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
451 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 8, 2006
SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE. ANNOYING!!WE HAVE A 2000 PASSAT W/AN ABS WARNING LIGHT & CHIMES THAT HAVE BEEN COMING ON SINCE NOV. 2004 WHEN THE CAR HAD APPROX 50-65,000 MILES ON IT. WE HAVE HAD QUOTES OF$900 & 1300 FOR REPAIRS. BUT THEY ALWAYS SAY IT"S A SHORT IN THE MODULE. NO PROBLEM, I HOPE NOT. BECAUSE WE ARE NOT COMPLAINING. GETTING IT REPAIRED. WE ARE SICK & TIRED OF THIS POORLY MADE MONEY PIT CAR IT MAY BE THE FIRST CAR WE TRADE IN. . WHY CAN'T THERE BE DARN RECALL WITH ALL OF US. VW HAS NO CUSTOMER SERVICE MANNER. WE LIKE SOME OTHERS RESEARCHED CARS BEFORE BUYING. THIS CAR CAME HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. BY VEHICLE PUBLICATIONS.& WEBSITES, NOT BY US. I AM TOTALLY AFRAID OF DRIVING IT EXCEPT TO WORK & HOME,.WE HAVE HAD OTHER PROBLEMS TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS USUALLY HAPPENS IN CARS THAT HAVE BEEN IN ACCIDENTS, I CAN SEE BY THIS E-MAIL POSTER THAT IS NOT TRUE.. *JB
Seats, Aug 6, 2006, fire
(2) THE SEAT WARMER ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED AND BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT COVERING. THE HEATER LEFT A BURN ON MY PANTS THE SIZE OF A DIME. THIS ALSO CAUSED ME SOME DISCOMFORT. (3) I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA AND THEY INSTRUCTED ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BRING THE CAR IN AND HAVE IT FIXED AT MY EXPENSE. I OWN A 2000 VW JETTA. *NM
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
Exterior lighting, Jul 24, 2006
NO EVENT LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF ANY RECALLS RELATING TO MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NO LONGER FUNCTIONS RELIABLY ON '00 JETTA WITH 70,000+ MILES; CAR DOES NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK UNTIL BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED REPEATEDLY AND THEN ONLY WORKS INCONSISTENTLY, CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE- THERE IS AN APPARENT MALFUNCTION WITH BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND RELATES TO DESCRIPTIONS OF RECALLS ON 99-02 JETTA / NEW BEETLES. I CALLED VW REGARDING OPEN RECALLS FOR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH DEFECTS AND I WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY RECALLS. WILL FOLLOW UP WITH LOCAL DEALER WHO WILL REPAIR THE PROBLEM- I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY NHTSA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO RETAIN MY RECEIPTS AND DOCUMENTATION FOR MATTERS RELATING TO THIS ISSUE AS IT SEEMS TO RELATE TO RECALLS: 03V-265 OR 04V-096 AND VW RECALL NO. N4. *NM
Power train, May 16, 2006
CLUTCH PROBLEMS ON JETTA 2000. CLUTCH FAILED ON ME WHY DRIVING ON THE FL TURNPIKE ON SATURDAY 14, 2006. I WAS AT THE TOLL PLAZA AND WHEN I LEFT MY CAR WENT INTO GEAR AS NORMAL, WHEN I PUT IT IN 4TH GEAR I HEARD THE ENGINE REV HIGH BUT MY CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. I COASTED OFF THE FIRST EXIT I SAW AND LUCKILY, KEPT COASTING RIGHT INTO AN APARTMENT COMPLEX. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND THEY SENT OUT A TOW COMPANY TO PICK MY CAR UP. ON MONDAY, MAY 15, 2006 I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM ESSERMAN INTERNATIONAL AND I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPT THAT I HAD SOMEHOW ACTIVATED THE ANTI-THEFT ON MY CAR AND THEY HAD DISABLED IT AND IT WAS FIXED. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR, I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE WHEN THEY TOOK MY CAR TO GET WASHED THE CLUTCH FAILED AGAIN. I WAS TOLD IT WAS EITHER THE TRANSMISSION OR THE CLUTCH. TURNS OUT THEY ARE CHARGING ME 1800 DOLLARS BECAUSE THE CLUTCH NEEDS TO REPLACED, WHICH IS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR WARRANTY. *JB
Air bags, Apr 9, 2006
TODAY I TOOK MY DAUGHTERS 2000 JETTA IN FOR SERVICE. I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND I TAKE IT TO VW DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND RECALLS. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND WAS CHARGED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THE COMPUTERIZED CHECK-UP. I WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVERS'' SIDE AIR BAG. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE PROBLEM COULD CONSIST OF ANYTHING FROM AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO THAT OF A MALFUNCTIONING AIR BAG UNIT. HE STATED THAT THE PRICE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE WELL OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS. HE ALSO SAID THAT SINCE THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG WAS MALFUNCTIONING THE CARS INTERNAL COMPUTER HAD SHUT OFF ALL THE OTHER AIR BAGS WITHIN THE CAR. THE CAR IS IN THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW AWAITING SERVICE. YOU ARE THE THIRD PERSON I HAVE TALKED TO AT THE DEALERSHIP REGARDING THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY ANSWERS. SAFETY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN CARS TODAY AND THAT IS WHY I PURCHASED THIS JETTA. YOUR ADVERTISEMENTS STATE THAT THIS CAR IS ONE OF THE SAFEST ON THE MARKET. IT IS DEFINITELY NOT A SAFE CAR NOW AND VW COMPANY REFUSES TO HELP ME FIX A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. ALL OF THEM AGREED THAT THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM AND ABSORB THE PRICE WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY. I'LL TAKE THIS MATTER AS FAR AS IT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN FOR A FAIR RESOLUTION. MY DAUGHTERS SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME AND WILL NOT LET HER DRIVE IN AN UNSAFE CAR. *NM
Exterior lighting, Mar 20, 2006
REAR BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON AFTER VEHICLE PARKED AND NO KEYS IN IGNITION CAUSING BATTERY TO DRAIN. PURCHASE NEW BATTERY WITHIN 2 DAYS NEW BATTERY DEAD. NOTICED BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STAYING ON WHEN CAR PARKED. THERE IS RECALL NHTSA ID #04V096000 FOR 2000 VW JETTA'S FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT I AM TOLD IT DOESN'T APPLY TO THIS VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL. *JB
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
Visibility, Feb 23, 2006
DRIVING ALONG AND PASSENGER WINDOW FROM THE UP POSITION DROPS INTO THE DOOR!!!!! THE MECHANIC SAID THE PLASTIC CLIPS THAT HOLD THE WINDOW BROKE. THE NEW PART HAS ALUMINUM CLIPS. THIS IS A REAL ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN!!! I ALMOST HAD ONE AS A RESULT OF THIS HAPPENING!!!!!*NM
Visibility, Feb 23, 2006
DRIVING ALONG AND PASSENGER WINDOW FROM THE UP POSITION DROPS INTO THE DOOR!!!!! THE MECHANIC SAID THE PLASTIC CLIPS THAT HOLD THE WINDOW BROKE. THE NEW PART HAS ALUMINUM CLIPS. THIS IS A REAL ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN!!! I ALMOST HAD ONE AS A RESULT OF THIS HAPPENING!!!!!*NM
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
Seats, Feb 1, 2006
I STARTED NOTICING A BURNING SMELL IN THE CAR WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATED SEATS AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WOULD GET VERY HOT, EVEN WHEN SET ON A LOW SETTING. ONE DAY I DECIDED TO TRY IT OUT TO SEE IF IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY OR NOT AND THE HEAT BURNT HOLES THROUGH THE MATERIAL COVERING THE SEAT . *JB
Exterior lighting, Jan 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LIGHTS COMES ON RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE RUNNING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V096000 REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. *NM
Exterior lighting, Dec 21, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT HAD RECALL 04V096000 REPAIRS ON BRAKE LIGHTS COMPLETED OVER A YEAR AGO, AND NOW THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. *AK
Seats, Equipment, Dec 18, 2005, fire
1) I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, SEE #2 AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHY. 2) TODAY I FOUND THAT THERE WAS SOME KIND OF SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. IT LEFT A PEA-SIZED BURN IN THE UPHOLSTERY. LUCKILY, I USE A SMALL DRIVING PILLOW FOR MY LOWER BACK WHICH BORE THE BRUNT OF THE FIRE INSTEAD OF MY BUTT. I HAD FOUND THE PILLOW WAS STUCK TO THE SEAT, AND WHEN I PULLED IT OFF THE BURN WAS REVEALED. THE PILLOW WAS DAMAGED. 3) I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AS OF YET. I AM RESEARCHING MY OPTIONS TO DETERMINE IF THE MANUFACTURER WILL REPLACE IT FOR ME. *NM
Power train, Dec 10, 2005
2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VR6 WAS IN THE SHOP FOR NEW TIRES AROUND 12/7 - AN ALIGNMENT TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 65000 MILES. IT WAS PURCHASED AS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE AT ABOUT 20000 FROM VOLKSWAGEN AND WAS RECENTLY OUT OF WARRANTY. NOTHING UNUSUAL AROSE DURING THIS WORK. THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY DRIVING HOME, AS IT HAD FOR YEARS PRIOR. ONE DAY LATER, THE CLUTCH ON THE VEHICLE FAILED SUDDENLY. FORTUNATELY, THE FAILURE WAS FIRST NOTICED BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND THERE WAS NO HAZARD. THE CAR WAS JUST BARELY DRIVABLE, AND LIMPED TO THE SHOP. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE PART SHOULD HAVE LASTED FOR AT LEAST 100K MILES, AND THAT THE CLUTCH PARTS "FELL APART IN PIECES" ON OPENING THE CLUTCH. HE DESCRIBED IT AS A DANGEROUS, POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC, FAILURE. COST TO REPAIR WAS $900. DID NOT TAKE THE CAR TO VW BECAUSE OF THE VERY HIGH COST OF POST-WARRANTY REPAIRS. MY WIFE AND I (SOLE DRIVERS) BOTH HAVE LONG EXPERIENCE DRIVING STICK SHIFT VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED CLUTCH FAILURES ON PRIOR STICK SHIFT VEHICLES. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY HAD THE CLUTCH GO OUT ABOUT THE SAME TIME ON A '95 JETTA III GLS. I SUSPECT THE PART IS OF POOR QUALITY. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Oct 18, 2005
1) SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2000, THERE HAS BEEN A SOUND MADE AT THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. 2) LOUD SOUND WHEN DRIVING ON REGULAR ROADS. PERSISTENT LOUD THUMP SOUND. 3) I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR SOUNDS AND HAVE ASKED OTHER JETTA OWNERS AND THEY TOO AGREED THAT THEIR CAR HAD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. I WAS EVEN CHARGED SEVERAL TIMES BY THE DEALER WERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO RE-TORQUE AND TEST THE FRONT END. THEY AGREED THAT THEY COULD DEFINITELY HEAR THE SOUND BUT COULD NOT TROUBLE SHOOT THE PROBLEM. ALL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR OR FIND PROBLEM ARE DOCUMENTED IN MY SERVICE THROUGH VOLKSWAGEN. I ALSO HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO APPROXIMATELY 8 ADDITIONAL SHOPS TO TROUBLE SHOOT NOISE. ALL AGREED THAT THE NOISE WAS UNBEARABLE BUT NO SOLUTION WAS FOUND. NOW I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 4.5 YEARS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE MY FRONT END IS GOING TO FALL APART. *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
Air bags, Oct 13, 2005, crash
VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE (FORD F-250); SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 13, 2005
I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ON MY 2000 VW JETTA TDI. THE ABS "ACTIVATES" WHEN GOING VERY SLOWLY (LESS THAN 10 MPH) AND WHEN APPLYING MINIMAL PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND SOMETIMES WHEN NOT TOUCHING THE BRAKES AT ALL. IT FIRST HAPPENED OVER A YEAR AGO, AND THE DEALER CHANGED AN ABS HARNESS CONNECTOR, AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT RECUR UNTIL ABOUT 4 OR 5 MONTHS AGO. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE PROBLEM OCCURRED FOR THEM, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE, EVEN AFTER CALLING VW TECHNICIANS. THEY REPLACED A WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AT MY EXPENSE, BUT SAID IF THAT DIDN'T FIX IT, THEY SUGGESTED REPLACING THE ABS CONTROL MODULE, BUT THEY REALLY DIDN'T KNOW IF THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY, AND I NOTED ON AN INTERNET MESSAGE BOARD THAT A NUMBER OF OTHERS SEEM TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM (LINK: .HTTP://FORUMS.TDICLUB.COM/SHOWFLAT.PHP?CAT=0&NUMBER=1063831&AN=0&PAGE=0#1063831 ). I CONTACTED VW (REF.# 804028386), BUT THEY WERE NO HELP AND DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I THINK IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT VW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING. *NM
Seat belts, Sep 20, 2005
HI, IT SEEMS AS IF MANY 2000+ VW JETTAS HAVE DEFECTIVE REAR CENTER SEAT BELTS. WHEN YOU FOLD DOWN THE REAR SEATS, THE CENTER SEAT BELTS WILL RETRACT IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE THE SEAT BACK TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT DISCONNECTING THE SEAT BELT. MANY PEOPLE, MYSELF INCLUDED, JUST PERMANENTLY DISCONNECT THE CENTER SEAT BELT TO AVOID SUCH PROBLEMS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL OTHER RECALLS THAT SEEMED LESS DANGEROUS THAN THIS PROBLEM COULD POTENTIALLY BE WITH 5 PEOPLE IN THE CAR. COULD YOU INVESTIGATE HOW FREQUENT THIS SAFETY ISSUE OCCURS AND POSSIBLY INITIATE A RECALL? I HAD THIS FIXED ONCE BEFORE, BUT APPARENTLY THE FIX DIDN'T LAST. THANKS, NEIL KUMPERS. *NM
Exterior lighting, Sep 19, 2005
IN 2004, MY 2000 VW JETTA'S BREAK LIGHTS FAILED TO TURN OFF. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE, THE DEALER REPLACED A SWITCH. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, VW WERE ISSUED A RECALL ON VEHICLE TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WHICH WOULD EITHER FAIL TO TURN OFF OR FAIL TO TURN THE BREAK LIGHTS ON. VW REFUNDED THE AMOUNT I HAD PAID TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE. ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2005, A DRIVER NOTIFIED ME AFTER A NEAR MISS AT AN INTERSECTION THAT MY BREAK LIGHTS WERE FAILING TO LIGHT. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIMED THAT THE SWITCH HAD FAILED, BUT SAID THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE ORIGINAL RECALL BECAUSE THE SWITCH HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. THE RECALL REPAIR WORK DID NOT REPAIR MY VEHICLE. THE BREAK LIGHT SWITCH FAILED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS MADE. *JB
Air bags, Sep 16, 2005, crash
DT: WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH AND WAS INVOLVED IN HEAD ON COLLISION WITH THE CENTER DIVIDER OF THE HIGHWAY. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS WAS FRONT IMPACT, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED. DID NOT TAKE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR REPAIR SHOP, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A SALVAGE YARD. NO ONE HAD INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. *AK *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Sep 6, 2005
I HAVE A 2000 VW JETTA GLS AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL SENSOR DEFECTS TIME AFTER TIME FROM 2001 UNTIL THE PRESENT 2005, IN WHICH I HAVE COME OUT OF POCKET ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THESE PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE MASS AIR FLOW, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND COOLANT TEMP SENSOR. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2005
FIVE SEPARATE PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEM HAVE FAILED WITHIN A SIX MONTH PERIOD. TWO COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, THREE MORE RESULTING IN APPROXIMATELY $1400 IN REPAIRS. WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, AND RADIATOR HOSE ALL WERE REPLACED. ALSO REPLACED A FLANGE AND A PLASTIC PIPE. *NM