have a 2002 GTI that has been in the shop 4 times in the last 6 months. I just picked it up today (ignition coil failure). Both windows fell inside the tracts, the sunroof got stuck open and the ignition coils failed twice. I love this car, but, it is becoming a headache I just dont need. ***one question: For those of you who have had all of the coils replaced...Have any of you experienced additional problems, either coil related or other failures due to the coil problem? **** IhAtErEnTaLs....
I agree that article shows that VW is still defensive about it. My concern is that it seems that VW still just doesn't get it. They need to get the quality religion. The first step on the road to recovery is to admit you have a problem, and it seems to me that they are still having trouble admitting that they have a problem and taking responsibility for their actions.
They're a CORPORATION. It's instinct to behave that way. Lexus did the same thing. They don't step up to the plate until their pocketbooks are threatened. That's the only way you get a corporation to jump. Lawyers and public interest groups know this very well. Don't invest too much faith in appealing on grounds of what the "right thing to do" is. Well, you can try that, and I encourage you to, but don't expect a lot to happen.
Remember the Tylenol incident? The company stepped right up and admitted it had a problem. Sales did not suffer and Johnson and Johnson (the makers of Tylenol) set the standard on the way things should be done. Corporations don't have to act like irresponsible jerks. For all the Enrons there are dozens of good corporate citizens out there.
Totally different situation. People actually DIED taking the Tylenol. There was no weaseling possible. Obviously they had to recall the product. If every driver who had a coil failure died along with his engine, I suspect VWs reponse would have been quite different.
I should hope that cyanide laced capsules would be recalled immediately. Hardly something the CEO & the Board has to debate internally or get an award for IMO. Acting fast was the ONLY solution to the problem.
Car companies are particularly bad, though. They have a history of moral lassitude that I think goes back to just after WWII, when any car, no matter how bad, could be sold, and any person, no matter how bad, could enter the car business. It wasn't a great time for Auto Industry PR and I think they are still living down that somewhat shady past created by the many bad apples in the 1940s and 50s.
From fighting emissions laws to burning Pintos and "runaway" Audis to bursting Firestones to disintegrating GM diesel car engines to rusting Chryslers to flipping Samurais, on and on, the auto industry does not step up to the plate. It's very rare.
Another difference is J&J wasn't responsible for the problem in the first place. Some jerks messed around with the products. Maybe it's a lot easier to admit a problem when it's not one of your creation. On the other hand, I've read many cases of drug makers denying responsibility when maybe they should've admitted it.
The public won't hold this against VW for long. Look at the Explorer case, which to me is much more serious. Yet Explorer set several sales records right after that. If Passat sales go down, and I guess they just did this year, it won't be because of coil problems.
Nah, Americans forget things so easily. You have to really torture them mercilessly with substandard products, for 5-10 years or so, like say Cadillac or Jaguar or Renault did, to really make them angry.
I was driving home from my mother in law's place this evening when my MIL light started flashing and the car started running like it only had 2 or 3 cylinders. I struggled home and parked in the driveway. Does this sound like the coil problem? I'm getting towed to the dealer tomorrow morning based on what I've read in this discussion group.
I agree with Mr. Shiftright, it sure does sound like the coils. Mr. Shiftright, regarding the Audi "sudden acceleration" problem, I'm sorry but I've got to side with Audi here. That was totally manufactured -- the drivers were simply pressing on the gas rather than the brakes.
Got towed to the dealer today. Got treated like royalty (a bit of an exageration). They replaced all 4 coils with no questions asked. Took about an hour.
My 2002 1.8T Jetta was in last Dec to have a coil replaced. It was in the shop for 3 weeks. I was under the impression that eventually all 4 coils would be replaced on these cars. Recently, my car was in for an oil change and I asked the service manager when i could expect to have mine in to have all remaining coils replaced. I was told that they were not so sure now that is was specifically the coils, and maybe it was a "chip" or something else. Any updates on this??
Sounds like your dealer did right by you. Others are still fighting for all coils to be replaced upon a failure. Some dealers are giving mixed messages. Glad to see yours was handled properly.
Engine light came on last week after the car started and ran very rough. Re started the car, and ran smoothly after that. Made an appointment with out local VW dealer to have it looked at. Took the car in, in the mean time the engine light went out, they found 2 coils misfiring, replaced all four. No problems. Car runs good now.
I am planning to buy A4 3.0 and I have read through almost all the posting and I have figured out the 1.8T engines are the most affected one. I also understand that some 3.0 engines are affected. So, should I still still consider this car? Is the problem fixed? (I have test-drive this car and it is a very good car, but I am not sure if this problem still persists in 03 model).
First off, this isn't a "make or break" issue, in my mind. A coilpack is an inexpensive part, easily replaced. VW/Audi is owning up to the problem, and the the fix is on the way. Owners are waiting for the recall to follow.
Second, if you really like the car and need some reassurance, ask the dealership to show you the coil packs on the engine. If the part number ends in the letter "J", then these are the latest iteration of the part and not particularly troublesome (it was the "H" version that was the problem). As part of your sales agreement, require a car with the J coil packs.
Third, you might be able to determine the component used by build date of the car. Not sure if this applies exactly to Audis, but VW's with the 1.8T engine built beyond 8/2002 had the J version installed at the factory, according to some other enthusiast websites. I'm sure there are similar sites for Audi owners.
Has anyone experienced this? I have a '99 1.8T Passat wagon which died suddenly and had to be towed to the shop. The dealer said it was not bad coils,but a faulty control unti which costs about $400 for parts and labor.
One of the Passat enthusiast sites (Hint: the Passat is also called a B5) has an extensive rundown on this issue in their informaiton section. There has been a couple of mentions of J coils, but nothing that was substantiated as widespread. The part costs like $30.
By the way, I've heard that some Nissan Maximas also have had coil pack issues, and it is apparently not being covered under warranty. The rumor is they (Nissan) are considerably more expensive than the VW/Audi ones. So I guess the problem is not only for VAG. I'm sure you could find more on this topic elsewhere.
I think the overall concept of the coil pack is somewhat else reliable than the old single coil design, perhaps due to moving the coil off the firewall to directly on the engine itself. It may be the negative side of having that much additional control over the spark ignition of every cylinder.
'Course, thinking back over my many cars, I think I had a coil (old single style) go back on a Ford in the 1970's or '80's.
My 2002 GLS 1.8T went down with the coil issue last Dec. Outrageous drivetrain vibration and noise... got roadside assistance to tow the car to a nearby dealership. Got a coil pack replaced. Not sure how many were being replaced though.
Today I went to have an oil change. When the car was ready to be picked up, the guy told me the coil showed up faulty again and they replaced all four packs. Basically the coils were replaced twice in 8 months.
FYI: I did receive a letter from VW Canada in Feb regarding the coil issue. Free replacement is warranted for those of you who has the faulty parts.
Same thing happened on my Golf GLS 2001 18,800 miles. Was told initially that the problem was only encountered in the 1.8T. Two Number two cylinder misfire faults.Found a crack behind the coil pack.Replaced coil packs. Works fine now. They also cleaned and vacuumed the car.
I have a 2002 1.8T jetta. I was wondering if anyone knows if any dealers from the boston area are replacing coils before they become defective? Also, I've had two replaced already, one last september, and one in december. Do you think these are also possibly defective? From what I've read on this board, production of "good" coils started in 1/1/03 and any coils made/replaced before that are likely to be defective again! Before I call the dealer I want as much info as possible since they are so rude! Thanks for any help.
VW has yet to make an official recall. Pending that, dealers are not doing pre-emptive maintenence and installing replacement coils before they fail. That has been one of the bones of contention as to how VW has handled the situation. Some people like you have had to bring the car in more then once because only the defective coil was replaced. So far I've not had a problem with my March 2001 built New Passat (2001.5) 1.8T. I have low mileage on it, 16,100 miles so maybe I'm due. (I hope not). There was some indication that April was the month that a recall would be made, but so far nothing. Incidentally, although this has been a problem I don't think every engine has been affected that was built during the period.
To aem1979 I have my car looked at at Bernardi VW in Natick.Ask to have an emergency appointment. I believe the new coils are the J type( or is it the H-type).I read this on this forum. Have this verified.
Bought this car brand new last Aug. Have just sched. 4th repair; this time for window sticking. After 3 weeks I got a flat tire, then a thumping noise, then one of my coils went. The dealerships are SO bad to deal with...anyone else in MA have similar experience? Looking to trade in this "Jokes"wagon & could use some advice. Thanks
I am planning to get an A4 3.0 Quattro and I noticed that many A4 owners (both 1.8T and 3.0) experience coil problems. I would like to know whether the 2003 models still have coil problems or not; also I would also like to hear opinions of 2003 owners. So fellow A4 owners, please post some messages regarding your beautiful A4s (strength, weakness, problems and dealership experience etc).
i test drove a 2003 Jetta GLI over the weekend and the salesman told me that the GLI doesn't have problems with the ignition coils, that it's only the 1.8T and some others. is this true or was he yankin my chain?
I just bought a used 2001 Audi A4 1.8T about 11 days ago, and sure enough, last night I came to a stoplight and started experiencing the troubles that seem to be described here. The idle got extremely rough suddenly, and there was a lot of engine wobble, almost as though a mount were failing or something. Shifts were really harsh, and at low RPMs the whole car shuddered pretty badly. Anyway, I just dropped it off at the dealer, and without even fully explaining the problem, the mechanic stopped me short and proclaimed that it was most likely ignition coil failure. He spat out his diagnosis pretty quick, so I'm guessing they must deal with this A LOT. My Mom drives a VW Passat, and from what I understand the Audi and VWs, despite being otherwise phenomenal cars, share this common gremlin. I'm gonna call her and give her a heads-up, based on everybody's experience and advice. She drives slower than an arthritic grandma with low-grade narcolepsy in a mollassas factory, but still-- I'd hate to think about her getting plowed into by someone 'cause her Passat blew a coil pack. Thanks for the warning, guys!
I know I'm intruding a bit here as a loathsome Audi owner, but I wanted to say that I very much appreciated the reassurance I got from reading these posts. I was absolutely freaking out when my car started acting goofy, and now I feel MUCH better. I had only had the car on the road for less than 2 weeks, and I was terrified I was looking at a thrown rod or a warped head or dozens of other worse-case-scenarios. Also, it was extremely relieving to learn that my car's symptoms are probably the result of a coil issue, and not the admittedly brutal way I've been tossing it around corners and stomping on the gas pedal. I thought I had broken my new baby by driving like a moron; it was nice to see that perhaps it's not my overzealous lead-foot after all.
Lastly-- it great to see so many Canadians posting. I live in Colorado, but I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and I get homesick, so it was cool to see all the maple leafs on the board; makes me miss it a little less.
actually a broken one... it either sounds like a submarine full of doomed souls banging with wrenches on the hull... or it just stops like somebody jammed the crank with a chunk of pipe. hey, in fact that's what a broken rod does. if it hasn't seized yet, don't worry, it will.
an ignition failure, you just gasp along or shudder to a stop like a shaky old dog. fixable when you get the parts.
Hi all....I'm in need of honest opinions. I have a 2003 Passat Wagon GLS 1.8T w/Tip. Right now it has about 6.5K on it. I'm planning on taking a road trip in about a month, and not sure whether or not I should be nervous. I will be driving from the midwest to the east coast. I'm thinking it would be in my best interest to take it to the dealership to see if possibly I could have some bad coils...what do you think? Or would anyone advise not to drive it? Kind of had my hopes up to get it out on the open highway (not only to improve my gas mileage, but also because I look pretty in it...LOL)! Would love anyone's honest opinion. Thanks in advance.
several articles have indicated you can see the deaders after the fact if you look at the underside... because the potting compound cracks and lets water in. if the dealer has an attack of customer satisfaction envy and checks for you, great. but cracks alone may NOT indicate whether they go into the coil and have you set up for "the shudders."
if your dealer is ready to implement preventative recall changeouts as VW has been promising in newspaper articles, even better.
if not, there's no telling when they will conk out, if ever. if you don't get the engine all that warmed up much, you might not have gotten the coils busted up enough to have the issue.
if you're really paranoid, log all the VW dealers on a map on routes you're likely to take, and take the route that has the fewest gaps... or buy a spare coil for the trunk.
otherwise, try to allow a dead day or two in your planning in case you have to spend them in Gutbuster Junction waiting for the bus to catch up to the tow truck that hauled the Passat away.
I personally wouldn't wake up screaming over this. while you might have gotten your coils from the last of the rotten materials, life is short enough, and VW should have parts in stock now if you need 'em. be flexible and have fun.
I'm a little slow on the uptake, but I finally got the "consumer word" on all the problems with VWs. I am the original owner of a 2000 Passat 4-cylinder and, sure enough, right around when my lease was up this past January, I started having all kinds of problems. I have taken meticulous care of the car because I didn't know if I was gonna turn it back in or not. Dealer for all the repairs/oil changes.
This is a huge problem for me because I'm a real estate agent, and when my check engine light comes on and beeps that really loud beep while my clients are in the car, they think they're gonna die in my POS car with me. I think I'm having that ignition coil problem. At first I thought it was the starter. Now that I know many people are having the same problem, I guess I will take it to the dealer ASAP. It's been so bad that my car almost didn't start at all a few times. And the other morning, I started my car and right away it died. I had to restart it and it was okay, just okay.
My problem is that I can't afford to be without my car. I took it to an independent after I took out a loan to buy my car when the lease was up (BIG mistake), and he hooked the car up to the computer and did a diagnostic test to see what the problem was that was making the check engine light come up. He said it was a faulty error and that there was nothing wrong, and he re-set the computer in the car. I'm serious, about 2 weeks later the light started coming on again! My clients are freaking out! I don't have the time to take my car in every 2 or 3 weeks just to have the freaking thing re-set! Anybody else having this problem?
Hm, what else, I noticed probably a year and a half ago or so that my fuel gauge seems to "float" when it gets down to low levels. I can watch it floating while I'm driving! Also, I got a flat tire while showing property, and the car wasn't even 3 years old. Crappy tires. Also, there's something wrong with the light panel on the dash because the lower part of the light panel doesn't work, and then, all of a sudden, zing! we have lights down there.
I'm also having another problem that I don't know what it is. But in reading other messages, I think I have that steering wheel column problem. At first I thought it was the right wheel bearing, because it only makes the rattling noise on the right front side when you turn the wheel, but now I don't know. Help!!! What is going on with this stupid car? Is anybody else as frustrated as me? I would just die if I got stranded with a client in the middle of nowhere.
VW dealers have a booklet of all US and Canadian dealers, along with phone numbers, etc. After the coil pack thing broke in the news, I started carrying that in my glove box. Jackieb31 may want to make sure she has one, if the coil packs aren't changed before the trip.
I don't know about your check engine light problem. Could be lots of things.
But let me address some of your other issues:
Flat Tires: Any tire at any time can pick up a nail or what-have-you from the road and go flat. It's not a VW problem.
Rattling Sound on Right Turn: Sounds like a torn CV boot that was not replaced quickly enough and ruined the Constant Velocity joint, from your description. Can happen to any front wheel drive car...I've had it happen on Hondas, Toyotas, etc, which have bullet-proof reliability reputations. It's just part of owning a front wheel drive car.
What was the error code ? Do you fill up the car yourself ? Do you close the cap tightly, 3 clicks ?
By the way, 3 years for tires is quite decent time. I would blame roads not tires for flats after such amount of time.
I got nice flat tire within 1 month of buying new car. Sidewall developed tiny hole and there were no signs of impact. What can I tell, I avoid Goodyear Eagle GAs as much as I can.
Coilpack problem. You say that you have problems starting the car but what about running. Does it run smoothly ? If you have problem to start the car it is something else. Did you check battery ?
Hey, guys, thanks for the feedback. The flat tire, you should have seen it when they took it off. I've owned lots of cars and gone through lots of tires, and I've never seen anything like it. It was completely shredded on the inside. The mechanic said he's never seen anything like it either. That is not normal for a less-than-3-yr. old car. But now I have all new tires.
Yes, I fill up myself, and I actually called the dealer a while ago and described the problem over the phone, and he asked me the same questions. So now I have been closing the cap to 4 clicks, at least. Still a faulty check engine light. What a joke. The error code is "emissions workshop."
Um, when the car does finally start, it runs okay. But I've noticed it's been idling real funny and almost stalled once or twice while sitting at a stoplight.
One other thing I didn't mention because I've already gotten it fixed was one day I went to charge my cell phone, and the connection was completely dead in there. No juice. I don't smoke, so I don't have any idea how long ago that decided to stop working, but just one more thing to add to the list.
Andrea--Not to make light of your situation, but how'd your clients like to be in my Passat when my false reading lights up on the dash (randomly): STOP! Brake System Failure
Was scary the first couple times I saw it, now it's ignored.
False reading, It will come back! It always comes back! Someone told me that manufacturers knowingly install faulty equipment like ours so that we have to keep coming back for service. That's a bunch of B.S.
Well, for your sake, I hope it doesn't come back, but mind always does.........
I have a 99 Jetta GLS VR6. The EPC Light came on, It started to lose power until it stalled. I took it to VW who replaced ignition coil pack for a cool $850. The dealer also told me that he was not sure but that I may also need a new injector port for another $900 PLUS LABOR. I walked out without the new injector port but 1 week later the car has already stalled once. The dealer is taking the attitude of "I told you so" This is outrageous. Has anyone had a bad experience like this? How many parts are they going to replace before they get it right? I am seriously considering selling the car although it gives me joy to drive it. Any ideas?
newjerseynick: You may want to consider going to an independent VW/German Car repair shop now that your car is out of warranty. You'll pay about 30 to 40 % less.
Hey guys, glad to find a place to get informations & vent frustrations. Sad to say, it appears I share the same problems with many VW owners here. I used to be a proud owner of a 02' Golf GTI. Bought it new(my first).Been driving used cars for years & decided to get a new one for the added security it offers(i.e. repairs & warranties). Boy was I wrong! For the last 15 months that I've owned it, my sense of pride & admiration for this car has gone downhill. On a scale of 1-10, it's down one notch to one.It broked down yesterday, & just picked it up from the dealer for coil probs. I've had it! Owning this junker has been a hazard to my health.Windows have been down 3x..check engine light on while driving,etc. I'm even afraid to open my windows that it might get stucked! For a new car to have these many troubles is unacceptable period! I'm running out of option whether to keep it still or remain paranoid whenever I get in the car & drive it. Perhaps, seeking legal help from a Lemon Law lawyer would do. What do you think guys? Thanks! SteVanz
According to my dealer, his inventory, and supposedly other dealer inventories of coils are finally ample to allow the beginning of the recall. Letters are supposedly being sent within this week, and the older VINs will be first for the replacement. So, like so many, I wait anxiously wondering if the dreaded coil-pox will miss me and the coils will be repaired before they fail
Comments
***one question: For those of you who have had all of the coils replaced...Have any of you experienced additional problems, either coil related or other failures due to the coil problem? **** IhAtErEnTaLs....
I should hope that cyanide laced capsules would be recalled immediately. Hardly something the CEO & the Board has to debate internally or get an award for IMO. Acting fast was the ONLY solution to the problem.
Car companies are particularly bad, though. They have a history of moral lassitude that I think goes back to just after WWII, when any car, no matter how bad, could be sold, and any person, no matter how bad, could enter the car business. It wasn't a great time for Auto Industry PR and I think they are still living down that somewhat shady past created by the many bad apples in the 1940s and 50s.
From fighting emissions laws to burning Pintos and "runaway" Audis to bursting Firestones to disintegrating GM diesel car engines to rusting Chryslers to flipping Samurais, on and on, the auto industry does not step up to the plate. It's very rare.
The public won't hold this against VW for long. Look at the Explorer case, which to me is much more serious. Yet Explorer set several sales records right after that. If Passat sales go down, and I guess they just did this year, it won't be because of coil problems.
I was under the impression that eventually all 4 coils would be replaced on these cars. Recently, my car was in for an oil change and I asked the service manager when i could expect to have mine in to have all remaining coils replaced. I was told that they were not so sure now that is was specifically the coils, and maybe it was a "chip" or something else.
Any updates on this??
Dani4
Have a 2002 GLS. with 12.5K miles.
(I have test-drive this car and it is a very good car, but I am not sure if this problem still persists in 03 model).
Second, if you really like the car and need some reassurance, ask the dealership to show you the coil packs on the engine. If the part number ends in the letter "J", then these are the latest iteration of the part and not particularly troublesome (it was the "H" version that was the problem). As part of your sales agreement, require a car with the J coil packs.
Third, you might be able to determine the component used by build date of the car. Not sure if this applies exactly to Audis, but VW's with the 1.8T engine built beyond 8/2002 had the J version installed at the factory, according to some other enthusiast websites. I'm sure there are similar sites for Audi owners.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
I have a '99 1.8T Passat wagon which died suddenly and had to be towed to the shop. The dealer said it was not bad coils,but a faulty control unti which costs about $400 for parts and labor.
Has anyone had this happen?
By the way, I've heard that some Nissan Maximas also have had coil pack issues, and it is apparently not being covered under warranty. The rumor is they (Nissan) are considerably more expensive than the VW/Audi ones. So I guess the problem is not only for VAG. I'm sure you could find more on this topic elsewhere.
I think the overall concept of the coil pack is somewhat else reliable than the old single coil design, perhaps due to moving the coil off the firewall to directly on the engine itself. It may be the negative side of having that much additional control over the spark ignition of every cylinder.
'Course, thinking back over my many cars, I think I had a coil (old single style) go back on a Ford in the 1970's or '80's.
My 2002 GLS 1.8T went down with the coil issue last Dec. Outrageous drivetrain vibration and noise... got roadside assistance to tow the car to a nearby dealership. Got a coil pack replaced. Not sure how many were being replaced though.
Today I went to have an oil change. When the car was ready to be picked up, the guy told me the coil showed up faulty again and they replaced all four packs. Basically the coils were replaced twice in 8 months.
FYI: I did receive a letter from VW Canada in Feb regarding the coil issue. Free replacement is warranted for those of you who has the faulty parts.
Was told initially that the problem was only encountered in the 1.8T.
Two Number two cylinder misfire faults.Found a crack behind the coil pack.Replaced coil packs.
Works fine now.
They also cleaned and vacuumed the car.
Before I call the dealer I want as much info as possible since they are so rude! Thanks for any help.
I have my car looked at at Bernardi VW in Natick.Ask to have an emergency appointment.
I believe the new coils are the J type( or is it the H-type).I read this on this forum. Have this verified.
Thanks!
My Mom drives a VW Passat, and from what I understand the Audi and VWs, despite being otherwise phenomenal cars, share this common gremlin. I'm gonna call her and give her a heads-up, based on everybody's experience and advice.
She drives slower than an arthritic grandma with low-grade narcolepsy in a mollassas factory, but still-- I'd hate to think about her getting plowed into by someone 'cause her Passat blew a coil pack. Thanks for the warning, guys!
I know I'm intruding a bit here as a loathsome Audi owner, but I wanted to say that I very much appreciated the reassurance I got from reading these posts. I was absolutely freaking out when my car started acting goofy, and now I feel MUCH better. I had only had the car on the road for less than 2 weeks, and I was terrified I was looking at a thrown rod or a warped head or dozens of other worse-case-scenarios. Also, it was extremely relieving to learn that my car's symptoms are probably the result of a coil issue, and not the admittedly brutal way I've been tossing it around corners and stomping on the gas pedal. I thought I had broken my new baby by driving like a moron; it was nice to see that perhaps it's not my overzealous lead-foot after all.
Lastly-- it great to see so many Canadians posting. I live in Colorado, but I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and I get homesick, so it was cool to see all the maple leafs on the board; makes me miss it a little less.
Thanks for posting, everybody!
an ignition failure, you just gasp along or shudder to a stop like a shaky old dog. fixable when you get the parts.
Thanks in advance.
if your dealer is ready to implement preventative recall changeouts as VW has been promising in newspaper articles, even better.
if not, there's no telling when they will conk out, if ever. if you don't get the engine all that warmed up much, you might not have gotten the coils busted up enough to have the issue.
if you're really paranoid, log all the VW dealers on a map on routes you're likely to take, and take the route that has the fewest gaps... or buy a spare coil for the trunk.
otherwise, try to allow a dead day or two in your planning in case you have to spend them in Gutbuster Junction waiting for the bus to catch up to the tow truck that hauled the Passat away.
I personally wouldn't wake up screaming over this. while you might have gotten your coils from the last of the rotten materials, life is short enough, and VW should have parts in stock now if you need 'em. be flexible and have fun.
This is a huge problem for me because I'm a real estate agent, and when my check engine light comes on and beeps that really loud beep while my clients are in the car, they think they're gonna die in my POS car with me. I think I'm having that ignition coil problem. At first I thought it was the starter. Now that I know many people are having the same problem, I guess I will take it to the dealer ASAP. It's been so bad that my car almost didn't start at all a few times. And the other morning, I started my car and right away it died. I had to restart it and it was okay, just okay.
My problem is that I can't afford to be without my car. I took it to an independent after I took out a loan to buy my car when the lease was up (BIG mistake), and he hooked the car up to the computer and did a diagnostic test to see what the problem was that was making the check engine light come up. He said it was a faulty error and that there was nothing wrong, and he re-set the computer in the car. I'm serious, about 2 weeks later the light started coming on again! My clients are freaking out! I don't have the time to take my car in every 2 or 3 weeks just to have the freaking thing re-set! Anybody else having this problem?
Hm, what else, I noticed probably a year and a half ago or so that my fuel gauge seems to "float" when it gets down to low levels. I can watch it floating while I'm driving! Also, I got a flat tire while showing property, and the car wasn't even 3 years old. Crappy tires. Also, there's something wrong with the light panel on the dash because the lower part of the light panel doesn't work, and then, all of a sudden, zing! we have lights down there.
I'm also having another problem that I don't know what it is. But in reading other messages, I think I have that steering wheel column problem. At first I thought it was the right wheel bearing, because it only makes the rattling noise on the right front side when you turn the wheel, but now I don't know. Help!!! What is going on with this stupid car? Is anybody else as frustrated as me? I would just die if I got stranded with a client in the middle of nowhere.
Thanks for the feedback!!
But let me address some of your other issues:
Flat Tires: Any tire at any time can pick up a nail or what-have-you from the road and go flat. It's not a VW problem.
Rattling Sound on Right Turn: Sounds like a torn CV boot that was not replaced quickly enough and ruined the Constant Velocity joint, from your description. Can happen to any front wheel drive car...I've had it happen on Hondas, Toyotas, etc, which have bullet-proof reliability reputations. It's just part of owning a front wheel drive car.
Good luck with your other problems.
Do you fill up the car yourself ?
Do you close the cap tightly, 3 clicks ?
By the way, 3 years for tires is quite decent time. I would blame roads not tires for flats after such amount of time.
I got nice flat tire within 1 month of buying new car. Sidewall developed tiny hole and there were no signs of impact. What can I tell, I avoid Goodyear Eagle GAs as much as I can.
Coilpack problem.
You say that you have problems starting the car but what about running. Does it run smoothly ?
If you have problem to start the car it is something else. Did you check battery ?
Krzys
Yes, I fill up myself, and I actually called the dealer a while ago and described the problem over the phone, and he asked me the same questions. So now I have been closing the cap to 4 clicks, at least. Still a faulty check engine light. What a joke. The error code is "emissions workshop."
Um, when the car does finally start, it runs okay. But I've noticed it's been idling real funny and almost stalled once or twice while sitting at a stoplight.
One other thing I didn't mention because I've already gotten it fixed was one day I went to charge my cell phone, and the connection was completely dead in there. No juice. I don't smoke, so I don't have any idea how long ago that decided to stop working, but just one more thing to add to the list.
I should have bought a Honda or Acura.
Thanks,
Andrea
Was scary the first couple times I saw it, now it's ignored.
It will come back! It always comes back! Someone told me that manufacturers knowingly install faulty equipment like ours so that we have to keep coming back for service. That's a bunch of B.S.
Well, for your sake, I hope it doesn't come back, but mind always does.........
I'm running out of option whether to keep it still or remain paranoid whenever I get in the car & drive it. Perhaps, seeking legal help from a Lemon Law lawyer would do. What do you think guys?
Thanks!
SteVanz
My local VW dealer had no idea? It seems the public pressure was wearing down due to attrition and no recall will occur?
thanks - J