2000 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 451 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2000 reports, 27 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 35 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 7, 2014
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Campaign 14E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchMay 24, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 06V183000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, hazard flashing warning lights, switchDec 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HAZARD SWITCH AND FLASHER SYSTEM FUNCTION MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME BECAUSE OF DISTORTION AND MATERIAL TRANSFER OF THE CONTACTS OF CERTAIN HAZARD SWITCH RELAYS WHICH OCCURS DUE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOAD FROM HIGHER WATTAGE TURN SIGNAL BULBS.
THIS MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 04V584000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 20, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 04V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, owners/service/other manualSep 12, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 02V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
123 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2012
CAR WILL NOT START AFTER BEING DRIVEN FAR ENOUGH TO WARM-UP THE ENGINE. MUST WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES--UP TO AN HOUR--BEFORE IT WILL START AGAIN. THE PROCESS OF TRYING A RESTART RESULTS IN MUCH UNBURNED FUEL VAPOR IN THE EXHAUST STREAM. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING DOES NOT TURN ON OR OFF WITH THE OPENING OF A DOOR. HORN DOES NOT SOUND WHEN LOCKING THE CAR, AUTO-DRIVERS SEAT POSITIONING DOES NOT WORK. ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR PERFORMS QUITE WELL--GOOD ENGINE POWER, STEERING, ETC. HOWEVER, THE NON-STARTING AFTER BEING DRIVEN A DISTANCE COULD RESULT IN BEING STRANDED AND PLACED IN DANGER. *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK ABNORMALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE MASS FLOW AIR SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A VOLUNTARY MANUFACTURERS RECALL IN REGARDS TO PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. LESS THAN FOUR YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED YET THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ THE SENSOR LIGHT FOR THE MASS AIR FLOW REPLACED TWICE IN DECEMBER 2007 AND AGAIN IN JUNE 2011. UPDATED 07/25/11
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 26, 2010
I PURCHASED A 2000 VW JETTA ON 6/16/10. TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS & SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE, IT HAS HAD TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS: 2 FANS, ABS SENSOR WOULD COME ON & LOCK UP THE WHEELS, SO THE SYSTEM HAD TO BE UNPLUGGED, COOLANT SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED, A TRANSMISSION REPLACED & A CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST FOUND IT HAD BEEN TAKEN OUT PRIOR & 4 CYL PARTS WERE USED IN A 6 CYL VEHICLE, & THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST OF REPAIRS TO DATE ARE APPROX. $5,200 & I ONLY PAID $4,995 FOR THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD IN THE CONDITION IT WAS IN. THE SELLER FAILED TO DISCLOSE THAT THE VEHICLE HAD UNDERLYING PROBLEMS AFTER I INQUIRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE BUSINESS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES THE BUSINESS HAS SOLD LIKE THIS. I HAVE THIS VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS MORE THAN I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT & WHEN I PURCHASED IT, THE SELLER WAS AWARE I NEEDED A RELIABLE VEHICLE TO GET TO THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT VERY QUICKLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ADVISED HAVING IT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 5, 2010
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2000 VW JETTA THE TIMING BELT THAT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE SERVICED UNTIL 105K SNAPPED, DESTROYING THE ENGINE AND LEAVING THE CAR PARALYZED ON THE HIGHWAY. ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE WAS DONE AT DEALER FOR THIS CAR. IT HAD 89K WHEN THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OCCURRED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 11, 2009
MY 2000 JETTA GLS VR6 HAS ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS LOST POWER WHEN DRIVING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ON ALL THREE OCCASIONS, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE VW SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY COIL PACK AND WIRES. EACH TIME I REPLACED PAYING OVER $1000 OUT OF MY OWN POCKET, FOR WHAT IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE PART WITH THE VW COIL PACKS IN VR6 ENGINES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 17, 2009
I OWN A 2000 VR6 JETTA AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION COIL TWICE DUE TO THE DEFECTS OF THE IGNITION COIL CRACKING. I READ A COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THIS WEBSITE BACK IN 2005 AND IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE THE IGNITION COIL. WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, I LOST POWER AND IT STARTED TO STALL ON ME. I ALMOST GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE I PANIC. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT THAT RELIES ON MY CAR AND I TRAVEL 300 MILES TO COLLEGE. I NOTICED A LOT OF SPARKS BY THE IGNITION COIL AND I AM VERY SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE IT MIGHT CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE HELP!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE CHANGED ON THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY NOTICED THAT THE SIXTH VALVE WAS LOSING PRESSURE. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENGINE BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WITH THE NEW ENGINE WAS 2,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WITH THE OLD ENGINE WAS 188,000. UPDATED 08/21/09. *LJ DUE TO THE CYLINDER 5 FAILURE, THE ENGINE IS BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL, EMITTING SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE. THE ENGINE HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED, BUT PERFORMING POORLY. UPDATED 08/26/09. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2009
SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS PROBLEMS AND ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MOST TROUBLESOME AND EXPENSIVE IS THE COOLING SYSTEM. I HAVE HAD 3 DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS LOOK AT IT AND "FIX IT" ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR DO THE SAME THING. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DOES NOT INDICATE THAT THE CAR IS OVERHEATING, HOWEVER, IT MUST BE. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED MULTIPLE TIMES (ALMOST EVERYDAY IN MY COMMUTE TO FROM WORK AND SCHOOL), AFTER I SIT IN TRAFFIC OVER 20 MINUTES, OUT OF NOWHERE THE RADIATOR CAP BLOWS OFF THE COOLING RESERVOIR SPILLING THE LIQUID ALL OVER THE ENGINE AND CAUSING THE CAR TO SMOKE. I HAVE EVEN BURNED HAD A SECOND DEGREE BURN FROM HAVING TO PULL OVER AND OPENING THE TRUNK SO I CAN REFILL AFTER IT COOLS. SOMEONE HAS YET TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR YEARS, AGAIN ONLY TO HAVE MULTIPLE PEOPLE LOOK AT IT, AND NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM SOLVED. I WILL CRANK THE ENGINE BUT THE CAR WILL DIE OUT. BUT IF I HIT THE SPEED CONTROL TO SET THE SPEED IT WILL STAY ON. THE CAR WILL HESITATE AND I WILL START OFF SLOW THEN IT WILL GO AT NORMAL SPEED. LAST BUT NOT LEAST I HAVE GOTTEN PULLED OVER 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT. I HAVE REPLACED THESE BRAKE LIGHTS ALL RECENTLY BUT THEY WILL BURN OUT WITHIN DAYS WITH OUT ME KNOWING. IT IS HORRIBLE VEHICLE, I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO GET IT REPAIRED. EVERYTIME IT GOES IN THE SHOP IS FOR DAYS I HAVE TO GET A RENTAL CAR EVERYTIME. ENOUGH TO SAY THAT THE CAR RENTAL PEOPLE KNOW ME BY NAME! MY JOB AND SCHOOL ARE AFFECTED BY THIS EACH AND EVERYTIME. I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY EVERY TIME I GET IN THE CAR BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT! IT IS STRESSFUL AND RIDICULOUS HAVING TO DEAL WITH THIS. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 14, 2009
MY 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA NEEDED A FULL REPLACEMENT OF THE OIL PAN AND GASKET. THERE IS NO REASON THAT THIS PART SHOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO AT 121,000 MILES THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED AND VOLKSWAGEN HAD IT UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY UP TO 120,000 AND WOULD NOT REPLACE THE PART FOR ME. THERE IS NO REASON THESE PARTS SHOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. THE CAR HAS 129,500 MILES ON IT, HAS BEEN GARAGED, NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES ON IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 29, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE WORK. WHILE IT WAS BEING TEST DRIVEN AT 30 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT A SEAL FAILED, WHICH ALLOWED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHICH SEAL WAS AFFECTED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AND INSTALLED A NEW ENGINE. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE DUE TO NUMEROUS OTHERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 03/05/09 *CN THE ENGINE HAD 2 BROKEN RODS THE #3 AND #4 AND THERE WERE LARGE HOLES IN THE BLOCK. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO HYDRAULIC LOCK OR A VOLUME OF OIL GETTING IN THE CYLINDER AND STOPPING THE PISTON. UPDATED 03/12/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Nov 27, 2008
I OWN A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, THE CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, I REALIZE THE CAR IS OLD AND WAS BOUGHT AS IS IT STILL SHOULD MAINTAIN TO PROPERLY RUN. IT HAS CAUSED A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN THE CARS WATER PUMP FAILED WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DOING 75MPH, IT STARTED TO STALL I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE, I PULLED OVER THREW HEAVY TRAFFIC, IT WAS A 1000 DOLLAR REPAIR, I HAVE RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT A FAILED WATER PUMP, ALSO, THE CAR STARTS AND REVS AT 2000 RPMS OR IT HAS TROUBLE STARTING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY AND CANT FIND THE PROBLEM, ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS ARE NUMEROUS, I FEEL I SHOULD HAVE SOME COMPENSATION FROM THE VW CORPORATION AND ALL THE OTHER OWNERS OF A VW OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME ISSUES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL OF 2008, IT STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE CODE WAS LOCATED AT THE GAS THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,770.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2008, fire
MY 2000 VW JETTA WAS BEING DRIVEN TODAY BY MY FIANCE ON 295 SOUTH IN RHODE ISLAND. HE NOTICED THE COOLANT LIGHT COME ON, AND SO LOOKED AT THE TEMP GAUGE AND SAW THAT IT HAD NOT RISEN ANY HIGHER THAN NORMAL. AFTER KEEPING AN EYE ON THE GAUGE FOR A FEW MINUTES, HE NOTICED IT SUDDENLY DROP TO 0 AND SO HE PULLED OVER, FIGURING A HOSE HAD BROKEN OR SOMETHING TO THAT EXTENT. WHEN HE EXITED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED SOME BLACK SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND THE HOOD ITSELF STARTING TO BUBBLE FROM THE HEAT. THE CAR ITSELF BURST INTO FLAMES AT THAT POINT AND MY FIANCE HAD TO BACK AWAY FROM IT IMMEDIATELY FOR FEAR THAT IT WOULD EXPLODE. THE CAR HAD RECENTLY BEEN INSPECTED AND WAS WORKING PERFECTLY FINE EXCEPT FOR A SMALL COOLANT LEAK UP UNTIL TODAY, SO WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED SUCH A SUDDEN COMBUSTION. NO ONE WAS HURT, THANKFULLY, BUT IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR WENT FROM OPERATING NORMALLY TO BEING COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES, SO HE COULD VERY WELL HAVE BEEN HURT OR WORSE. THE FIRE DEPT AND STATE POLICE ARRIVED AND SECURED THE AREA, WHICH INCLUDED BLOCKING TRAFFIC COMPLETELY ON THE HIGHWAY FOR FEAR OF AN EXPLOSION, AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 7, 2008, fire
MY SISTER WAS KILLED IN A FIRE CAUSED BY A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. SHE FELL ASLEEP WITH THE CAR ON. THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND SHE WAS KILLED. THE INVESTIGATED ARE SAYING IT WAS A FAILURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 2-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT HAD TO RELEASE THEN REAPPLY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE EGR COOLER CLOGGED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CLEARED. THE CONTACT DROVE APPROXIMATELY TWENTY MILES, AND THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE EGR LEAKED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Tires, Oct 3, 2007
I PURCHASED A USED CERTIFIED 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IN JANUARY 2004, AFTER ONLY ONE WEEK OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE ACCELERATOR WAS MAKING A VIBRATING SOUND AND STALLING CONTINUOUSLY. OKAY, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE - I PURCHASED A USED TRANSMISSION AND THEN THE ENGINE THROTTLE FAILED AND THE CAR WOULDN'T EVEN START ONE DAY - HAD THAT REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE $1700. NO THE OLD PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. OKAY, THERE'S MORE, THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES WITHIN THREE YEARS, THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON, AIR BAG LIGHT ON, BRAKE LIGHT ON, LIGHTS AND FOG INTERIOR FUSES AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES, I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY INTO THIS VEHICLE - AND IT STILL IS RUNNING BADLY. AS OF TODAY, THE CAR WON'T MOVE WITHOUT WARMING IT UP FIRST FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES FULLY - WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR WITHOUT WARMING IT UP FIRST - IT WILL STALL AND MAKE A LOUD EMBARRASSING NOISE AS IF THE ENGINE IS GOING TO EXPLODE - AND YOU HAVE TO LITERALLY MAKE IT MOVE BY PRESSING VERY HARD ON THE ACCELERATOR AND PRAYING THAT IT WON'T JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND NEVER START AGAIN. MY VEHICLE HAS 117,000 MILES ON IT HAD 43,500 WHEN I BOUGHT IT (I KNOW STUPID WASN'T I) IT WAS MY FIRST VEHICLE. I KNOW A CAR IS NOT SUPPOSE TO LAST FOREVER, BUT DAM DOES IT HAVE TO COST SO MUCH TO TRY AND KEEP IT RUNNING UNTIL IT DIES. PLEASE HELP ME WITH ANY INFORMATION YOU MAY HAVE TO ASSIST ME IN THIS MATTER. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE COIL PACK FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 84,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2007
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON A 2 LANE UNDIVIDED HI-WAY; ENGINE CUT OUT, WITHOUT WARNING OF ANY KIND (1.9 LITRE DIESEL-2000 JETTA) THIS OBVIOUSLY CAUSED AN UNSAFE SITUATION. VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT START. DEALER REPAIRED BY REPLACING POWER RELAY FOR ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (RELAY 109). HAVE RESEARCHED THIS RELAY ON VARIOUS SITES, AND FOUND DOZENS OF FAILED RELAYS, SOME IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. APPARENTLY, THE ORIGINAL BLACK RELAY FAILS, NEW RELAY IS A CHANGE UP (GREY IN COLOUR). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2007, fire
OWNER'S SON WAS DRIVING VOLKSWAGEN AND IT STARTED OVERHEATING. DURING THE COURSE OF THE EVENING, HE TRIED A FEW TIMES TO LET CAR COOL DOWN AND THEN CONTINUE DRIVING, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO OVERHEAT. HE MANAGED TO CONTINUE DRIVING AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VOLKSWAGEN. HE SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND COASTED TO A STOP. HE GOT OUT AND NOTICED SPARKS DRIPPING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FIRE. CAUSE UNDETERMINED, BUT SPARK PLUGS SHOWED EVIDENCE OF A RICH AIR/FUEL MIXTURE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 5, 2007, fire
OWNER TRIED TO START ENGINE AFTER VEHICLE SITTING UNUSED FOR ONE WEEK. ENGINE WOULD NOT START, SO OWNER JUMP-STARTED IT AND LET IT RUN APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES. OWNER THEN DROVE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 8 MINUTES AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE AND THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. PULLED OVER AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS OVERHEATED AND SHOWED BLUE HEAT DISCOLORATION. PLASTICS AND CARPET ON CENTER FLOOR OF PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WERE BURNED.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 2, 2006
AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES AS I WAS DRIVING UPHILL THE ENGINE FELT AS IF IT WAS FAILING AND LOSING POWER. IT REGAINED POWER, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC, AND FOUND MANY CODES ON IT, BUT NOTHING WRONG. HE CLEARED OUT THE COMPUTER AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I NOW HAVE 87,000 MILES AND HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM CONTINUOUSLY. NOW, I HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR REGULARLY BY MY MECHANIC TO HAVE THE COMPUTER CLEARED OUT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 2 DAYS AFTER HE CLEARED IT LAST TIME. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BUT THAT THEY HAVE HAD THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 16, 2006, fire
