Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

vocus · January 2003

The wagons are built in Wolfsburg, Germany. Get one of those.

target3 · January 2003

suck! Even Audi ones. IMO.

Ditto on mini-vans.

afordan · January 2003

I just bought my first VW. It's a 2003 VW Jetta GLS with automatic transmission (AT). Here is my problem. When I'm on an incline and at a stop, I experience roll back of the car before it goes forward. It's exactly the same type of roll back you experience with a stick shift when you don't properly time the release of the clutch and press on the accelerator. This is the first car with AT I've driven where this happens. I spoke to the VW Service Dept and they said this is normal for VWs. Is that true?

carlito_g · January 2003

Have the Wolfsburg 4 cylinder turbo with the check engine light coming up 3 times now in the last 7000 miles - currently have 26000 miles. should i sell this thing? got a tuneup at 19000 miles (under warrantee), 2nd check engine light was at 25500 miles and was a $525 job (air valve), 3rd check engine light was a week later - will find out what it is going to cost tomorrow.

balticjetta18t · January 2003

SAY THAT YOU OWNED STOCK IN ANY WORLDWIDE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER THAT PRODUCED WAGONS THAT MADE BIG PROFITS ESPECIALLY IN MAJOR CITIES SUCH AS NEW YORK AND BOSTON...THEN I THINK YOU WOULD LOVE THOSE WAGONS...IMO...

vocus · January 2003

I have an 02 automatic Jetta, and it does the same thing. Normal.

fowvay · January 2003

jcritchie, to tell where your car was built you can simply look at the first digit of the serial number.
W = Germany
3 = Mexico
9 = Brazil

Passat/Jetta Wagon are German built.
Jetta sedan/Beetle are Mexican built.
Golf/Golf GTI are Brazilian built (for N. American Market)

afordan · January 2003

Thanks for your feedback. I have to say it's a little unnerving; but now that I now to expect it, I'm sure I'll get used to it. Otherwise, I'm really enjoying the Jetta (except for the cupholder

sealeli · January 2003

Anyone out there with a Jetta 1.8 with recurring engine light/fuel/turbo problems? I am currently working with corporate and the BBB to have my auto (Wolfsburg Edition 2001 Jetta 1.8T) replaced, but would still find some comfort financially and otherwise if there were a way to permanently fix the vehicle.
I am told that until software updates are made, which are not yet ready by the manufacturer, that initial shuddering may take place during a cold start.
My vehicle has < 25,000 miles, and not only has the noted cold start difficulty, it also loses power initially until totally warmed up and has cut off in the driveway and the street on several occasions. Letting it warm up in the driveway does not seem to make a difference as far as the loss of power when accelerating, it has to be driven for a while to stop stalling out. Also, everytime I pick it up from service the check engine light comes back on within a few days.
So far, the dealership has replaced the Electronic control module twice, replaced the whole turbo unit, a turbo valve, resealed the o-rings in the turbo, replaced the mass airflow meter 3 times, the front 02 sensor twice, the rear 02 sensor, and the temperature gauge to "remedy" the problem?
Any advice, aside from the clear lemon law case? The car handles great after I drive it to warm it up about 10 minutes, and unfortunately even with lemon law I will experience some loss financially due to the mileage on the vehicle...should I just give up on fixing it? Anyone out there with similar complaints and/or suggestions for the 1.8 T?
Thanks for any assistance.

balticjetta18t · January 2003

Do you know your engine code? It is in the front of your maintenance booklet. My engine is AWW which has the ULEV rating and came out of the Puebla factory Oct/Nov 2000 as a 2001 Model yr. I only had one time a power loss issue with shuddering under acceleration only. The dealer hooked the car up to computer and found a fouled spark plug. They replaced it and purged the car computer fault code and I was on my way in a total of 45min. No more of this has happened knocking on wood. Check that engine code out and ask the dealer about coil packs too.

target3 · January 2003

Yes, I would enjoy such profits. But I can say with certainty that I would, and will never, own a station wagon.

huxley123 · January 2003

I am thinking of buying a 99 Jetta GLS -- 57K. Dealer is asking for $11,100.

I love the handling and the styling of the car, but I am a bit concerned about the overall reliability of VWs. I have very hectic schedule and cannot afford a car that has to be taken to the dealership every other month.

Any comments from owners of 99 Jetta GLS or similar models would be welcome.

Thank You.

shawnmalone · January 2003

I own two 1999 GLS Jettas with the 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmissions.

In terms of service, each car has needed to go to the dealer twice in the almost 3 years that I owned them. The service was completed in one day each time.

If the Jetta you're buying has already had the window regulators replaced, then the most common problem with this model has already been addressed and shouldn't give you any more trouble.

Based on my own experience and what I read in these boards, you may spend one additional day at the car repair shop every 18 months over what you would expect from a similarly priced Honda or Toyota.

Just my opinion ....

justin · January 2003

is this a NEW JETTA, or a 99 Gen III Jetta? if it is a NEW Gen IV Jetta GLS, and you have the window regs replaced, you might do just fine. the price seems high to me, but the car, if maintained, might be just as good as a Honda or whatever else with 57k miles. my 99 Gen IV New Jetta GLS didn't give me problems, even window problems, except for tires and a moldy substance on the headliner. oh, and the check engine light because i ran it out of gas. it went away after i filled it up twice and screwed the cap in TIGHT.

good luck.

fish8 · January 2003

About 3 months ago I was experiencing a rattle in the engine bay when my tach hit 2100 RPM. The dealer said it was something like an oil pan that was loose. It was tightened with some sort of "lock" tape. Now, when my engine tachs between 2800-3000 I again hear a slight rattle. With my previous experience, this will get worse. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I am about 800 miles away from my 10K service......so I will get it looked at then.

It's a pain though to have to leave my car at the dealer to have them look at this rather than just wait for the oil change.......

shawnmalone · January 2003

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Yes, one of my Jettas had a similar rattle. One techncian called it an oil pan cover, and another service writer called it a heat shield. Anyway, it can get loose when you drive over a speed bump or similar object. The dealer fixed it when I brought the car in for routine service.

fish8 · January 2003

That is the same explanation the dealer gave me. I find it very difficult to understand how this could happen twice.

rocko144 · January 2003

Have 2002 Jetta 1.8 turbo with 16,800 miles. Engine light came on and began running bad. Dealer said bag ignition coil and replaced after advising of three week wait. Dealer said nationwide problem with Jetta. O.K. for two weeks and same problem. Dealer said ignition coil again. Anyone have this same problem?

bpeebles · January 2003

(rocko144) Yes, there was a batch of defective ignitor coils that were intalled on the 1.8T engine. Since the 1.8T is an Audi engine, this problem affects Audi and VWs the world over.

If I am not mistaken, there is one ignitor for each sparkplug. Since there are 4 of them, you have 3 more of the possible devective ones that may fail after the first one was replaced.

balticjetta18t · January 2003

It seems as if most 02 Jetta 1.8t's are affected... I have not seen anyone with an 00, 01, or an 03 with an issue. My car was produced as an 01 model in 0ct/Nov 00 and I have not had a coil issue.

fish8 · January 2003

I made an appt to bring my car in to the dealer tomorrow for the rattle coming form the engine bay. It sounds like the same thing that happened 3000 miles ago.

karilynlizet · January 2003

Hello Lisa:
I need advise from you regarding Lemon Law, it seems you have much experience that I do! you
wrote on you message "unfortunately even with lemon law I will experience some loss financially due to the mileage on the vehicle..." Can you please explain further? I will file a case for Lemon Law with my 2002 Jetta 1.8T I have similar problems as your car pluse coil problems. My question is, eventhough you get a new car under lemon law for your old vehicle, do they deduct milage used?

thanks!

mdaffron · January 2003

In my state and many others, the Lemon Law does not result in the award of a new car to you. The Lemon Law results in a dealer "buy-back" of your car, minus a mileage adjustment. You can then take your money and purchase whatever you want -- and I doubt many folks would go back and buy the same make and model again!

Meade

balticjetta18t · January 2003

I investigated through the BBB Better Business Bureau and the percentage of the price you paid for the vehicle is adjusted by your current mileage divided by 100,000. Basically if you have 25k miles it would be 25% off of say $20,000 which results in $15,000 paid back. Of course they will pay your loan company off first and you get the scrap money left over.

pokerdoc · January 2003

For the first time since I've owned the car, the CEL has come on. I did a check of all fluids and fuses as best as I could and found nothing out of the ordinary. Now, previously in the week we had a major drop in temperature here,(in Knoxville, TN), down to single digits. There was also snow. Next day, still cold, but all's better, but when I start my car after all the lights go off the temp light stays on. The manual says to check antifreeze/coolant, but my system is a closed one so I can't. However, after I stopped the car then re-started it the light went away.
And now, the CEL. I called the dealership here and they said that if it's not flashing it's no big deal. Having had a previous bad experience with a Chevy Corsica and it's CEL, I'm skeptical.
Suggestions? Comments?

vocus · January 2003

There's no way whatsoever to check the coolant? Weird. I thought there would be an overflow bottle or something. That's the way my 02 is.

