Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

canzman · October 2002

I have a 00 Jetta VR6. I have had it in about 4 times for the Check Engine Light with the message Emission Workshop displayed on the dash as well. The first two times due to I think code 1126. There was a broken air intake hose or something that was replaced. The third time was a secondary house off that hose that was replaced that blew off its clamp. It is back in today with the same CEL/Emissions Workshop but today the code was 1137 and I need a new fuel regulator b/c mine is 10PSI over the norm. I have less than 30K miles on this car. Is anyone else having these same problems?

jmc13 · October 2002

I have a 2000 Jetta GLS w/26000 miles - anybody experience any of the following:

1.Rear brake pads completely worn; front pads look new. (I don't drive hard - mostly freeway)

2.Grease leaks from bottom of all four doors in copious amounts.

3.Front air dam catches on tire stops in parking lots upon reversing out of space. It has caused my bumper to dislodge from car on two occasions. (I now make sure not to pull up to tire stops)

4.Spring which allows drink holder calipers to compress and release falls out. Not so easy to replace.

5.Made the mistake of going with black fabric interior. Impossible to completely remove all lint/dirt. Vaccuming does nothing.

6.Not really a problem with the car but on one occasion I stopped by the dealer to pick up the car which was being serviced and they couldn't find the car! It took 3 people stumbling around for 30 minutes to finally find it. What a joke. I wish they hadn't found it.

Needless to say I am unimpressed with Volkswagens and those who sell and service them. What exactly does farvegnugen mean anyway? Junk?

vocus · October 2002

1. Rear brakes wear at 20-25K because VW uses soft materials. Get Mintex pads, they are $35 a pair on http://www.parts4vws.com. They should last 40K or so.

2. The stuff that's leaking is rust-proofing agent. It happens to alot of Jettas, particlarly those driven in hot climates. You just have to deal with this one.

3. Don't pull up so far! I find the Jetta catches less than other cars I have driven on curb stops, etc.

4. Never heard of this one. Sorry, can't help you there.

5. Everyone who has the black fabric says the same thing. Use a lint roller, and it should help. Get leather next time.

6. Go to a different dealer, or else call VWoA and open a complaint file for this one.

You have had a pretty good experience with the car actually, the only problem being the (normal) rapid rear brake wear. Read some of the other nightmare stories posted here.

The grass always seems greener on the other side of the (Toyota) fence, until you get one of those and it starts sludging up!

jmc13 · October 2002

My heart goes out to those who have had more serious problems with their VW.

As far as Toyota goes I have a nine year old 4wd pu truck w/134000 mi. Factory brakes lasted 85,000, clutch went 90,000, still on 2nd set of tires and overall it is still solid as a rock. My business partner has a 10 year old truck - same model - with 130,000 mi. His brakes and clutch are factory original (sounds hard to believe but true)

BTW lots of those miles included boat towing. I should have stuck with Toyota but the wife liked the Jetta.

Maybe Toyota will buy out my lease and sell me a Matrix...

zenyth · October 2002

I can only tell you that you need to pursue this issue. My 02 Jetta 1.8T has been in the shop 5 times in less than a month for this and the dealership will not except it anymore b/c they say it is out of their hands, they have followed every VW protocol, called tech support and the engineers. The dealership says it is a manufacturing problem. My VW has some serious symptoms of something being terribly wrong. It was not the ECM, it was not the fuel injectors, it was not the mass flow sensor, not the spark splugs, not the oil, not the gasoline. So now, I am trying to deal with VW. It is not easy, very frustrating.

bill_l · October 2002

The radiator fan of my 88' Jett was broken on the way back home with A/C on. One minute after I noticed the red light of temperature was on, I parked the car in a parking lot. After I got the fan replaced three days later, I found the A/C stoped working. I was told the failure of radiator fan can cause high temperature in the condensor and then blows the A/C. Is it possible? Any comments will be hightly appreciated.

cpuerta · October 2002

I have posted in the past and after reading some of the more recent posts I would like to offer/receive some input on some issues. I own a 2000 Jetta VR6 5-Speed.