AFTER COMING UP A STEEP HILL IN A HEAVY SNOWSTORM, THE ENGINE OF MY 2000 GLS V6 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED UP. THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND WELL SERVICED. I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AND THERE WAS NO SIGN OR SMELL OF SMOKE. AFTER THE THIRD TRIP OUT TO THE CAR TO UNLOAD GROCERIES, SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT FROM THE HOOD. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE OR MY HOME WOULD HAVE BURNED TO THE GROUND. DESPITE THE COLD TEMPERATURES AND SNOWSTORM OUTSIDE, FLAMES SOON BEGAN TO DROP BELOW THE CAR FROM THE ENGINE AND FLAMES 8 FEET HIGH ENGULFED THE FRONT HALF OF THE CAR BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD PUT OUT THE FIRE. JUST BEFORE ARRIVING HOME, BY LOW GAS LIGHT CAME ON (IT WAS EXPECTED), BUT NO WARNING APPEARED ABOUT THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ENGINE. I WOULD HAVE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER HAD THERE BEEN A HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING. THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS NORMAL. BECAUSE OF THE UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, I BELIEVE THE COOLING SYSTEM IS FAULTY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Feb 23, 2006
1) I PURCHASED A VW TDI WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF A BAD TURBO AND AN INTERMITTENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I HAD THE CAR SEVEN MONTHS AND PUT 12,984 MILES ON IT WITH NO PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE CAR DIAGNOSED AS TO WHY THE C.E. LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN ASKED ABOUT REPAIRING THE TURBO BY THE COUNTER MAN I TOLD HIM I INTEND TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT BREAKS THEN HAVE IT REPAIRED. I ASKED HIM IF THERE WOULD BE A PROBLEM DOING THAT HE EXPLAINED TO ME THE CAR WOULD BE SLUGGISH THEN NOT RUN. VW DIAGNOSED MY CAR AS HAVING A "TURBO WASTE GATE BLOWN" I DEFERRED THE REPAIR INTENDING TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE TURBO WENT. 2) ON THE WAY HOME, SIX MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR RAN SLIGHTLY ROUGH. I OBSERVED LIGHT SMOKE COMING FROM MY CAR IN THE HEAD LIGHTS OF THE CARS BEHIND ME. I DEDUCTED MY CAR WAS BURNING CARBON SINCE CARBON BUILD UP WAS NOTED ON THE REPORT. I SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR RACED FORWARD. I IMMEDIATELY REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR RACED FORWARD SO QUICKLY AND WITH SUCH FORCE I WOULD COMPARE IT TO A MUSCLE CAR BEING FLOORED. THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. I LOOKED AT THE TACHOMETER AND IT WAS GOING BY 4,000 RPM. THIS DIESEL ENGINE WAS SCREAMING. INSTINCTIVELY I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE ENGINE REVVED THEN BLEW. I WAS 7 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP. SERVICE MANGER STATED THAT A GASKET IN THE TURBO LET GO CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SUCK OIL FROM THE CRANKCASE FUELING THE ENGINE. HE TOLD ME THAT NOTHING COULD STOP THE ENGINE FROM REVVING NOT EVEN TURNING OFF THE KEY. HE TOLD ME THAT ALL DIESEL ENGINES WERE MADE THIS WAY. THERE IS NOTHING VW COULD DO FOR ME. I CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE, LEVEL 2 OPERATOR TOLD ME SINCE I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE TURBO BEING BROKEN THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. 3) MY CAR IS SITTING WITH A BLOWN ENGINE AND A BLOWN TURBO. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 15, 2005
VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2000. VEHICLE RAN LOW ON OIL AT 1500 MILES. FILED COMPLAINT ABOUT EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION FOR A NEW VEHICLE. VEHICLE NOW HAS 66,000 MILES AND BURNS ONE QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. THIS HAS HAPPENED FROM THE DAY OF PURCHASE. MECHANIC HAS STATED THAT THIS IS WITHIN SPECS, BUT MAY DAMAGE POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. I FIND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON-LINE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. *JB