have less than 80K miles on the car. Last August I spent over $700 for a " Solenoid Valve Replacement in the Transmission" at the dealer. After less than 9k miles and 10 months, it is acting up again. The gear stuck at 4th and no way I can move the gear with either Manual or Auto Mode. It moves slow and engine check light stays on. I am bringing back the car to the dealer today and see what they say. I'd asked the Service Advisor if this is a general problem with the 2002 Jetter tranny but he says no. After I read this forum, I recognized he lies. The warranty of the fix last year is good for 12 months or 12K miles which ever comes first. I am afraid they may hit me with something else instead of the repeated problem which they have to honor it IAW the warranty. If there is a common law suit against VW for in this issue, I sure like to be informed.

No more VW!

Lee "birdhead50@hotmail.com"