I have had problems with my car since day 1. I reported a majority of the problems to VW and had many issues resovled under warranty. When I was at 18,900 miles I was having problems with the car bucking and stuttering on cold or damp mornings. When it did this the engine light would
flash then go off. I reported the problem to VW of America and had it inspecting during the subsequent oil change, to my surprise I was told there was NOTHING wrong. The problem has persisted since then, I now have 37,500 miles on my vehicle. I had the in for service because the problem was getting worse and the engine light was not turning off after the bucking.

Upon examination, I was told the car required a Ignition coil pack and an mass o2 sensor. My cost, about 800 bucks. I told the VW manager that i reported the problem to VW under warranty and he told me to take it up with VWoA. VWoA's response was basically that since the car failed at 37,500 miles instead of 18,900 when it was reported, there was nothing they would do. I have even been in touch with the Level 2 Rep(the rep above the ones you talk to one the phone when you call to complain). The attitude that I got from VW was that basically they didnt care, and that they wouldn't stand behind their vehicle. I am considering taking other actions, does anyone have any info on these repairs or other actions to take? I think this is a bad customer relations move for them to take.

I was also misquoted from VWoA on the labor cost for the repair. The dealership overcharged me $100 bucks, when VWoA told me it would be $100 bucks less. I called the dealership and VWoA about this and both basically said tough, thanks for the money, VERY UNPROFESSIONAL!!!

Also, I just had the window fall into the doorsill for the SECOND time, the first time was under warranty. Does anyone know how to get VW to cover this being that the car is now out of warranty? Also, does anyone know what this should cost so I dont get taken for another ride?

Thanks!

cpuerta · October 2002

I have posted in the past and after reading some of the more recent posts I would like to offer/receive some input on some issues. I own a 2000 Jetta VR6 5-Speed.

I have had problems with my car since day 1. I reported a majority of the problems to VW and had many issues resovled under warranty. When I was at 18,900 miles I was having problems with the car bucking and stuttering on cold or damp mornings. When it did this the engine light would
flash then go off. I reported the problem to VW of America and had it inspecting during the subsequent oil change, to my surprise I was told there was NOTHING wrong. The problem has persisted since then, I now have 37,500 miles on my vehicle. I had the in for service because the problem was getting worse and the engine light was not turning off after the bucking.

Upon examination, I was told the car required a Ignition coil pack and an mass o2 sensor. My cost, about 800 bucks. I told the VW manager that i reported the problem to VW under warranty and he told me to take it up with VWoA. VWoA's response was basically that since the car failed at 37,500 miles instead of 18,900 when it was reported, there was nothing they would do. I have even been in touch with the Level 2 Rep(the rep above the ones you talk to one the phone when you call to complain). The attitude that I got from VW was that basically they didnt care, and that they wouldn't stand behind their vehicle. I am considering taking other actions, does anyone have any info on these repairs or other actions to take? I think this is a bad customer relations move for them to take.

I was also misquoted from VWoA on the labor cost for the repair. The dealership overcharged me $100 bucks, when VWoA told me it would be $100 bucks less. I called the dealership and VWoA about this and both basically said tough, thanks for the money, VERY UNPROFESSIONAL!!!

Also, I just had the window fall into the doorsill for the SECOND time, the first time was under warranty. Does anyone know how to get VW to cover this being that the car is now out of warranty? Also, does anyone know what this should cost so I dont get taken for another ride?

Thanks!

nippononly · October 2002

get the Matrix - this car is so fun!

cpuerta: VW is supposed to be covering all these window problems now regardless of if the car is in or out of warranty...get it fixed again, and this time they will use a metal clip which should not break like the previous vinyl one did.

8u6hfd · October 2002

YOu can try for the lemon law

Contact VWoA, and especially get the Better Business Bureau involved (VWoA recommends this before pursuing legal action).

Try a different dealership.

deaner14 · October 2002

My new '02 Jetta TDI has some paint problems on the rear trunk, bumper and rear quarter panel. It looked like tree sap but wasn't "raised" on the paint. The dealer said they have a contract with a local detailer that would do his best to get the anomalous material off the car. If I wasn't satisfied, they'd repaint the area (I'm guessing spot paint). Well the detailer came and did his thing. Did his best and got it to 75%. I told him the dealerships offer and he said, "No way" on getting them to repaint it (or anyone else; devalues the car too much).

I already/only have 2500 miles on the car but can't see them taking it back.

Got any ideas on where I should take this complaint; What I should ask for or anyone else that's had a similar experience?

Thanks

tblazer503 · October 2002

I suppose it's possible that this happened. Although usually if your LP A/C line gets too high, it's supposed to automatically shut the compressor off. If the A/C was running at the time, hmmm... I would go to your local dealer and ask them... another thing you could do is recharge your refrigerant with the leak stuff, and look for a leak.. its possible that with the overheat, one of the seals just blew. The HP line is supposed to be like 200psi or so...

bill_l · October 2002

Thanks a lot. I will recharge it with r134 with leak stuff to see what will happen. If one of the seals blew, do you know if it is easy to be fixed?

zenyth · October 2002

I am pursuing the Lemon Law in the state of TX regarding my 02 Jetta. I mailed of my certified letter today. My vehicle is unsafe to drive, it is unreliable. New problem - the engine smells like it is burning and there is a high pitched whirling noise. I just have to laugh at all of this.
CPuerta, you are having the same problem I am having , I know it. You need to ask the dealership if they have consulted a field rep or Engineer. They know what the problem is but they are stalling while they are working on a solution - you need to file under the Lemon Law and do it as soon as you can. Good Luck. I will keep you all posted.

vocus · October 2002

The Lemom Law is pretty hard to fight, I tried. I had alot of rattles in my car in the same places, and talked to a lawyer and all. They also take off mileage at about $.34 per mile when you go the lemon route too.

I am glad they finally fixed my car, so I don't have to worry about that anymore.

Good luck to you.

jkat · October 2002

I also have a 2000 Jetta VR6 5 Speed and had the EXACT same problems at 36K miles. After bringing it in and looking at it 3-4 times they told me the same thing about the coil pacl etc. The cost to fix the ciol pack was $484, but luckily I bought an extended warranty and only paid $50. As far as the O2 sensor etc. I paid $158.44 for the repair. So I guess the total cost comes right under $800. I've been very lucky to have such a great VW service center (Central Volkswagon in Dallas, TX). They have always taken great care of me and my Jetta.

estep · October 2002

I hate my vw. Its a 2001. I just want to say I feel for all of you, because I am in the middle of this lemon extravaganza right now. I have had it one year and i have already brought it in 10 times for 10 different things. It is never a good sign when you know the service people by their first name. Not only is it such a hassel to bring it up that much, but some of the problems make the car undriveable... and vw will not fit you in any sooner than a week from when you call. To add..they will not provide a loaner... I've been without a car for almost two weeks.
Problems include: Engine Malfunction indicator light, Engine shakes uncontrollably when started, Over-heating Icon came on, some rod fell out of my sunroof, passenger window fell, passenger and driver window fell in same day, door handle peeling apart, and the speakers suck as well.
I contacted the Better Business people and since my car is in the shop they're telling me they're going to wait and see if the car messes up again once its out(if it ever gets out). Its still under waranty and the customer service is so bad, i will work their for free just to help them. The woman for vw with my case contacted me and said she'd give me an extended warrenty package and I already bought the most expensive package... so she's trying to come up with something to compensate.... all i want is for them to buy the car back. Under the florida lemon law... three things have to be wrong with the same item... so it doesnt matter if you've taken a new car in for 40 things in two months... but my engine has had 3 problems so hopefully that will qualify.. I really hope I do not have to get a lawyer though.
I really wish the VW service center in Fort Walton Beach would get blown away by a hurricane.
If anyone has any information about the lemon law fight, please let me know what i am doing right or wrong. thanks...

canzman · October 2002

I posted about a week or so ago about my CEL trouble. I have had the Air intake pipe replaced as that was the first code... a week after that the light came on again and the code stated a new fuel pump regulator was needed. Now it has been week and the light came back on again this morning. I have the apointment to take the car in Tuesday but from reading here it sounds like I am having some of the same issues as some of you. If this many people are having the problem why has there been no recall? Is there anything we can do to make VW liable for these issues?

moparbad · October 2002

What engine do you have? The TDI is turbocharged and the 1.8T is turbocharged. The first thing you are doing wrong is going to the wrong dealer if you are having this many problems. Go to a different one if possible. The window regulator problem has a permanent fix available with a new more sturdy part and VW is fixing this for free even if your car is out of warranty. Peeling door handle will not qualify as a lemon. Three problems with the engine will not qualify either. You have to have problem 3 times with the same part and it has to be unfixed after the third time. Never heard of the "some rod" sunroof problem so I can't help you there.
Even if you were to get a buyback you will be assesed a depreciation and mileage devaluation. If you hate the car see if you can work out a trade with the dealer. I have two VW's a Golf and Jetta that are problem free except for the window issue.

vocus · October 2002

I was going through the whole Lemon Law thing a couple of months ago with my 2002 1.8T. I had copious and numerous rattles in the car, and it sat in the shop for almost 2 months of its 1 year with me. VW would not buy it back. They said the rattles didn't lower the selling value of the car, but they would keep fixing it as many times as they had to, and provide me with a loaner every single time.

They are going to tell you the same thing probably, especially since it's not the same thing breaking over and over again. I suggest you keep ALL paperwork, and get yourself a good lemon law lawyer. I did, and he went over my case and said it wouldn't hold water as well.

Now for the good news: VW finally fixed my car right! I am happy that they did, because I really do like the car alot.

Maybe you do need to go to a different dealer. That's what I did.

And ANY time VW keeps your car overnight, you get a loaner car. Call VWoA and they will tell you this. It's part of your basic warranty.

neubiespeed · October 2002

Howdy gang. I just purchased a 2000 GLS and am loving it so far, especially glad I bought the 5spd. My question is, on the 5spd models, does the cruise control light not come on when you turn on the cruise control? I had a 2000 Cougar which did not show a light when active, but also had a 2001 Acura CL which did... anyone with a 5spd who knows?

jskho · October 2002

was a mid-year addition during the 2001 model year. Previous year models do not have the light on the dash.

neubiespeed · October 2002

Thanks jskho. Particularly annoying as they reference it in the owner's manual... argh. Guess I'll have to be happy with just "adding" the extra brake lights via the defunct rear fog lamp sockets.

teri12 · October 2002

I bought a VR6 Jetta Sedan Platinum Metallic fully loaded. It does in manual mode 0-60 in 6.3 seconds and in automatic 0-60 in 7.3 seconds. Car runs real smooth and has tons of bells and whistles. My friends love driving it and I have the seats memorized for my wife and best pal. If you like VW go for the VR6 Jetta fully loaded. With 3.9% 60 months financing its a steal. I also bought Bumper to Bumper warranty 5 years 150,000 miles for $1379 from Warranty Gold. New Diamond Plan is the best. Gonna travel in style with this car, its for keeps. My friend drives a 1998 suped up Corvette and loves to drive my VR6 when we go out. Its a smooth fun ride.

anonymous02 · October 2002

"Guess I'll have to be happy with just "adding" the extra brake lights via the defunct rear fog lamp sockets."

Huh? How does that make up for not having the cruise control light? Or what is that all about? Or, how is that related. ????/

neubiespeed · October 2002

it's not related to the cruise light. the point of mentioning it was that I find it odd VW would make available accessories (cruise indicator, euro fog lamp) that are inoperable on NA models. At least with the euro fog, you can run a jumper from the brake light to get "extra" brake lights on your Jetta's tail lamps.

anonymous02 · October 2002

still not getting it.

3 are not enough?

rear fog lights?

anonymous02 · October 2002

Just got back from getting tires.

The guy pulled me aside and said the bearings and rear bushings were shot, and the bearings were the worst he had ever seen in his life. He said to take the car right home, and park it until able to get this addressed.

Let's see:
eats brakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
fuel pump stranded the wife in strange area
exhaust is tough to keep from rattling
radio dial broke off
transmission leaky
smoke starting to appear on start up
leaky gas tank
dealership rude, asks personal questions (about wife's underwear)

teri12 · October 2002

I have a 2003 Jetta Sedan VR6. This car has no problems so far at 5k miles. Dealers a nice and I enjoy all the "Bells and Whistles" that came with the fully loaded option. Sorry I can't relate to some people here who have troubles with their car, but me and my wife love our Jetta.

vocus · October 2002

You have an MKIII though (1996, I think). Those cars did seem to have alot of quality control problems for some reason.

Also, the extra "brake" lights are in the MKIVs, at the bottom of the taillamps. You can wire those up for fogs, and get something called a "Euroswitch" for $50 or so. Go to http://www.budmod.com for the Euroswitch. The light switch is extremely easy to change as well.

vocus · October 2002

I have a 2002 1.8T Tiptronic Jetta. I had some problems with rattles when I first got it, but I still love the car alot. Continues to impress friends, family, co-workers, and clients alike. Has 24,100 miles on it, and will have had it for a year on November 3. It is my first VW, and (despite the problems I had with it when new), not my last!

Enjoy your ride. And come join us at http://www.vwvortex.com. Everything you ever would wanna know about VWs, you will find there.

fish8 · October 2002

When I had my Jetta in for the 5K service last week they replaced the seat bracket/frame because my seat was moving slightly when braking and accelerating. This past weekend I noticed that in the process of the dealer removing the seat they scratched(down to metal) my door jam as well as the plastic door peices next to the door jam and also failed to replace a plastic covering fully that covers some sort of bracket next to the drivers door/seat. They actually installed the covering but did not correctly attach it so it "whiggles" drastically. I also called the dealer back friday to schedule an appointment to have them "readdress" my rattles in my dash and door mid speaker. On the way home Friday, I could not bare the mid speaker rattles anymore. Mechanically my car is a gem (knock on wood). I am still waiting on my service advisor to call me back.

njjetta · October 2002

I haven't been on the board for quite awhile but I am starting to have a problem with my 2001 2.0 5 speed. I've got about 22k miles and every now and then I can't downshift into 3rd. Not a problem on the way up - only downshifting. No extra push seems to help. This car has been babied and has no other problems but I'm wondering if this is heading in the wrong direction. Any other similar experiences? And by the way - judging from the number of power windows that have fallen in the doors should I be happy with the nuisance of roll up windows or does it happen to them as well??

8u6hfd · October 2002

Basically rear running lights at full brake light intensity. During foggy and heavy rainy situations...it allows better visibility of the car.

Many cars in the US has this, from the Olds Aurora (the current model) to the Elantra GT, to Saabs, Mercedes, Jags, Volvo....

extra brake lights....see this link

http://www.geocities.com/thisistan/rearfogs.html

garysvw · October 2002

I have a 2000 Jetta VR6 and have experienced too many bs problems. I am looking for assistance in troubleshooting the trunk light/indicator. Neither the light on the dash or the light in the trunk works. I have checked the fuses and bulbs and both are good. I cannot locate the switch anywhere in the trunk and I am too cheap to buy a repair manual. Any suggestions? Also, the center arm rest spring latch has broken twice and the cupholder on the dashboard is now broken. My most recent problem is the vanity mirror light is not working--not a bad bulb either. Way too many problems for a car of this price.

battalax2000 · October 2002

Have a 2001 Jetta Vr6 with 47,000miles. I was putting on about 120 miles a day / 6 days a week for about a year..so they are all highway miles..car is less than 2 years old, and at 41,000miles my check engine light comes on. car's acceleration is terrible now, and my A.M radio reception is now lousy. Smithtown VW replaced knock sensor, cam sensor, knock sensor. In that order, all after about 20 miles the check engine comes on again..acceleration is still terrible. These guys are professionals? $650 bucks later they take the car in for 10 days, now they think a wire in the harness is shorting. But it is in the harness so they have to replace the whole thing...$1100 dollar job...finally got VW to "good will"me the harness at $400. got the car back 10 days later accelerating better. but they did not hook up speedometer. told the dealership I thought the 8 hours labor was unfair, since they just kept replacing sensors that already costy me $650 needlessly....Lou the service mgr could care less. and in between all this my window falls into my door...apparently the plastic that holds up the windows is shattering on a lot of vehicles. I was pissed could not get my window up...I have leather interior, what if it rains? They fixed it supprisingly enough that day in 3 hours....anyway after they did the harness, 10 miles later...guess what....check engine on again...and I find out they set back the timing or something so that I would not notice the loss of acceleration as much...I used to redline at 65oorpm they set it back to about 5100rpm...did not even notify me...seems a bit much....the smithtown dealership in NY is terrible, service is the worst .....the whole ordeal with the unfair pricing led me to telling my story to someone in the showroom, and they went crazy...when I asked the for my receipt on the window repair they refused, so I told them I would not leave without it...and they called the police....what customer service..anyway got to tell my story to 3 other police officers...who would not by a car from that dealership...guess I got something accomplished..any one having similar complaint son windows, radio reception shorting out sensors...service similar to what I got at SMITHTOWN VW in NY? VW customer service is of no help, they say they can do nothing about dealerships the yare independent franchises? Who polices the dealerships? doesn't VW of america care...finally got an address from germany, will keep them posted...and they tell me ther eis no one else I can talk to ..no mediators? is this true....? I kno wI am rambling but I am so frustrated at this point....Thsi car was great till I got to 40000 miles...is that all $26.5K gets me? someone please help......

foghorn48 · October 2002

Have a friend looking to replace a totalled 96 Jetta with a 98. Any particular problems with this MY? When did VW start producing these in Mexico? Are they less reliable than the passat? Thanks for any and all info.

jetta1234 · October 2002

I bought a VW Jetta 2.0L brand new, I noticed oil problems at about 10,000km. The problem i noticed is oil was disappearing. I have No Oil leaks what so ever, haven't noticed Blue smoke, there isn't any black around the muffler, I took it to the dealer, they checked and couldn't find anything wrong. They told me it's part of the break in process, i should expect some oil to disappear. At 17,500km had it into the dealer again they checked and topped up the oil to monitor it once again, today 2,600km later, the oil level is below the low indicator on the dip stick. I'm sorry but i don't think that a full tank of oil is going to disappear after driving under 3000km.
If anyone has any comments on this it would be appreciated... I'm ready to get rid of this car before it turns into more problems. I'd like to mention i had a 97 Jetta GT before trading it in, i had no problems with it, i should have kept it.

xp2001 · October 2002

I am having continuous problem with Rear Window Defogger for last one year. It came broke on delivery, so far dealer changed fuse three times without trying to find the source, fourth time they changed some kind of switch. After three days it is broke again. Anybody with similar issue.

nippononly · October 2002

reliability of Jettas way below that of passats

jetta1234: going from full to low on the dipstick os only about one quart of oil, not a whole tank. HOWEVER, one quart of oil consumption in 2500km on a car this young is unacceptable - you should push to get the dealer to do something more about this.

vocus · October 2002

Take the car to the dealer, and they will run a consumption test on it. If the car is using more than 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles, this is considered high consumption. They will then take steps from there to rectify it.

zoomer300 · October 2002

Our 2001 VR6 is coming up to 35,000ks. So far, one water pump which went went in fine style just after pulling off the highway after a high speed 400k trip. Wind noise is terrible at any speed over 120kph (70) almost acceptable at 100kph (60) but who drives at 100kph? The traffic on our 401 highway typically moves at about 140 as for Quebec!!! Brakes that cannot be modulated properly(impossible when cold), both front wheels locked up on glare ice with so little pressure the ABS did not activate. Rattles and creaks abound. This car has more rattles and creaks than my old Camrey with 300,000Ks (still running strong according to the purchaser) about 30% being over dirt roads. I hate to think what the Jetta will be like after 300,000ks .I don't drive dirt roads any more , probably just as well! Service is ambivalent, however they did rise to the Occasion to fix the water pump(once one had been located), could this be a weakness.

Performance and handling (a bit untidy) are more than acceptable with the 17" wheels and sport suspension. Comfort is surprisingly good, I have driven this car for 20hrs non-stop without undue fatigue. As for the back seat, the Jetta is probably the worlds only 4 door 2 seater! The problems I have seen posted relate mainly to build quality, perhapse VW should move production to Canada (as with Honda and Toyota etc.) from Mexico before its too late. Its interesting to note that VW is the only import to lose market share (a significant loss, nearly 20%) this year.

moparbad · October 2002

Huh? The Passat 1.8T and 2.8L V6 are both used in the Jetta. The engines are made in Germany for both the Passat and Jetta. Explain to me how the reliability is much lower on Jetta than Passat. Passats even have the windows that go clunk into the the door like the Jetta and Golf.

nippononly · October 2002

engine blocks are generally not the issues with the jettas - auto transmissions, myriad electrical problems, etc etc

jlam1 · October 2002

I have a rattle when I go over bumps and it appears to be coming from the driver window and the passenger window. It didn't do this when I first got it. Anybody else had this problem? Will volkswagen try to fix it?

fish8 · October 2002

Does the noise sound like rubber seals rubbing against each other. That's how mine sounds. It is a common Jetta problem.

anonymous02 · October 2002

Have you tried spraying some silicone on there?

fish8 · October 2002

No, but I have tried Zymol seal moisturizer and it did not work.

moparbad · October 2002

Jetta and Passat 1.8T and V6 share transmissions and share engines and the the engines are pre wired when the arrive at the factory, they just drop in to the cars. The engine does not show up as an engine block, they are completely assembled and even have oil in them. The same components made by Bosch, Siemens and others are installed into both models. Simply sticking the Passat or Jetta badge on the outside of the car does not affect the failure rate of components. Which model VW do you own, Jetta or Passat and where are you obtaining your reliability data?

nippononly · October 2002

see where the trannies come from for the Mexican Jettas.

'95 Jetta - auto transmission failed at 72K, digital odometer at 36K, half the windows at 50K. Various lights stopped working somewhere in there too.

Friend: '97 Jetta - transmission failure at 68K, numerous shorts in the electricals that left a Christmas-like array of warning lights on the dash at any given time. Broken power windows and moonroof. All the rear exterior lights failed and that was the last straw.

Consumer Reports - that's right, I know they are reviled, but check them out - all little black dots, even on last year's models...the only reliability problem on passat that is shared with Jetta and new Beetle is electrical problems and "integrity", which is buttons breaking and the like.

Ever wonder why, when you check out used Jettas, it is so common for warning lights to be on on the dash? Invariably, the seller always says "Oh, that is OK, it drives fine, those have been on for a while"...well guess what, they DO mean something, it is just a question of how long you can ignore them...

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