The CEL could mean you didn't tighten the gas cap when refueling the last time. Flashing is bad news, but with it on that's not as bad.

bpeebles · January 2003

(pokerdoc) The symptoms you explain are typical of the antifreeze being a tad low in the resivour.

You are correct that it is a 'sealed' system but that just means that you do not check the level in the radiator... instead you check the overflow tank. (resivour)

There is a sensor that checks the level in the resivour. If the level is right on the edge of triggering the sensor, cold weather will make the antifreeze contract (level go down) and trigger the alert.

Just put a splash of antifreeze in the resivour and you will be all set. If your dealer is any good, they will do this for you at no charge. It will take less than 2 cups of fluid to fix the problem.

fish8 · January 2003

When is the change interval for the coolant in the '02 Jetta? I believe it's 100,000 miles...

8u6hfd · January 2003

I don't think the owner's manual specifies a coolant change interval for the 02 Golf & Jetta.

fish8 · January 2003

Really? I'll look later when I go out to my car?

carlito_g · January 2003

An update for those interested. After having the engine light turn on at 19000 (tuneup) and 26000 (air valve replacement) I had the light on again at 26200 miles The dealer updated the software and cleaned the engine as they felt there had been a intake carbon buildup - the term used was decarbonization. they don't know why. Haven't had any problems for the next 500 miles. However it appears to be a problem with the Wolfsburg - (see similar message 2455)

vocus · January 2003

Not sure about that. I know the brake fluid is every 2 years, whatever mileage you are at.

Keep in mind that VW's major services are 40/80/120 and not the typical 30/60/90...

cme7100 · January 2003

In July we bought a jetta wagon and since had the transmission replaced and a list of other problems. I've heard of other websited that vw owners can go to. does anyone know of any? And has anyone had this problem with their car? VW customer service is the worst. Please help! you can email me at theelliotts2@dfnow.com. Thanks.

fowvay · January 2003

The G12 coolant found in the newer (1996 and newer) VW/Audi vehicles has a 4 year service life. This product was originally formulated by the BASF company in Austria and is marketed through BASF as Glysantin G30. It is stated clearly on the liter packages of this product that it is good for 4 years. Search the internet for Glysantin.

The Glysantin product is produced in Pittsburgh for the North American market by the Ashland Chemical company, the same company that makes Valvoline products. They package and sell the Glysantin G30 only to the VW/Audi dealerships through VW/Audi of North America.

vocus · January 2003

The coolant in my 02 is the pink stuff, 5 years/120K miles. So that's probably when you change it...

saraht · January 2003

I have a 2002 Jetta 1.8T. Last month it started to run poorly and the CEL was flashing. I took it in and the dealer told me I had to have two coils replaced. I didn't get my car back for three weeks. On Monday the same thing happened. I took it back in and they replaced another coil. I got it back today. The problem is that they replaced one of the coils that had been replaced only a few weeks ago! The dealer told me he had just started to see people come back to have new coils replaced and that they are beginning to think it is not the coils that are defective. Anyone else hear about this or have similar problems? I think I might sell my car now before I spend too much longer at the repair shop (this was the fourth time in the year that I have owned the car that it has been in the shop). I would hate to have these problems continue beyond the warranty and it doesn't seem like they have a solution.

vocus · January 2003

Supposedly, the new "J" coils are the ones that are ok, and the "H" coils are the bad ones. I have heard one or two people complain about a coil go after it was replaced, but I don't know if it was an H or a J one though.

Regardless, this is getting a little out of hand now. They need to fix the car quickly, or do a recall or something.

Also, the W8 in the Passat and the 24V VR6 have had coil problems too, from what I have read.

fish8 · January 2003

Thats going to piss off some W8 owners. Paying all that money and have this problem.

vocus · January 2003

I would think what would piss them off even more, if they bought the car when it first came out and paid MSRP or close to it, is that the W8 models are being offered for $6-8000 off MSRP in different places now. I saw one on the site of the dealer where I bought my Jetta, and it was listed for $31,995...

justin · January 2003

..you wanna just buy some used Ford Taurus and be done with it! at least they are cheap to fix!

bszeto · January 2003

Hi all,

I'm contemplating taking over the lease of an early-2002 Jetta GLX with the 12-valve VR6 engine. It currently has 24K km. Does this version of the VR6 have the engine coil problem? What other problems should I be aware of? I need to know this since I am constantly on the going from one obligation to another and cannot afford to have the car break down on me.

