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, Aug 8, 2001, fire
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2001
ENGINE MOUNTS FAILED. *YH
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 18, 2001
DEALERS OPENLY ACKNOWLEGE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR MAP SENSORS ON GAS AND DIESEL ENGINES, BUT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA INTERNALLY REFUSES TO RECALL THIS ITEM. THE SAME COMPLAINTS ARE MADE ABOUT THE VERY COMMON RELAY 109 FUSE FAILURES, WHICH VOLKSWAGENW IS LIKEWISE PUTTING OFF. PLEASE FORCE THEM TO RECALL THESE TWO ITEMS THAT HAVE COST ME PLENTY OF OUT OF POCKET MONEY, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A RIP-OFF OF ALL CONSUMERS BY VW OF AMERICA AND THEY NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR IGNORANCE OF THESE OBVIOUS PROBLEMS! *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 17, 2001
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 23 MPH, PASSING A COMBINE, SHIFTED TO SECOND GEAR AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. APPLIED BRAKES AND STOPPED PASSING PROCESS. DEALER REPLACED MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. DEALER HAD REPLACED NUMEROUS SENSORS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Structure, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2001
BOTH REAR DOOR PANELS VIBRATE--DEALER UNABLE TO FIX. ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED--TEMP. SENSOR REPLACED BY DEALER. PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED TWO DAYS LATER--DEALER REPLACED TEMP. SENSOR. PASSANGER FRONT WINDOW WENT DOWN AND WOULDN'T GO UP--DEALER FIXED. THREE MONTHS LATER, WINDOW WENT DOWN AGAIN--DEALER FIXED. AIR CONDITIONER EMINATES MUSTY SMELL--DEALER SAYS PROBLEM IS DUE TO A PLUGGED DRAIN HOLE IN A/C UNIT--WILL NO FIX. REAR PASSANGER DOOR LEAKS A THICK, GREASY SUBSTANCE. B-PILLAR TRIM VIBRATES ON DRIVER SIDE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2001
MY 2000 VW JETTA WITH 2.0 LITER ENGINE IS SUFFERING SAME FATE AS MANY OTHERS, EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I FOLLOWED MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS BY HAVING MY FIRST OIL CHANGE / SERVICING AT APPROX. 5000 MILES. AT 8190, OIL LIGHT FLASHED AND I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION...DIPSTICK WAS DRY. ADDED 2 FULL QUARTS OF OIL TO BRING BACK TO NORMAL. VW HAS BEGUN AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST ON MY CAR.
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2001
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND EMISSIONS WORK SHOP WARNING KEEPS COMING ON. EACH TIME I TAKE THE CAR IN THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT ITS A DIFFERENT REASON THE LIGHT IS COMING ON. TO DATE THEY HAVE MADE THREE DIFFERENT REPAIRS TO THE CAR AND NONE OF THEM HAVE WORKED. I RECEIVED THE LAST CHECK ENGINE/EMISSIONS WORKSHOP ON 4/10/01 AND CAR IS IN THE SHOP BEING FIXED.*AKY
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 9, 2001
VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER FOUND NOTHING. CONSUMER THEN WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHO DID OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, AND AFTER 6 VISITS FOUND BRAKE IN SEALING RING IN ENGINE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2001
OIL LIGHT CAME ON APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES AFTER CONSUMER HAD OIL CHANGED IN VEHICLE. PRIVATE MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT ENGINE WAS BURNING OIL, AND WAS ABOUT READY TO BLOW UP. THERE WAS A GAP IN BETWEEN PISTONS THAT WERE CAUSING THIS DEFECT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2001
VEHICLE WAS USING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. DEALER REPLACED ENGINE. CURRENTLY, SAME PROBLEM AGAIN OCCURRED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2001
MY 2000 JETTA HAS BEGAN BURNING OIL AT A RATE OF 3/4 QT TO 1 1/4 QT PER 1000 MILES. THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN STATE THIS IS NORMAL BY THEIR STANDARDS AND THEY JUST CONTINUE TO DO OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS AND TELL US TO COME BACK. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS WITH ANY OTHER NEW CARE THAT I HAVE OWNED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2001
WHENEVER DRIVING ENGINE WOULD BURN AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE AT LEAST 2 TIMES TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC INDICATED THAT OIL BURNING WAS PERFECTLY NORMAL FOR JETTA. NO REPAIRS WERE DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM.*AK THERE WAS GEL-LIKE BUILDUP ON THE OIL CAP AND DIPSTICK DUE TO ANTIFREEZE OR MOISTURE MOUNTING WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER INTENDS TO PURSUE LEMON LAW IF DEFECTS WERE NOT CORRECTED. *YH
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Feb 6, 2001
