Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

mpyne

did they say they would replace the trans or rebuild it. cause i for one wouldnt want a new car thats 3 days old with a rebuilt transmission. i feel your pain.

jetta19274

I own a 1999 Jetta GL 4 door (new body style) that was recently hit on the drivers side. The B pillar was pushed in so that it touches the side of the drivers seat and the side impact air bag did not deploy. My question is should it of deployed? How do I know that it will deploy in the future? I have had to have the front passengers dash air bag replaced twice by VW and I am now concerned that it may not go off in the future if needed.

Thank you for your input.

8u6hfd

It depends on the point of impact, many times, the sensor is in the door (correct me if I'm wrong here). If the B-pillar took the brunt of the collision, and not the door (enough to trigger the air bag), the frame did its job.

Still it's nice to here you walked away from the accident....you did walk away without much injury right?

haznedarj

Hi all, I am sure that most of you are tired of hearing of power window troubles. Well my wife's jetta is on it's second one. Last year the driver side power window went out, and the glass fell through and got stuck. On top of it the glass broke. Of course VW replace it, claiming that my wife probably slamed the door hard...we argued at the dealer ship that this was not the case and they replaced it for us at no $$$ under warranty (by the way the warranty had actualy expired by 1 mile). Well it has been 1 year later and the same thing happend now...don't know what will happen, but if anyone is out there that could give me some suggestions I would appreciate it..the dealer here in the San Jose are is a pain in the neck and I don't want to mention the name until I knwo what the outcome will be...so please let me know...don't want to pay $$$ for soemthing I knwo that was not our fault rather it is a manufacturing problem becuase of bad parts

fish8

I would call the Corp 1-800 number for customer service. VW knows this is a issue with Jettas and might assist in the cost. It can't hurt to try.

lochlyn_deck

I am considering buying a 2002 Jetta GLS TDI. My family had a Diesel Dasher in the middle 80's that was powerless, but a blast to drive. I recently test drove a GLS Jetta TDI and was impressed with it's performance. However, I keep reading about reliability problems with the car. I am also looking at a 2003 Toyota Corolla S. I am not reading about the same problems with reliabilty from Toyota as I am with VW. And the VW is more expensive. WINDOW REGULATORS and the MAF SENSOR seem to be big problems. Is the regulator plastic? Do they make a metal one? Are there any other major problems I should consider? The more responses the better. Thanks.

jskho

New metal parts is now available but hard to come by.

8u6hfd

The MAF sensor, VW hasn't reduced the price on the TDI specific one, but the 2.0L MAF sensor works without a hitch (which costs $55 or so).

The window regulator were supposedly redesigned for the 2002 model year. I haven't had a problem with it yet.

There's also a wiring goof on the Monsoon head unit (swithed wires) which another forum discovered the fix.

My 02 Golf TDI, practically flawless, except squeeking trim panel.

myvwstinks

My leased 1999 VW Jetta GLS (2.0-liter engine), with only 30,000 miles, died on my way to school one morning in December 2000. That morning, the engine oil light began to blink, and when I pulled over to add oil (as I had many times before), the engine ceased and would not restart. Under the car was a pool of pink fluid, which I later learned was coolant. The car was towed from the highway directly to a VW dealer. Months later the dealer informed me that the vehicle needs a new engine, and that it would not be covered by the powertrain warranty.

That was in January 2001. It is now July 2002, and the car remains parked in the dealer?s lot. I have continued payments all of this time (19 months), and have incurred tremendous debt from rental cars, etc. I eventually decided to purchase another vehicle. I retained a lemon law attorney who took on the case, and I finally had the arbitration this week (after waiting over a year). Volkswagen won the arbitration; but I think I have excellent grounds for an appeal. My attorney seemed unprepared and I feel that he did a poor job proving that this problem was due to a faulty engine.

To complicate matters, I was in a frontal collision with the Jetta in 1999. Without any evidence to the contrary from my attorney, VW easily placed much of the blame on the accident. Further, VW claimed that the radiator must have been leaking, and that I ignored warning lights and steam/smoke while driving. So, VW feels that my negligence (and implied stupidity) led to the engine being destroyed.

However, the accident occurred about 17,000 miles before the engine failure, and I know that there are documented defects with the 2.0-liter engine that VW has been using in the Jetta/Bettle since 1999. I have read many testimonials about these engines consuming excessive amounts of oil and am sure that this is what led to the engine failure in my vehicle. I reported the frequently blinking oil light to the dealer numerous times to no avail.

The reason for this post is that I have had a hard time finding specific information about the problem(s) with the 2.0-liter engine that VW uses in the Jetta/Bettle. Does anyone know where I could find detailed information about this defect? Has this happened to anyone else? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I need this information as a basis for my appeal. Please send any information you have to me at: vwstinks@hotmail.com. Please help! Thanks.

mdaffron

But why did your dealer (and more importantly, YOU) wait NINETEEN MONTHS to do anything about this?

Loss of oil and coolant simulaneously would indicate a massive failure like a rear main seal or a seriously blown head gasket. Tell me, you note that you had added oil "many times before" in this only 1-year-old car. Had you taken the car in to have this problem checked? What was VW's response? Obviously they never fixed the problem. Do you have your service receipts to prove this?

Meade

fish8

Do you not have paperwork from the dealer when you complained about your vehicle defects? Why was your Jetta sitting at the dealer for 19 months? Was your Jetta the new or old body style? How amny time did you take your car to the dealer to have them look at your oil consumption problems?

WOW!! This story does not make LOGICAL sense to me. You actually paid for a rental for 19 months?

Kirstie_H

OK, I'm taking a deep breath here... my first problem with my Jetta after owning it for 15 months, but it's rather an ugly one.

This morning, my car would not shift out of park, and the EPC light is on. I tried the usual tricks to get it to shift -- making sure the steering wheel was locked -- and re-started a few times.

I'm calling my dealership today, but anyone else have the same problem?

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Edmunds.com

phollie

As great as those puppies drive and with all the safety features--I'm still afraid to pull the trigger on one. Its problems like that. Good luck Kirstie

Kirstie_H

phollie, keep in mind that this is the first problem in 35K miles, and it may be covered under my warranty. I've had worse problems with some cars, after fewer miles, and some cars trouble-free for 80K... luck of the draw sometimes.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Edmunds.com

protege_fan

But odds are higher on some cars than others that there will be problems.

Kirstie_H

Happy ending -- I called VW Roadside Assistance. The guy on the phone was very helpful, and said this was a common "bug." He walked me through a 2 minute process, and shazam! I'm back in business.

I'll be taking it to the dealership as it needs an oil change anyway, BUT... I officially still don't have a real problem with my car after 35K miles.

Guess I'm beating these so-called odds

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Edmunds.com

myvwstinks

At almost every oil change (since the car had 10,000 miles) I have mentioned to the dealer that the car seemed to be comsuming excessive amounts of oil. I was told that there was no problem that they could find. This issue was only documented on some of the service invoices.

The Jetta was the new body style, and it was at the dealer for 19 months because it is inoperable. Plus, the dealer did some work on it that I am not about to pay for. I didn't wait 19 months to do anything about this. It took 19 months to schedule an arbitration. I didn't rent a car for 19 months either. I purchased a new car after a couple of months.

protege_fan

That's why they're odds...you win some you lose some.

BTW, in NO way am I saying my current car is trouble free.

fish8

So you made 2 car payments for almost a year and a half?

If that's all the facts.....then I would guess you will most likely loose in arbitration. Sorry

Also, you said it took 19 months to get a arbitration hearing? sounds fishy to me..

tagger18

My 2000 Jetta GLS front passenger window also gave in. It was not under warranty so it costed me $300 to fix it. The mechanics told me that the power window regulator broke and the cable that pulls the window up and down was all tangled up. He told me he had to order the whole panel/regulator instead of just one part. I also took a look at the cable and it was all mangled up. For the last 9 months, I have spend in excess of $1000 on repairing various problems. 2 days after the window was fixed, I got rid of my Jetta.

joeharr50

I just brought a used 2000 Jetta GLS and in 2 months I have had both front windows go. Last week the driver side window fell into the door and I had it fixed under a used car warranty I received from a non VW dealer. It had to be fixed thru a VW dealer at the others expense. One week later the passenger side window fell also and I have to have that one fixed myself. My used car warranty has run out. Has anyone seen any articles which addresses this problem. I am ready to get rid of the car already.

bill_l

I have an 88' Jetta. It suddenly can not start.
It seems no output from the ignition coil. So the
problem seemingly comes from either the coil or
the ignition module. I am thinking to check
the voltage between the secondary terminals (the
input) of the coil. Anyone can tell me the
normal voltage of it? Thanks.

lminoo

We have a 2002 Jetta and the passenger side air bags deployed for no reason while my daughter was driving on the freeway! She and her passenger, who sustained some burns, were lucky that she kept her cool and pulled over without an accident occurring. Worse than that, VW claims that because the computer registered "crash data" that the car must have been in a crash we should report a collision claim to our insurance company to cover the cost of repairs. When I asked the VW service manager if any evidence of a collision showed on or under the car, he said no but that she could have hit something and it wouldn't be seen on the body of the car! This is the second dangerous computer problem we've had with this car. The first was that it unintentionally accelerated, which VW fixed. Buyers beware, VW will not stand behind it's safety claims and you will end up having to take VW to court.

protege_fan

I find it hard to believe them when they say, "she could have hit something and it wouldn't be seen on the body of the car!"

The air bags are supposed to deploy only if there is a strong enough force that impacts at certain angles. I would think that a force strong enough to cause an air bag to deploy would also be strong enough to make SOME mark on the car's body.

And they wanted you to say that there was a collision and have your insurance to cover it? That sounds like they want you to commit insurance fraud!!

So what's going to happen now?

bslate

Hi all-

My sister has a 99 Jetta GLS (new body style) Last week she went to put up the passenger side window and there was "buzzing" etc and the window would not go up. She somehow reached down in the door and got hold of the glass and pulled it up (it was beginning to rain).

It is going to the dealer Wed. My questions (and I did see the previous posts)

1. Is this a common problem? How expensive is this going to be (about $300 like tagger's?) Does it recur?

2. Any suggestions for dealers in the Baltimore area? It is scheduled to go to Russel VW on Rt. 40 (its closest to her) Any experiences? She is taking the car in herself and I dont want her to get a run around or mega bill. We bought the car privately so it likely has never been there.

Thanks for any help.

moparbad

Please file a complaint at www.nhtsa.dot.gov If there is a defect on the safety system on the Jetta it is important that the problems be recorded. If a number of owners have a problem an investigation will be opened. There was a Jetta at local dealership that had same issue. I have heard of two other cases of airbag deployment on the internet.
Do not file a claim with your insurance but notify them of what happened and discuss it. This is a vehicle defect and must be covered under warranty if there was not a crash event. Open a complaint with VWOA. If you have an attorney that you can get advice from I would recommend doing this also.

8u6hfd

The window regulator is a common MKIV problem. $300 or more sounds right.

jskho

Talk to the dealer about getting it replaced with no charge even if it is out of warranty. If that doesn't work, call VWOA. They know about this problem.
Also, ask for the new re-designed part which is made of metal for replacement.

joeharr50

I had my 2000 VW repaired today by a dealer. I contacted VWOA and they did return my call. They seemed willing to take care of the problem and the dealership did not charge me for the repair. They said it was not the regulator this time, but a clip that holds the window in place. Last weeks repair cost $320.00. That was taken care of by the selling dealer. I don't have alot of faith in these cars right now. Thinking of getting rid of it. I bought it used with 28,000 miles and it has been in the shop 13 days out of the 70 days we have owned it!

dancerman

So what year Jetta is it....and what was the fix?

vocus

I think she said hers is a 1999 or 2000 model. She posted that she turned the key in the "on" position, moved the shifter to "N" and started the car. Then moved it to the drive gear she wanted. That was it. Check the Jetta forum for her post though, just to be sure.

verbalk

I am a longtime VW owner, a sorta sick compulsion I know, but I am wondering if anyone knows of the best compound to glue troublesome trim pieces back to the body. I tried an epoxy on my 97 Jetta GL buy it didn't hold for very long and chipped the paint where I applied in.

My opinion with VW's models post 1987 is that they are generally reliable cars, accept for annoying little things. I never get power windows (pride issue, I can role down my own damn window) but the motor problems are a common type of VW bug. Trim has always been flimsy, my 91 Jetta lost so much weight in plastic trim I think it started getting better gas mileage. I have had problems with a few sensors and I seemed to change more belts than I should, but overall I saw far less catestrophic problems than many other makes. I'd recommend the make and model for those people who are looking for a fun ride and can put up with a few minor to annoying problems. The ability to do minor repairs will greatly increase your customer satisfaction.

Kirstie_H

Actually, my fix turned out to be temporary. (2000 VR6)

It's in the shop today, and two different mechanics, without even looking at it, are certain it needs a new brake light switch (?). The car won't move out of Park because the car doesn't recognize that the brake pedal is depressed. Cost estimate: $60. Not bad.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Edmunds.com

anonymous02

I hope they are paying the $60!

anonymous02

I bought some 2 sided tape at the hardware or auto store. It is made for automotive trim.

Good luck.

Kirstie_H

anon, unlikely, since it's at 35K miles, out of bumper-to-bumper warranty. Frankly, spending $60 in repairs after owning for 16 months doesn't trouble me in the least... especially after I saw the EPC light go on, which usually brings visions of any empty bank account dancing in my head.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Edmunds.com

anonymous02

Oh, I didn't know that. I thought the car was newer. I also didn't know the warranty period was so short. I figured 5/50 for most new cars, no?

(as a point of reference, Hyundai's have a 10/100 warranty)

8u6hfd

There's a brake light switch up at the top of the brake pedal lever.

Is that switch is acutally faulty, or does it only need adjustment?

Kirstie_H

8u, yes, i think that's what they're replacing. When I called the service department, they had me manually "reset" that switch so that I could drive my car in rather than having it towed, but if I don't get it fixed, I would have to do this every time I turn the car on.

anon, I bought it used so the warranty is shorter than normal, but I still have the 5/50 on the power train.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Edmunds.com

fhohio

Some of the two litre engines use oil. But in post 1908 you mentioned buying a TDI. so this issue is probably not relevant.

bslate

Hi all-

2 things:

Just wanted to thank all that posted with help on the window problems (haz, fish, 8u, joeharr)! Contacted VW and they did pay for the repairs to my sisters pass side power window. Saved $450!

Additionally, her keyless entry remote/key is in two pieces. Came apart at the seam. It will click back together, but it is very loose and you must carry the key on its own. Wanted to get another one from the dealer, but were told that it was $200. Have paid $80 for remotes for GM cars in the past... are there any other places that the group knows of to get the remotes/keys? Or are we held hostage by VW service?

Again many thanks!

fish8

I am sure VW is the only place to get a replacement. Though I could be wrong. Call around.

bslate

She told me that while waiting, the service area was FLOODED with people that had their BRAND new Passats in for all kinds of problems. Some major. One lady said the dealer has had the car 20 out of the 30 days she has owned it.

fish8

One good thing about getting a 2002 Jetta is at least most of the issues should be worked out by now from the '99 and '00 models.

anonymous02

I wonder if the remote could be covered under warranty?

It SHOULD!!!

moparbad

The key can be purchased on Ebay and VWVortex at certain times. These are generally used and sometimes new. Once you obtain the used key you still have to have the key cut by dealer and programmed with a VagCom or have dealer program the key. Still going to cost you but should reduce the cost by at least 50%.

fhohio

We had the ABS control unit in our 2001 Jetta ignite before the scheduled service for the ABS control unit recall was done. Has anyone had this experience, and if so, have you had any follow-up problems with the car once it was repaired? The fire was put out quickly in our car with a fire extinguisher. We are wondering what possible problems to expect. Thanks for any advice.

berrys777

My Jetta's electrical system seems hosed. The door locks every time I start the car (and then intermittantly locks itself again while I am driving). The front windows and side mirrors don't work. The only way I can start the car is by pressing the UNLOCK button on my key WHILE turning the key at the same time!! Any suggestions?? Please. Thanks. 99 Jetta, Old Style.

webmistress25

I've been through one VW Jetta ('97) with electrical problems that burned to the ground in my driveway and terrified my 3 year old. Only to be dumb again and think if I purchased a new Jetta everything would be okay. Well-----It's not. I just found out that its a fire hazard and has major electrical issues. So I beg the dealership to fix it and make it safe for my family to be in, and they tell me to go **** myself in the most polite way they can. Then I have to tell my son, "If the car starts on fire, I'll unbuckle your car seat and you need to jump in mommy's lap as quick as you can so that we can get out of the car." He says, "Oh no mommy, our jetta's gonna start on fire again. Will the fire trucks come?" Yeah, feel my terror and that of my childs. My story is at:

http://www.gurneevolkswagen.com

I've decided to warn other consumers not to purchase a VW, and I have all the reasons why. I've also hired a lawyer and I want VW to buy back my car from me and reimburse me for the hell and time that they've put me through. I'm not suing for money, I'm suing on principal. They can't treat customers like this.

Tiffany Patterson

webmistress25@aol.com

moparbad

Do you understand that VW does not own the dealership? You state that VW Sucks and yet your complaints are primarily with the dealer and not VW or the car. An improperly installed auto start system can cause a lot of problems on a VW or other modern cars as they have a computer (ECU) that controls and interacts with most systems in the vehicle. The wiring can be replaced as can the ECU. Based on your account I think a fair resolution would be fix your car and to warrant it for at least a year.
Be careful of what you put on the internet as it may cause more problems for you than it will the dealer. If you have an attorney let them deal with the problem.