Thanks in advance!

Bernard

justin · January 2003

the 12v VR6 is the most reliable VW engine you will be able to get your hands on. all i am gonna say.

the coils might be an issue here and there, just like with any car, but not a PLAGUE like the 1.8T engines...

with the old VR6 you MUST keep it maintained, and ask for service records. it will treat you well, even over the long haul, but you CANNOT abuse it. lovely sounding engine, thats for sure.

bszeto · January 2003

To all 12-valve VR6 Jetta owners: What is the correct maintenance schedule for the 12-valve VR6 engine? I got two different answers, both from reputable Volkswagen dealerships. As I mentioned in an above post, I'm contemplating taking over the lease of an early-2002 Jetta VR6 with 24k km and would like to know the maintenance pattern as one of my considerations to lease or not....

Answer 1: Maintenance every 16K km (10K mi)link:

http://www.arbourvw.com/en/service/entretien.shtml

Answer 2: Oil change every 8k km (5k mi), then oil change and maintenance 8k km after that):

http://www.sarniafinecars.com/Service/maintenance.htm

Also, is there an in-dash CD player in all 2002s?

bszeto

flaca · January 2003

I too had a new transmission put in at 21k miles. The check engine light turned on again - this is the 4th time in 6 months. Who has experienced this problems? (01 gls 2.0L)

farrell2280 · January 2003

I have a 2000 VW jetta GLS. I am very worried about this car based on what i have read. I have had some problems both fixed under warranty mass air flow meter/o2 sensor replaced. Also the car burns 1/2 quart of oil every thousand miles. The car has been problem free since april 2002, it went off warranty in july 02. The car is paid for but I don't know if I should keep it based on the problems this model has had. It was assembled in mexico. It has 29000 miles on it and is paid for. But I don't want to keep it if it will be a repair nigthmare. I don't know how to fix cars and I hear VW dealer prices are ridiculous. Please Help.

cards28 · January 2003

Justin,
Your message #2488 mentioned the 1.8T PLAGUE :-[. Does this plague sweep over into the 2003 Jetta GLS 1.8T??? What kind of problems??? My Jetta hadn't been on the road very long and wondering what symptoms I should be looking for with this engine???
Where else could you go, up and down the Internet, to get this kind of help and information! Isn't this fun??? ;-)

alyssazmom · January 2003

I would keep your Jetta since you have not had any problems in 9 months. Unless you WANT to get rid of your Jetta and are looking for a reason than reading this board will give you many to choose from. But other than that, I wouldn't panic or sell your car just yet. There are thouands of Jetta's that once the kinks are worked out, drive just fine for many many miles. I'm guessing you have a 2.0 engine? They are nortorious for burning oil quickly and as for as I know, there is no way to "fix" the oil burning problem.

Enjoy your Jetta

Carrie ~2002 Honda Civic EX Sedan owner

target3 · January 2003

"the coils might be an issue here and there, just like with any car, but not a PLAGUE like the 1.8T engines..."

Is this a joke? From what I have heard, the coils are the ONLY issue with the 1.8T, which has consistently been one of the top engines out there.

justin · January 2003

cards - don't worry just yet. don't panic! the coils are bad on the 03's, but there really is no rhyme or reason behind when they fail, IF they fail. you might NEVER have a problem. my advice to you - DO NOT go doing Internet Searches for VW problems. you almost "will them" to occur when you know about them. just like side effects on medicines. if your doctor doesn't mention side effects, you don't have them. if they say your stomach will hurt and you might get dry mouth, you most certainly will complain of stomach upset and cotton mouth

just enjoy your car while you can!

target - not joking. not laughing. god i wish i was

i call the 1.8T plague-ish because of the coils. you never know when you car will "catch the bug" and die. happens fast, and you never see it coming. NOTHING you can do to stop it either. but yes, outside of that small, but infamous issue, the engine is great.

vocus · January 2003

With all do respect, get your info worked out. The coils whose serial numbers start with "H" are the ones that are affected. The ones with "J" in the beginning of the serial number are the ones that will be ok. I have heard of some "J" coils failing, but this has not been proven. Until it is, we have to assume the "J" coils are ok.

The only way to check if yours are affected (and if you own an 02, you more than likely are) is to check the serial number directly on the ignition coil at the top by the connector. Don't ask me where the coils are though, I don't know personally. They are easy to get to though, I have heard.

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy