2002 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 711 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 32 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 75 people were injured and 10 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
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 APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. 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 07V063000 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipJan 31, 2002
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 02V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
106 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2008
THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR WARNING LIGHT COMES ON DURING COOL AND COLD WEATHER AND STAYS ON TILL THE ENGINE IS WARMED UP. AT WHICH TIME, IF THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED, THE WARNING LIGHT WILL REMAIN OUT. THERE ARE NO CODES LISTED IN THE ECU. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED CONTINUOUSLY SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN JUNE 2005. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2008
2002 TDI VW JETTA . HAD FOR 1.5 YEARS ENGINE BLEW AT 70K ON IT .. TOOK TO SEACOAST VW IN NH FIRST SAID MIGHT BE SLUDGE LATER SAID WAS A CHAIN THAT SLIPPED CAUSED ENGINE TO BLOW AND METAL PIECES TO BE THROUGHOUT. CALLED VW FIRST SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AND THEN SEND THEM RECEIPTS. WHEN NOT ABLE TO AFFORD THE THOUSANDS IT WOULD COST TALKED TO THEM AGAIN SPOKE TO ALICIA AT VW AND SHE CALLED SEACOAST VW IN NH THEN CALLED AND STATE IT WOULD BE COVERED. WENT ABOUT HAVING IT TOWED TO VW DEALERSHIP TO GET FIXED. WHEN CALLED AGAIN WAS TOLD WOULDN'T COVER IT BUT WOULD GIVE ME 1000 DOLLARS OFF THE PRICE OF THE REPAIR VALID FOR 30 DAYS .. ENGINE STILL BLOWN CAR STILL SITTING IN GARAGE BEEN TRYING TO GET FIXED SINCE APRIL OF 2007 .SEEMS TO BE A COMMON THING WITH VW THAT HAVE MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS WITHOUT LOTS OF MILEAGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Jan 20, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 JETTA GLS TDI. I AM CONSTANTLY REPLACING GLOW PLUGS. HAVE A COOLANT TEMP CODE READING FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND ALSO FUEL INJECTION PUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY WHAT IS CAUSING GLOW PLUGS TO GO BAD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Dec 8, 2007
VOLKSWAGENS USE OF CHEAP PLASTICS ON THE OIL STICK OF MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CAUSED PLASTIC FROM THE OIL STICK TO FALL INTO MY MOTOR AND CAUSE MOTOR DAMAGE INCLUDING AN OIL LEAK AND EURASIAN AUTO SERVICE IN PANAMA CITY ALREADY HAS A VW PRODUCT THAT IS BROKEN DOWN IN THEIR SHOP, AND EVEN VOLKSWAGENS OWN SERVICE MANAGER IN PANAMA CITY, MIKE BOATWRIGHT, TOLD VW THEY SHOULD AUTHORIZE HIM TO MAKE THE REPAIRS BUT THEY REFUSED, THE OSTENSIBLY LOWEST BID PLASTICS USED FOR THE 2002 VW'S ALSO CAUSED MIKE BOATWRIGHT TO ASK THAT VW REPLACE MY HEADLIGHT LENSES AS THEY ARE CREATING A TRAFFIC HAZARD, AND NOT ONLY IS THIS NATIONWIDE, BUT MALLORY HORNE OF THE FLORIDA DMV WHO REFERRED ME TO YOU WROTE TO ME THAT " YOUR COMPLAINT HAS NOT FALLEN ON DEAF EARS, I JUST GOT RID OF MY VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FOR THE SAME HEADLIGHT PROBLEM" AND I WILL BE HAPPY TO MAIL YOU A COPY IN SUPPORT OF MY COMPLAINT, ALSO WALMART'S SERVICE MANAGER IN CALLAWAY FLORIDA IS THE PERSON WHO FOUND THAT MY CAR IS NOW LEAKING OIL DUE TO VOLKSWAGEN FAILING TO REPAIR THE MOTOR AND HE SAYS THAT HE SAW THE SAME VOLKSWAGEN PROBLEM IN NEW ENGLAND AT HIS PREVIOUS JOB (SCOTT). ALSO THE CHEAP PLASTICS USED ON MY CAR THAT CAUSED THESE SAFETY TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS, WERE USED ON THE GLOVE BOX LOCK WHICH IS BROKEN AND THE RADIO AERIAL WHICH IS BROKEN. THE FIRST 2002 VW I WAS GIVEN BROKE DOWN IN TRAFFIC IN THE DARK AND WAS EXCHANGED THE FOLLOWING DAY. SO THERE ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH WITNESSES THAT THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTAS SHOULD BE RECALLED, ME, JERRY P CARROLL, MIKE BOATWRIGHT, REGGIE AT EURASIAN, MALLORY HORNE, AND SCOTT AT WALMART, IN ADDITION THERE ARE MANY STUDENTS AT MY COLLEGE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WHO ARE IN HOPE THAT YOU WILL HELP THEM ALSO. BREAKING DOWN IN TRAFFIC WITH LIMITED HEADLIGHTS IS A NATIONAL SAFETY CRISIS, AS FAR AS DEATHS AND INJURIES, ENTERING ZERO ONLY MEANS THAT VW HAS MANAGED SO FAR TO CONCEAL ANY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 29, 2007
VEHICLE IS A 2002 TDI JETTA GLS 4 DOOR SEDAN MANUAL TRANSMISSION. AT ABOUT 29,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH AND OBD 2 CODE OF (P0128 COOLANT THERMOSTAT-COOLANT TEMPERATURE BELOW THERMOSTAT REGULATING TEMPERATURE). TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER WHICH REPLACED THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND COOLANT FLUID. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM WHICH RECURRED. I THEN DID RESEARCH AND FOUND VW TECH BULLETIN 4-04 WHICH ADDRESSES THIS PROBLEM AND IS INTENDED TO GUIDE TECHNICIAN TROUBLESHOOTING. I FEEL THIS IS EITHER A PARTS DESIGN DEFECT, ENGINEERING FLAW, OR VEHICLE WIRING ASSEMBLY DEFECT. IT IS NOT A NORMAL MAINTENANCE OR WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE. DEALER IS ATTEMPTING SECOND ROUND OF TROUBLESHOOTING FOR THIS PROBLEM. REQUEST NHTSA ASSESS OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND PURSUE A RECALL FOR THIS VW KNOWN PROBLEM/DEFECT AS VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BUT THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN TO OCCUR FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HE HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MILEAGE EXCEEDED THE WARRANTY. THE MIL LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE MAY OF 2007 DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED TWICE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BOTH TIMES THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 118,500. UPDATED 12/12/07
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2007
CAR STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. USUALLY HAPPENED WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP OR WHILE AT A STOP. SOMETIMES STALLED WHEN STARTING UP FROM A STOP. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS CAR STALLED AND CARS BEHIND WERE BEGINNING TO SPEED UP OR WHEN TRYING TO CROSS A BUSY ROAD AND MAKING A LEFT TURN. I HAD ABOUT $1000 OF SERVICE AT THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2007
2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY CLAIM WAS DENIED FOR THE SECOND TIME AND THIS IS AN APPEAL LETTER**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST DENIAL LACKED AN ACTUAL REASON AND THE SECOND DENIAL STATED THE REPAIR TO HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR WERE REPLACED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2007
ON APRIL 22, 2007 MY SON WAS RETURNING TO COLLEGE IN THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T WHEN THE ENGINE SIEZED WITHOUT WARNING AS HE ACCELERATED TO ENTER A BUSY INTERSTAT 80. FORTUNATELY, HE WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. INTERSTATE 80WAS HEAVILY USED BY TRUCKS, AND HAD MY SON NOT BEEN IN A POSITION TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE THE ENGINE FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD NOT ONLY TO MY SON BUT TO MANY OTHER VEHICLES USING THIS HIGHWAY. *AK I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INSTANCE OF FAILURE OF THE VW 1.8 T ENGINE. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET IT APPEARS THAT IS FAIRLY COMMON FOR THESE ENGINES TO FAIL AND VW TENDS TO BLAME THE OWNERS FOR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE. MY JETTA WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL 2006 WITH 31,000 MILES, IN THE YEAR THAT WE HAD THE CAR WE PUT APPROX. 10,000 MILES ON IT AND WE HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT LEAST TWO TIMES. WE PURCHASED THIS CAR BASED ON VW ADVERTISING ABOUT THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF THESE CARS AND I FEEL THAT VW SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR POORLY ENGINEERED ENGINE AND ISSUE A RECALL TO CORRECT DEFICIENCIES WITH THIS ENGINE. I ORDER FOR ME TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, I ALSO HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY FROZE THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE COST OF TO MAKE THIS CAR USABLE AGAIN WILL BE IN EXCESS OF $7,000. WHILE I DON'T FEEL THAT IT IS RIGHT THAT I AM STUCK WITH THE COST OF REPAIRS THAT ARE THE RESULT OF A SERIOUS DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE, I AM MUCH MORE CONCERNED WITH PUTTING LIVES IN JEOPARDY WHEN AN ENGINE STOPS WITHOUT WARNING AT HIGH WAY SPEEDS
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 2007
THE CABIN OF THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA EMITS A WAXY ODOR THAT I AM CONCERNED REPRESENTS ENGINE FUMES. I HAVE HAD THE CAR INSPECTED BY SEVERAL MECHANICS, AND, WHILE THEY COULD IDENTIFY THE ODOR, THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE SOURCE. THIS ODOR CAUSED ME AND MY PASSENGERS TO SUFFER BURNING EYES AND NAUSEA. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 23, 2007
OIL LIGHT COMES ON, MOSTLY DURING TURNS. SWEET SMELL IN INTERIOR CABIN. WATER ENTERING INTERIOR FLOOR LEVEL. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 5, 2007
(1) MANY ELECTRICAL ANOMALIES. LOSS OF AIR CONDITION. DEALERSHIP ADVISES IT IS COOLANT MIGRATION CAUSING ELECTRICAL/POWER PROBLEMS. COOLANT MIGRATING FROM COOLANT BOTTLE INTO THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND INTO ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. (2)COOLANT MIGRATION HAS CAUSED SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THE VEHICLE MUST BE RE-WIRED. COST TO ME $310.-TO BE DETERMINED(PROBABLY 6-10,000$) (3)DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH GETTING VW OF AMERICA TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT THEIR COST. VW OF AMERICA REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT MY REQUEST. VW HAS KNOWN SINCE 2001 (SEE TECHNICAL BULLETIN 97-01-01) THAT THE COOLANT BOTTLE IS DEFECTIVE AND HAS NOT RECALLED IT, OR PROVIDED TECHNICAL BULLETINS AS TO HOW TO PREVENT IT. DEALER ADVISES THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN ITS PRESENT CONDITION. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 19, 2007
IN APRIL 2006 WE PURCHASED A 2002 VW JETTA FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. THE CAR HAD 65,000 MILES. SHE WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR AND HAD TAKEN METICULOUS CARE OF THE CAR. WE HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS DATING BACK TO IT'S ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IT HAD BEEN IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED TUNEUPS. VW OFFERS A 60,000 MILE OR 5 YEAR WARRANTY ON THE DRIVE TRAIN. IN NOVEMBER 2006 THE RADIATOR WARNING APPEARED ON THE DASH. WE TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIMED THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WERE MIXING AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO HE TRANSMISSION. ESTIMATED COST OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION $5,890. THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC NEVER STATED WHAT CAUSED THE MIXING FLUIDS AND WOULD NOT SPECULATE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC. HE WAS ABLE TO ISOLATED THE PROBLEM WITHIN 20 MINUTES. THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS LEAKING ALLOWING THE TWO FLUIDS TO CO-MINGLE. AS A RESULT OF THE MIXING FLUIDS, THE BELTS, HOSES, RADIATOR, AND TRANSMISSION ARE ALL SEVERELY DAMAGED. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS SEALED WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING AND IS NEVER MEANT TO BE CHANGED. IT'S POSITION IS PROTECTED FROM ANY ROAD DEBRIS AND NO QUALITY OF HOW THE CAR WAS DRIVEN WOULD EFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS PART. IT'S HIS OPINION THAT THE PART HAD A MANUFACTURED DEFECT. SINCE THE CAR WAS ORIGINALLY DIAGNOSED IN NOVEMBER IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN. WE ARE CURRENTLY AWAITING AN APPEAL TO THE VW AMERICA.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 31, 2006
THE OIL PAN IS MADE OF ALUMINUM AND THE DRAIN PLUG IS METAL. WHEN MY MECHANIC CHANGED IT OUT IT WAS STRIPPED CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW OIL PAN, SCREW AND LABOR OF ABOUT 440.00. I AM REQUESTING A FULL REFUND AND ASKING VW TO REPLACE THE DRAIN PLAIN WITH AN ALUMINUM SCREW OR REPLACE THE OIL PAN. AFTER REVIEWING VW BLOGS OTHER CARS ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. THE SECOND THINS IS THE TRANSMISSION SERVICE. I HAD BEEN REQUESTING OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS FROM THE DEALER THAT MY TRANSMISSION BE SERVICED BUT THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT SERVICEABLE. EVEN MY MECHANIC WHO CALLED TO FIX THE OIL THEY ALSO TOLD HIM THAT BECAUSE MY TRANSMISSION WAS NOT CHANGING GEARS PROPERLY. HE PULLED IT ANY AND FOUND THAT THE FLUID WAS BLACK AND THE FILTER WAS CLOGGED NOT ALLOWING IN FLUID TO FLOW THROUGH. HAD I WAITED TWO WEEKS MORE I WOULD HAVE HAD TO REPLACED THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. ANOTHER COAST OF ABOUT 120.00...TOTAL REQUEST FROM VW IS 1000 FOR REPLACEMENT COST AND LABOR. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 16, 2006
ENGINE REVS HIGH WHEN ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED, BUT DOES NOT ACCELERATE. THIS HAPPENED A NUMBER OF TIMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC. *NM
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 5, 2006
WAY TO MANY TO LIST HERE. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS FROM THE START. MORE THAN $7000 WORTH OF REPAIR (PLUS MORE THAT WAS COVERED BY WARR) THE FINAL ITEM THAT CAUSED ME TO SAY I WOULD NEVER CONSIDER ANOTHER VW PRODUCT WAS THE ENGINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY A TIMING BELT FAILURE. ALL SERVICES WERE PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE USERS MANUAL STATES INSPECTION OF THE BELT AT SERVICES (THAT I PAID FOR) AND REPLACEMENT AT 120,000 MILES. I ONLY HAD 92,000 MILES. IT WILL COST $5,000 TO REPAIR THE ENGINE. IT IS NOT COST EFFECTIVE TO REPAIR THIS CAR. IT WAS A GREAT CAR TO DRIVE BUT QUALITY CONTROL IS POOR AT BEST. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 8, 2006
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY MIL LIGHT SINCE MY 5 YR/50,000 MILE WARRANTY EXPIRED-IN FACT, I HAVE LOST COUNT AS TO HOW MANY TIMES I'VE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN (THE NUMBER OF FAILURES LISTED BELOW IS JUST AN ESTIMATE). THE FIRST TIME THIS LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR HAD 52 OR 54 MILES ON IT. IT WAS ONLY A FEW DAYS OLD. APPARENTLY SOMETHING HAD CRACKED. IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR, THREE OF THE CABLES BROKE, THEN NOT TWO WEEKS LATER THE OTHER THREE BROKE. THE PROBLEMS JUST KEPT ADDING UP. I HAVE TRIED TO BE PATIENT WITH THIS DEALERSHIP, BUT SIMPLY CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY ON AVERAGE, I END UP BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP, GETTING MY CAR SERVICED ON AVERAGE, TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CAR'S INITIAL APPOINTMENT. THE LAST TIME I WENT IN, I SPOKE WITH THE MANAGER. FIRST, HE DISPARAGINGLY ASKED ME IF I WAS MAKING SURE TO FILL THE GAS TANK WITH PREMIUM GAS, AS IS WRITTEN ON THE GAS FLAP. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO ASK IF I WAS TIGHTENING THE GAS CAP. HE REASSURED ME THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS SPECIFIC PART, BECAUSE ALL THE PARTS PERTAINING TO THIS SPECIFIC LIGHT HAVE BEEN REPLACED. LO AND BEHOLD, TWO DAYS AGO, MY MIL LIGHT WENT ON. ON AVERAGE, EACH TIME I VISIT THIS PARTICULAR DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT, I END UP PAYING $350-600 DOLLARS. SOMEHOW, THAT DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT. I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT'S INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO MY DISMAY, THIS LONG-STANDING, EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2006
WHILE DRIVING IN THE AFTERNOON, MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND ACCELERATION CAPABILITY WITH THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMING ON AND BLINKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY. I AM INFORMED MY 2002 VW JETTA 1.8T HAS "3 FAULTY COILS." THE FAILURE WAS SUDDEN AND WITHOUT WARNING. I MAINTAIN MY CAR ACCORDING TO VW SPECS. IN 02/2003 VW ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM WITH THIS IN OVER 530,000 2001 TO EARLY 2003 VEHICLES. I FEEL THE FAILURE WAS PREMATURE (AS TO WHAT COULD BE TYPICALLY EXPECTED OF AN ENGINE/VEHICLE FOR RELIABILITY), AND A DANGER. OBVIOUSLY THE FACT THAT IT HAS REMANIFESTED IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME SHOWS THAT IT WAS NOT PROPERLY ADDRESSED WITH THE ORIGINAL FIX ONLY 2 YEARS AGO. MY VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO ADEQUATELY MAINTAIN ITSELF WITHIN THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I WAS LUCKY TO GET TO THE 'SLOW LANE' WITHOUT INCIDENT. VW DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFECT OR OTHERWISE AND SAYS THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY PERIOD I AM RESPONSIBLE ($454.00). I WILL PAY THIS, BUT HOW CAN I DRIVE KNOWING THAT THESE COILS COULD STOP ALL OR ANY ONE CYLINDER FROM CORRECTLY FIRING? THIS COULD KILL ME AND THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT CARE.. AS THEY QUITE BLUNTLY STATED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 5, 2006
I'M NOT POSITIVE THIS CONSTITUTES A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT IT MAY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT SINCE AN ALUMINUM OIL PAN COULD BE SEVERELY DAMAGED AND COULD CAUSE AN OIL SPILL, BUT BELOW IS A PORTION OF THE LETTER I SUBMITTED TO VOLKSWAGEN USING THEIR ONLINE FORM. IF THIS IS NOT UNDER YOUR OFFICE'S RESPONSIBILITIES, CAN YOU TELL ME WHO I SHOULD CONTACT NEXT? BASICALLY THEY TOLD ME IT COULD TAKE THEM 2 TO 3 YEARS TO ISSUE A RECALL IF EVER. THANK YOU. I TOOK MY 2002 JETTA IN ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 10TH FOR WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, BUT $330 DOLLARS LATER WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW OIL PAN. SOMETHING THAT IS 99% OF THE TIME ONLY REPLACED AFTER AN ACCIDENT OR AFTER 15 YEARS OR SO IF IT'S RUSTED OUT. THE REASON: THE OIL PAN ITSELF IS MADE OF ALUMINUM AND THE DRAIN PLUG IS MADE OF STEEL. ANYONE WITH HALF AN OUNCE OF ENGINEERING OR MATERIALS KNOWLEDGE (SOMETHING I WOULD HOPE AND ASSUME A VOLKSWAGEN PARTS DESIGNER HAS) KNOWS THAT YOU DON'T MANUFACTURE A PART OUT OF A SOFT METAL WHICH HAS SOMETHING SCREWED INTO IT MADE OUT OF A HARDER METAL. THE THREADS EVENTUALLY GET COMPLETELY STRIPPED AFTER REPEATED OIL CHANGES. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE SCHEDULE IN MY OWNER'S MANUAL, OIL CHANGES ARE MANDATORY SERVICE REQUIRED TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER WARRANTY. ALSO THIS COULD VERY WELL PRESENT A SAFETY ISSUE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT DUE TO LEAKING OIL IF THE PAN WAS DAMAGED SINCE IT'S MADE OF ALUMINUM. WHAT HAS ANGERED ME THE MOST ABOUT THIS IS THAT VOLKSWAGEN OBVIOUSLY KNOWS ABOUT THIS DESIGN DEFECT AND HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. WHEN MY MECHANIC CALLED THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER (AND WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR) THE PARTS DEPARTMENT TOLD HIM "OH YEAH, WE KNOW ABOUT THAT PROBLEM. IN FACT WE STOCK THE REDESIGNED PART". THE BOTTOM OF MY NEW OIL PAN IS NOW MADE OF STEEL WHICH IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE FIRST PLACE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Equipment, May 18, 2006
MY WIFE'S 2002 JETTA STATION WAGON TURBO HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. ONLY 30 K AND TODAY A $2,600 REPAIR. VALVE FOR AIR CONDITIONER PUMP BROKE AND SENT METAL FRAGMENTS THROUGH THE SYSTEM NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT OF AC PUMP. COOLING FAN NOT WORKING- THAT'S $800.00. LAST REPAIR WAS AUTO WINDOWS- IDIOT DESIGNERS PUT IN PLASTIC COMPONENTS. MY WIFE TAKES EXCELLENT CARE OF HER VEHICLE (OIL CHANGE, ETC.) AND THIS INFERIOR BIT OF WORKMANSHIP JUST COSTS HER MORE MONEY. SHE WILL SHORTLY BE DUMPING THIS PIECE OF CRAP FOR TOYOTA COROLLA. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 6, 2006
A 2002 JETTA VOLKSWAGEN, 2.0 LTR ENGINE, CATALYTIC CONVERTER GONE BAD. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN OCTOBER, RIGHT AROUND 78,000 MILES. HAD IT CHECKED IN DECEMBER AND FOUND FAULTY O2 SENSORS. CHANGED THOSE. ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. HAD TECHNICIAN DO A THOROUGH CAR CHECK, FOUND ORIGINAL FUEL FILTER (AT 80,000 MI.), NEW SPARK PLUGS, CHECKED ELECTRICAL TO MAKE SURE NOT SHORTING OUT, CHANGED WIRES, MADE SURE O2 SENSORS OPERATING CORRECTLY, CHECKED WITH OTHER TECHNICIANS ON INTERNET TO DO ALL POSSIBLE CHECKS, CHANGES, AND FIXES. NOTHING ELSE CAN BE DONE. TECHNICIAN CHECKED WITH HIS DEALER AND FOUND CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ARE ON BACKORDER UNTIL CHRISTMAS 2006 FOR THE EXACT SAME PART, CAR, AND TYPE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2006
PURCHASED CAR ON 1-30-06 TOOK IT BACK ON 2-3-06 BECAUSE OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TOOK IT BACK AGAIN ON 2-7-06 BECAUSE OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND TOOK IT BACK AGAIN ON 2-14-06 BECAUSE OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS TOLD IT WAS CATALYTIC CONVERTER BUT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR ME TO HAVE IT FIXED IT WILL BE 1100 DOLLARS BUT PART IS ON A MASSIVE BACK ORDER. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 12, 2006
OIL LIGHT CAME ON REPEATEDLY DUE TO OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM, WHICH IS A KNOWN DEFECT. VW DID NOT COVER, DUE TO EXPIRED WARRANTY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 10, 2005
ENGINE SLUDGE DIAGNOSED ON PASSAT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 21, 2005
I HAVE TAKEN MY 2002 VW JETTA TURBO TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR THAT I HAVE OWNED IT, INCLUDING TWO DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED IT FOR A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS, MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT MORE THAN I HAVE DRIVEN IT. I JUST PICKED UP MY CAR LAST WEDNESDAY, AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN TODAY. *NM