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Comments
I am looking at buying a used Jetta or Passat. I am trying to figure which best fits my needs. I am in ministry, and would need the car for home visits, hospital visits, etc. - along with regular daily use - including shopping and short jaunts with my folks. Living in Chicago, I like the idea of AWD, but am wondering if the Electronic Stabilization system is adequate. I like the look of both cars - they are both "respectable" and sporty. If it weren't for the folks, I would probably get a Beetle! This would be my first VW experience, so any help would be helpful.
For example. Type in:
VW Jetta recall
VW Passat problem
VW Jetta rear brakes
VW window regulator
VW ignition coil
Here is a sample list of words that will help you get your answer.
VW, jetta, passat, recall, rear brakes, window regulator, MAF, oxygen sensor, brake light, heated seat, coolant migration, battery, oil burning, CEL, air bag, ignition coil, floor mat, oil sludge, door locks, radio, mystery window, door ooze, cup holder, ignition switch, temperature gauge, radio, broken armrest, turn signal, catalytic converter, air conditioning, glove box hinge, sunroof, and much more!
You will stumble across 5 or more sites out there that really go into detail.
The internet is full of disgruntled people.... It is human nature for the satisfied folks to just be quiet. I could site the Honda automatic transmission issues or the Toyota engines that cook themselves to death. (aka black death)
Instead, I would suggest that you DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH and drive the vehicle you like. Only you know what your priorties are in a vehicle.
Also below I have comments for all of the suggested searches;
VW Jetta recall
You can find 100s of recalls for ALL vehicle makes at the following websites. (There are many vehicles with more recalls than VW)
http://www.alldata.com/
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
VW Passat problem
One could search for ANY vehicle along with the wort "problem" so the results of this search has no real relavance other than to find the folks disgruntled with their VW.
VW Jetta rear brakes
The rear brakes were PURPOSEFULLY a softer materal in the early 2000s. VW has said it will replace any rear pads that wear out prematurally.
VW window regulator
This problem was only on the early 2000 models and VW has replaced all defective parts at their cost.
VW ignition coil
This was ONLY on the 1.8T AUDI engine. VW recognized that its parts-supplier had a bad run thru the line. Although it took some time to fill the parts-pipeline with good parts, this is now a non-issue. VW replaced all known-defective parts at their cost.
The biggest issue with VW is the DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS. Many seem to overcharge, be poorly trained and less-than-honest. If you want a VW... FIND A GOOD DEALERSHIP!
To put it plainly, I look forward to each of my 30 minute commutes each day and have fun each time I hit the road for those occassional road trips.
Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan - I've owned them all. But, as many have stated in prior posts, boring!! VW may require a little extra TLC, and, you may want to find an independent mechanic to handle those regular maintenance requirements, or shop around for the best dealership in your area (VW, Toyota, Honda - doesn't matter - if it's a dealership they'll tell you they can t reproduce the problem!! - been there done that too many times - have no trust in any of them).
I'm with bpeebles. Go out and drive what excites you and forget about what other people say. You may get lucky like me with your VW or unlucky like me with my Toyota, Mazda, Isuzu, Nissan.
Best of luck to you all.
VW wouldn't help me and I had to sue them for compensation.
I guess my point of view is skewed. I am not disgruntled!
If you add the cost of the vehicle ($20,000 new), repairs ($12,000), and the legal fee's and compensation, it totals $40,000.
So I am driving a $40,000 Jetta with a street value of $8,000.
This guy says he is in the ministry. I just have to tell him the truth! Honest!
Small point, but the ignition recall was also on the 1.8t Passat.
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0408/31/autos-259707.htm
help me with my math here: How can a a vehicle sold as a 2000 be 48 months old? My math tells me is is more like 60 months old. If it has traveled 100K miles, I would EXPECT some repairs to be required to maintain it. If you bought it USED, why in the world would you expect VW to own any issues with it?
My daughter purchased a 2001 VW and I am CERTAIN she does not expect VW to pay for any repairs that may arise. (Her dad will be fixing it 8-)
Lets not forget that the 2000 Jeta was the first year of the MK4. That year had several issues and it would be unwise to purchase a 2000 used. I would venture that the "new" 2005 model (MK5) Jettas arriving on the shores of N.America soon will also have some teething pains.
BTW: The 1.8T is an AUDI engine... irreguardless if is installed in the Passat, golf GTI, or A4.
Hope this doesn't scare off the minister.
I am not very good at math, so I may not have added up the months correctly. But I do know that I have a $40,000 Jetta and I am very good at writing out checks for repairs!
My 2000 Jetta was purchased in September of 2000. It had 93k on it in when we had to put in a new engine. ($8,000) The new engine was put in September of 2004. September 2000 to September 2004 is 48 months. In September of 2004 we had accumulated $12,000 in repairs. So in 48 months of ownership we had $12,000 in repairs. I know we are in 2005 now, but I didn’t count in the $1,600 we have spent from September 2004 to date. Does that count too? It just gets worse and worse.
The point is that this is a terrible car. It burned over 40 quarts of oil in 93k. I had to sue for compensation. I was treated very poorly and these comments are an outcrop of that treatment. I had to sue for compensation and that took 14 months and a trip to court. If you add up the cost of the vehicle ($20,000), the cost of repairs ($12,000) and the cost of lawyers and compensation, you have a $40,000 Jetta with a street value of $8,000. (maybe) What a lemon!
This Jetta has been a terrible car!
Air conditioning leak (after 1 week)
Rear defroster has two strands that don’t work (after 3 months)
Cloth Front Floor Mats ripped out (3 times)
Replaced cloth mats with heavy duty VW rubber mats
Check engine light came on (4 times)
(2nd time engine light came on VW Dealership told me it would cost $100 to “scope”)
Rear brake pads wore out at 40k (front pads showed no wear?)
Rear rotors “scored” by premature pad failure.
Gear shift knob loose
2.0 litre engine burning oil (1 quart every 1,000 miles)
2.0 litre engine cylinder walls deglazed and new rings installed (didn’t work)
Replaced Mass Air Flow sensor
Interior armrest soft rubbery coating (cosmetics) poor “cleanability”
Glove box hinge broke (3 times) Still broken.
Replaced Clutch (should /could go to 150k .replaced at 93k)
Seat belt recall from VW
Plastic undercarriage splash pan broke off
Only one heated mirror works
Brake light pedal switch recall from VW
Numerous calls to the VW #800 line (No help)
Replaced Coolant flange on engine (told these are known to break)
Sunroof broke
Armrest release pull broke (plastic hinge)
Warranty extension from VW on oxygen sensors
Replaced spark plug wires
Mystery rear window (Comes down 6” on its own)
Replaced engine vacuum hoses
Letter to Dealership, they get VWOA involved, both “combined” offer “no help”
Front of plastic cup holder “falls off”
Front windows crashed down inside of door (4 times)
2.0 litre engine burning 1 quart every 2,000 miles (over 40 quarts in 93k)
2.0 litre engine completely replaced
Temperature gauge sensor replaced (silent VW recall item)
Received Mass Air Flow sensor “warranty extension” from VW
Car wouldn’t pass State inspection (replaced 2 oxygen sensors $360)
Received window regulator litigation notice
Dash light failure (works “Ok” for 2 weeks and then “Off” for 2 weeks)
Intermittent trunk light
Compensated by VW for oxygen sensors
Replace rear brake pads. 40k Front pads are fine (?)
Replace rear rotors.
Replace rear brake pads. 93k
Replace front pads. 93k
Glove box light remains on when lights are turned on.
Over 20 trips to the dealership in 48 months.
There have been 76 Technical Service Bulletins issued on this vehicle.
There have only been 3 recalls and 2 warranty extensions.
BTW: Small point but on #12252 you made it sound like the 1.8t was used on the Audi and not the Passat. Even some Jetta’s have had the problem.
“VW ignition coil
This was ONLY on the 1.8T AUDI engine.”
BTW: I got confused on #12254. I referenced the Passat 1.8t engine sludge recall instead of the Passat 1.8t ignition coil recall. It might be an Audi engine but it has had both problems.
hope i can help!
paul
Honestly, you can’t help here with this one, but I appreciate the offer. Just about everything has broken and the dealership(s) and the VWOA rep. have insulted me.
Look down my list of defective items.(listed above) Have you ever seen any of these?
I was told, “We are going to teach you how to read a dipstick.” I was rebuilding engines in the late 50’s!
“We won’t pay for the window regulator that broke” Lady, this is a new car and it is raining outside, and my window has fallen completely inside the door cavity. And then it goes on to happen 3 more times because they kept putting in the same defective parts!
Later (1.5 years) VW reimbursed for this window regulator defect after litigation was filed against them. We got money back only after VW got sued. Heartwarming.
There have been 76 Technical Service Bulletins issued on this 2000 Jetta. Only 3 stinking recalls. That means they give the mechanics a heads-up about the inherient defects, but they won’t pay for them via a recall.
It is worse than just a bad car.
It is fraud.
But you don't win a lemon law case if it takes 14 months!
It wasn't about me winning, it was about them losing!
Why did those guys stay in the Alamo?
tring to help!!! paul
how can i help?
few rules.
1.my word is not gospel. things vary accross the usa & things may change before i know it.(don't take this to your dealer and say "he said....")
2.i will try to respond asap but dont beat me up if it takes awhile. (wife has priorty).
3. i do love thease cars dont bash me if you dont
I know this list of Jetta problems is common! The question is why? (Defective Jetta’s?) I am on several other boards like this one! I read where thousands of people are having some of these same problems.
I went to several dealerships who turned their back on me. I went to VWOA and they insulted me. The next closest VW Dealership would have been 50 miles from my home. Hardly practical to go to them! (Especially on the frequency of over 20 trips in 48 months!)
I was turned down for compensation on window regulators, but got compensated 1.5 years later when the class action suit was brought against VWOA!
(You can look up the class action case at the website for lawyersandsettlements)
I was turned down compensation for oxygen sensors, but again, after litigation was filed (by the EPA), I was refunded the cost of the repair!
I only got reimbursed after pressure was applied from the EPA. (and why does the EPA call it a “recall” and VWOA call it a “warranty extension” Big difference! I have the website that shows the EPA notice!
VWOA only moves when there is a safety concern or litigation. (or both)
I had a 2.0 oil burner. I blew out over 40 quarts in 93k! They now force lawn mowers in CA to have catalytic converters and I blow out 40 quarts of pollution with my New 2000 Jetta?
I never got compensated for my rear brakes wearing out prematurely. There was a TSB on it direct from VW ..but again, this was a heads-up for you mechanics and did nothing to help us consumers.
Yes, I purchased it new. Checked all fluids on the first day. Pulled the oil dipstick at 3k and it was dry! Went down to the dealer .. no help. Went to VWOA ..no help.
I was forced to sue them. It took 14 months and a trip to court.
Is it true there is a “specialized team” of individuals that “roam” throughout districts fixing the “real problem cars” that the average mechanic can’t fix? I have been informed this group of "troubleshooters" only work on the “really problematic” vehicles and go from dealership to dealership.
As far as your comment about help. At this stage I am beyond help. When I needed the help I didn’t get it.
Anyone with these kinds of problems should be writing their state attorney general. Those people like to read and pursue injustices.
if you look at all the standard/available features on the new jetta then the prices seem quite reasonable. the assembly quality and the quality of materials used compare favorably to most japanese makes.
of course reliability remains a huge question mark with this car.
and the dealership service doesnt help either with the problems I have with this car.
last thing that broke were: catalytic converter and throttle housing. Before it was the the water (coolant) pump, mass airflow sensor, and the power windows. though the power windows repair was covered by warranty.
I was hoping the cat converter would be covered too with the 8/80000 coverage but the dealership wont because I had 80070 miles on it.
I thought I upgraded from my mazda protege before but NO.
So my advice for those looking to buy Volkswagen cars, NO DONT GET ONE. You're better off with something else.
Case in point - the amount of defects occurring in the 1998 through 2002 VWs.
Not the new one that is coming out soon.
I have been checking these sights and can't find too much on the 2005. I see that there are major problems with the '98-2000.
Question is... Have the problems been fixed for the 2005 or should she just find something else? Last night we did a test drive. It drove nice and looked good. But I really want something reliable for her..
Thanks for the help.
Sharron
Good Luck and you should be able to get a GREAT deal on a Jetta.
VERY IMPORTANT If your Jetta is one with the side-impact airbags in the seats, make CERTAIN that you install approved seatcovers.
The alternative would be possibly getting your shoulder dislodged from your body if the airbag deploys!
The dash lighting should be set just barely high enough to see the gauges. Any higher than that tends to cause the pupils of the eyes to contract reducing vision of the road. (and promotes bulb burnout)
If you can, upgrade to the GLI V6. It is no longer available new, but you will appreciate the power difference. With 210 HP in the 6-speed manual, you will definitely be feeling the power. The 1.8T is not the same and doesn't have the pick-up and power of the V6. You will get the power at higher speeds, but out of the block you can't match the V6 pick-up.
Bridget
make sure you leave the fuse out for at least a minute
BTW, I have had my 2000 Jetta since Sept of 1999, with the lights turned up 100% and have yet to have my bulb blow. I am not so sure I buy into the "dash lights turned up" theory.... ;-)
Anyway, thanks for the replacement info!
"I am not so sure I buy into the "dash lights turned up" theory.... ;-)"
I agree, I ain't buyin' it.
Jetta (ie. oil consumption, glove compartment, etc.) Can you give me more info on law firm that handeled your case.
caryl@abs4pos.com
I have a 99 Jetta and I have the same problem. I have my Jetta since 2000 and the problem with the interior lights occurred roughly two years ago.
I already get used to find the fan controls in the dark. At the beginning of this problem I was more aggravated because the interior lights use to turn on and then shortly after they will go off.
My girlfriend has a 2000 jetta with the 4cyl engine. I was told by a quick lube and oil guy that the Jettas REQUIRE synthetic?
is this true? I have never heard of ANY engine requiring synthetic oil.
THanks!
To my knowledge, synthetic oil is not required in VW's 2.0L 4-cylinder engines.
I know of two people that do comparable loads with Jetta TDI and Golf TDI with no negative experience. Please advise.
You will find that virtually all automakers are switching to recommending synthetics. The savings to the envronment and your wallet can be significant. (not to mention the superiour engine protection.)
This assumes that one follows the 10Kmile oil changes. It is HUGE waste of time, money and the envronment to change the oil more frenquently.
I would not be worried about going 300 lbs over the recommended max weight, because every hitch you install will be rated for at least 1500 lbs. It is your call - personally I do not like towing anything bigger than a jet ski with a car.
But I don't get driver side day light/night light except fog light(both worked-brighter).
I think the fuse has to be replaced. I don't know which fuse goes to what type of
light/indicator. There are plenty of fuse out there.
Can anyone tell me about day/night-head light driver side fuses(located, color, ohms).
Thanks in advance
Have you tried the obvious.... it sure sounds as if you simply have a burned out H4 or H7 bulb.
http://www.piaa.com/Bulbs/Bulbs-H4.html
http://www.piaa.com/Bulbs/Bulbs-H7.html