I FELL THAT I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE PROBLEMS ARE ON GOING. I HAVE VOICED MY COMPLAINT TO VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER AND SALES MANAGER. I HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT I FEEL THAT MY CAR IS A "LEMON" AS I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS THAT ARE ONGOING. I DO NOT GET CALLED BACK WHEN THEY SAY THEY ARE GOING TO CALL, THEY POINT FINGERS AT EACH OTHER AND NO RESULTS. THE SALES PERSON/VW DEALERSHIP CONSULTANT OFFERED ME A TRADE IN VALUE OF $15,500 AND A SMALL DISCOUNT ON ANOTHER CAR. I WISH TO SEEK ASSISTANCE IN MAKING MY "LEMON" CAR SITUATION RIGHT. I ALSO HAVE A WRITTEN DOCUMENTAION OF MY EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE HISTORY. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT MYSELF, AS A CONSUMER, SHOULD BE TREATED IN A MANNER, THAT DISGARDS THE INTEGRETY TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT. IF YOUR AGENY CAN HELP ME, I WOULD BE APPRECIATIVE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. NO SAFETY DERFECT LISTED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Air bags, Equipment, Jan 29, 2001
AIR BAG WAS REPAIRED 5 TIMES AND SPIRAL SPRING REPLACED - LIGHT STILL INDICATES MALFUNCTIONING SYSTEM. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS WERE REPLACED, INSTALLED FRONT HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR, INSTALL 6 DISC CD CHANGER, BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND WIRING HARNESS WAR REPLACED. OWNER IS NO LONGER IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE *YD
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2001
I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH OIL CONSUMPTION WITH MY VOLKSWAGEN, JETTA 2000. I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL WARRANTY SCHEDULED CHECKUPS, AND HAVE TAKEN CARE OF TEH CAR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS. SPECIFICALLY, AT ONE POINT, I DISCOVERED, BETWEEN THE WARRRANTY CHECKUPS, THAT MY CAR'S, OIL DIP STICK WAS ABSOLUTELY DRY. I REPORTED THIS EVENT TO ATAMIAN VOLKSWAGEN WHO TOLD ME THAT "2000 VOLKSWAGEN ARE WELL KNOWN TO CONSUME OIL". SINCE THEN I HAVE UNDERGONE OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT MY CAR CONSUMES OIL AT A RATE OF 1 QUART EVERY 1500 MILES. WV SAYS THAT THIS COMPLIES WITH THEIR SPECIFICATIONS (THE OIL CONSUMPTION RATE IS NOT STATED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL).*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2001
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WAS 14 MONTHS OLD, BUT OUT OF WARRANTY BY MILEAGE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COOLANT SENSOR FOR $175.00!! NOW TWO MONTHS LATER THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. THERE APPEARS TO BE WATER/COOLANT IN THE OIL! NOW THE CAR IS ABOUT 16 MONTHS OLD. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE PRIOR REPAIR, AND DID NOT PAY FOR THE FAILED INTERIOR LIGHTS, EITHER.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 26, 2000
THE CAR CONSUMES AN OUTRAGEOUS 700-800 MILES PER QUART OF OIL, WHICH THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS IS NORMAL DUE TO ENGINE DESIGN. MY COMPLAINT IS THE FACT THAT THIS WAS NOT EVEN HINTED TO THE USER OR IS WRITTEN IN THE USER'S MANUAL AT THE TIME OF THE SALES. THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE FOR CUSTOMER, OR ON LONG DISTANCE TRIP, BE A SAFETY HAZARD. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 6, 2000
JETTA RAN OUT OF OIL. CONTINUOUSLY BURNS OIL AT A RATE AT OR ABOUT 1 TO 1 AND 1/2 QUARTS PER 1000 MILES. DEALER SAYS PROBLEM IS WITHIN THE ENGINE SPECS. FROM VOLKSWAGEN. NO SUCH SPECS. CAN SEEM TO BE PRODUCED BY EITHER THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER INSISTS THERE IS NO PROBLEM AND THAT I SHOULD EXPECT TO BURN AND REPLACE 10 QUARTS OF OIL IN BETWEEN SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES. CAR PRODUCES BLACK SMOKE AND NOW HAS 13,500 MILES ON IT. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 21, 2000
VEHICLE WAS LEAKING WATER COOLANT AND VEHICLE WAS AT DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TWICE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 17, 2000
HIT ROCK ON HIGHWAY PUNCTURING OIL PAN. ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON AND ENGINE SEIZED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 10, 2000
THE O2 SENSOR FAILED. *MJS
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2000
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STALLING/CUTTING OFF COMPLETELY WITHIN 10 MINUTES OR LESS AFTER PULLING OFF DEALER'S LOT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 27, 1999
THE PRESENTING PROBLEM WITH THIS JETTA 2000 IS THAT ON THREE (3) DATES, I TURNED THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE RAN FOR ONLY TWO SECONDS BEFORE DYING. DESPITE REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET THE CAR RUNNING, THIS CONTINUED. THIS JETTA HAS BEEN TOWED THREE (3) TIMES FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. AS OF THIS DATE, THE CAR HAS ONLY 2300 MILES AND THE DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED.