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: power train
108 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Aug 1, 2005
THE ASL (AUTOMATIC SHIFT LOCK) ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA MALFUNCTIONS, KEEPING MY CAR LOCKED IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, I WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED, AND IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. I MISSED WORK AND BLOCKED TRAFFIC THE FIRST TIME, AND I'LL HAVE TO MISS WORK AGAIN AND I'M PARKED IN A TEMPORARY PARKING ZONE THIS TIME. SO FAR NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. *JB
Power train, Jul 15, 2005
DT: BEGINNING THREE YEARS AGO THE OWNER NOTICED THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THE CAR WOULD JERK AND JOLT. AFTER 2ND GEAR THE SHIFTING WAS FINE. WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE THERE WAS ALSO A JERK AND JOLT. THE FIRST TIME THE OWNER NOTICED IT WAS IN TOWN ON A MAIN ROAD. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT BUT FREQUENT. DEALER EVALUATED THE VEHICLE AND THEY TEST DROVE IT AND FOUND THE CONDITION NORMAL. THEN LAST THURSDAY JULY 7 2005 THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD MECHANICAL NOISE LIKE A GRINDING SOUND WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND, ALSO WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. THEN THE OWNER CONTACTED A MECHANIC AND THEY TEST DROVE IT, AND THEN THEY REPORTED IT IS A SERIUOS PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. THEN THE DEALER INSTRUCTED OWNER TO BRING IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP. IT IS NOW 2000 MILES PAST WARRANTY. DEALER ADVISES THAT THERE IS A BROKEN PART IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BECOME LODGED. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ACCORDING TO DEALER AT A COST OF $4,500. ONWER CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA AND THEY REPORTED SINCE IT IS PAST WARRANTY, THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO HELP WITH THE REPAIR COST. OWNER SENT A FAX TO DEALER STATING THAT HE NEEDS DOCUMENTATION OF WHAT IS EXACTLY WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE RETURN FAX STATED THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE WHAT THE EXACT PROBLEM UNLESS THE TRANSMISSION IS TAKEN APART. SO OWNER WONDERS WHAT DID DEALERSHIP TELL THE VOLKSWAGEN COMPANY . THE VEHICLE IS BEING TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE DEALER LEFT A MESSAGE THAT THERE IS A TOW TRUCK THERE TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE BUT THE DEALERSHIP HAS DENTED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND IT NEEDS TO BE RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP.*AK
Power train, Jun 15, 2005
SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE COURSE OF MY OWNERSHIP OF A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTAGLS SEDAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES AN AND I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TELL ME IT IS A SENSOR, AND FIX THE PROBLEM AND THE LIGHT GOES OFF. LATE MAY 2005 THIS OCCURED AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED. I PICKED IT UP ON 5/14/05. TWO DAYS LATER THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THE EARLIEST APPOINTMENT WAS JUNE 13, 2005. SO I WAITED. APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK AFTER 5/14/05 A VERY STRANGE NOISE CAME FROM BENEATH THE CAR, THEN REVERSE JERKED, JUMPED AND SPUTTERED. IN DECELLERATION THE CAR MADE A "JET-ENGINE" NOISE. I STOPPED DRIVING IT AND WAITED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER HAVING MY CAR FOR LESS THAN A DAY THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ME TO SAY THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS "FALLING APART" FROM THE INSIDE AND IT WOULD COST ME $3,500 TO FIX. NOW THE JETTA HAS 73,000 ILES AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN ONLY LEISURELY FOR WORK COMMUTING PURPOSES. WE TOOK IT ON ONE FAMILY TRIP FROM NJ RO MASS. I BELEIVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION. I DO NOT BELEIVE THAT A 3 YEAR OLD TRANSMISSION WITH 73000 MILES SHOULD JUST "FALL-APART FROM THE INSIDE". I CALLED AND 800 VW CUSTOMER LINE ADN 48 HOURS LATER WAS TOLD PRETTY MUCH TOO BAD SORRY ABOUT THAT THE 60,000 MILE WARRANTY IS UP. THERE IS A BIGGER ISSUE HERE. THERE MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION.
Power train, May 3, 2005
REPORTED VEHICLE JUMPS WHEN ACELERATING OR CHANGING GEARS.MANUAL TRANSMISSION.TOOK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOUND NOTHING WRONG.NOW MY CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT STAY AT A STEEDY SPEED WHEN TURNED ON.NOTICED ON 95 WHEN DRIVING 70-75MPH.VEHICAL ACCELERATES BY ITSELF WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL AND THEN SLOWS DOWN.DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICAL THAT FAST.THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO.
Power train, Jan 28, 2005
I TOOK MY 2002 JETTA WAGON 1.8T AUTO/TIPTRONIC (45,000 MI) TO AN INDEPENDENT VW SERVICE SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TO CHECK A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HE HAS SEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE INVOLVING PAINT CONTAMINATION IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. BASICALLY, THE INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN WHERE THE FLUID SITS IS PAINTED, AND THE HEAT OF THE FLUID CAUSES THE PAINT TO FLAKE OFF AND CONTAMINATE THE FLUID. THIS MECHANIC RECOMMENDED TO HAVE THE TRANNY REPLACED AT A VW DEALER. SO, I TOOK THE CAR TO AN AUTHORIZED VW DEALER AND THEY ALSO CONFIRMED THE PAINT CONTAMINATION PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY REPLACED THE TRANNY OIL PAN, A SELONIOD VALVE (N281) AND FLUSHED THE TRANNY FLUID AS RECOMMENDED BY VW OF AMERICA. I WAS ABLE TO CONFIRM WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE NEW PAN WAS ALSO PAINTED AND HE COULD NOT ANSWER IF THE PAINT SPEC HAD CHANGED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I CALLED VW OF AMERICA TO STATE MY CONCERN AND TO REQUEST A NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. 9 MONTHS LATER (64,000 MI) MY CAR DOWN SHIFTS TO 4 GEAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65MI/HR. THE GEAR IS STUCK IN 4TH GEAR EVEN WHEN I COME TO A STOP. I MANAGED TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER WHO HAVE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY VALVE BODY CIRCUIT (N92 VALVE BODY COVER). THE DEALER NOW RECOMMENDS TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND SINCE I'M 4,000 MILES BEYOND MY WARRANTY I WILL HAVE THE COVER THE COST. THE DEALER SUGGESTS THAT I SHOULD CALL VW OF AMERICA AND REFERENCE THE CASE FROM THE LAST TIME I CALLED IN APRIL. VWA STATED THEY NEEDED TO RESEARCH THE ISSUE AND THEY WOULD CALL BACK. AFTER HEARING NOTHING FOR TWO DAYS, I CALLED VWA BACK AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM I HAD BACK IN APRIL AND THE BEST THEY COULD DO WAS OFFER HALF THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I SHOULD PAY HALF THE COST WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER REMEDIED CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 29, 2004
THE TORQUE ARM SHEARED OFF. AS A RESULT, AXLE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT BOLTED TO THE FRAME. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND IT STARTED BUCKING AND MAKING A LOT OF NOISE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM GEAR TO GEAR WITHOUT BUCKING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT STEERING CORRECTLY. EXHAUST BECAME LOUD. *TC
Power train, Nov 13, 2004
WHILST DRIVING I EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM CHANGING GEARS - STIFFNESS GETTING CAR INTO LOW GEARS. CAR WAS TOWED INTO LOCAL VW DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLUTCH WAS WORN OUT. THE CAR IS 2 1/2 YEARS OLD WITH 16,000 MILES ON THE CLOCK. VW (DEALER AND VW OF AMERICA CUSTOMER CARE) CLAIM THAT THIS IS DUE TO "WEAR AND TEAR" AND THE RESULT OF THE DRIVER NOT KNOWING HOW TO DRIVE STICK SHIFT ! I'VE DRIVEN MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS FOR THE LAST 17 YEARS (EVERY CAR I HAVE OWNED WAS MANUAL TRANSMISSION) FROM THE RESEARCH I'VE DONE THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 1.8T JETTA. *JB
Power train, Nov 12, 2004
I OWN A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8 TURBO, 2002. IT IS AT 29,000 MILES CURRENTLY. SINCE 14,000 MILES IT HAS HAD A SHAKING PROBLEM THAT OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND PUT IN GEAR. THE BRAKE MUST BE PRESSED FOR THE SHAKING TO OCCUR. THE LATEST INCIDENT HAD THE ACR SHAKING SO HARD THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WARMS UP, IT STOPS. DIFFERENT PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN BLAMED FOR THE PROBLEM, SUCH AS THE FAULTY IGNITION COILS RECALLED BY VW, THE ENGINE TIMING, AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAR HAS A HISTORY OF FAILING TRANSMISSIONS AND IS UNSAFE. I AM SEEKING A FULL REFUND PLUS LICENSE AND REGISTRATION FEES. VOLKSWAGEN'S CUSTOMER CARE LINE IS INEFFICIENT AND DOES NOT FOLLOW UP ON PROBLEMS, NOR DOES IT ALLOW A CUSTOMER TO SPEAK TO ONE PERSON REGARDING ALL OF THEIR ISSUES. THIS MAJOR PROBLEM IS ACCOMPANIED BY SEVERAL OTHER KINDS OF FAILURES--RADIO, HORN, SEVERAL OTHER FUSES, AND AIR INTAKE. VW DOES NOT TAKE NOTICE OF ITS CUSTOMERS, AND FURTHER ACTION WITH LARGER ENTITIES MUST OCCUR FOR ANY KIND OF RESOLUTION TO BE REACHED. *JB
Power train, Nov 5, 2004
2002 VW JETTA 1.8T - I SURE YOU HAVE HEARD OF THE CLUTCH PROBLEMS MY CLUTCH HAS GONE OUT NOW AT ONLY 27,000 MILES. VISIT MYVWLEMON.COM AND YOU WILL SEE HUNDREDS OF STORIES OF THE SAME PROBLEM, ALSO ON VWVORTEX.COM EVEN CAR AND DRIVE WROTE ABOUT IT. THE CLUTCH NEEDS TO BE RECALLED I AM WILLING TO GET EVEN MORE NAMES OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND CAN HAVE HUNDRENDS OF COMPLAINTS WITHIN DAYS IF NEEDED.*AK
Power train, Oct 28, 2004
EVERYDAY FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS. WHEN THE CAR GOES TO SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND, THE CAR JERKS. THIS HAPPENS AGAIN GOING FROM 3RD TO 4TH. BETWEEN GEARS IT TAKES A LONG TIME FOR THE NEXT GEAR TO CATCH AND WHEN IT FINALLY DOES, IT JERKS THE WHOLE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS NORMAL AND THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. I HAVE DONE MANY SEARCHES AND HAVE FOUND THAT LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.**AK
Power train, Oct 23, 2004
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON MY VW JETTA TDI (2002) FAILED AT ~71,000 MILES WITH NO WARNING. I DRIVE IN NON-CITY, OPEN HIGHWAY CONDITIONS WITH NO STRESS TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION IS SEALED, SO THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A WAY TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. DEALER SAYS SINCE THE UNIT IS SEALED, NO REPAIRS CAN BE MADE...ONLY REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT FOR ~ $4,300. I'M 40 YEARS OLD AND HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A TRASMISSION FAILING SO SOON AND WHEN THEN VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN IN CONDITIONS STRESSFUL TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS WAS MY FIRST TRY AT A VW PRODUCT AND MY LAST. THE MANUFACTURER HAS PATHETIC CUSTOMER SERVICE AS I CALLED TO SEE IF THIS WAS NORMAL FOR VW TRANSMISSIONS AND TO SEE IF THEY WOULD PAY FOR A PART OF THE COST AND WAS TOLD "NOTHING VW CAN DO, THE WARRANTY ENDED AT 60,000 MILES." THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME I BUY FROM A COMPANY THAT MAKES ME PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR A FAILED TRANSMISSION THAT CLEARLY WAS FAULTY. I DON'T KNOW IF THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION IS STILL AT THE DEALER AS I HAVE NOT YET PICKED UP THE VEHICLE. THE CAR IS STILL SITTING THERE UNTIL I FEEL LESS ANGRY OVER THE FACT OF THE COST AND VW'S POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ATTITUDE. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT VW WOULD HAVE RATHER PAID FOR THEIR DEFECTICVE TRANSMISSION (E FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS IS NOTHING TO A LARGE CORPORATION) RATHER THAN ALL THE NEGATIVE PUBLICITY FROM ME AND MY FAMILY TO EVERYONE WE EVER TALK TO ABOUT VW AS A COMPANY AND THEIR PRODUCT.*AK
Power train, Oct 12, 2004
MY CAR STARTED TO CLUNK AND JERK WHEN I WAS TURNING CORNERS. IT STARTED JUST CLUNKING ONCE AND GOT WORSE AND WORSE WITHIN THE SAME DAY. IT WOULD JERK GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT JUST QUIT. I COULDN'T ACCELERATE OR PUT IT INTO GEAR. I GOT IT OFF THE ROAD AND HAD TO PUSH IT INTO A PARKING LOT UNTIL I COULD HAVE IT TOWED. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO LATER SAID MY CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES. THEY QUOTED ME $1640.00. THAT'S RIDICULOUS FOR THAT TO GO OUT SO EARLY. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULDN'T BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE DRIVEN MANUALS FOR YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. THEY SAID I WAS EITHER "RIDING THE CLUTCH" OR "DRIVING HARD". I STARTED LOOKING AROUND AND ALL THE MECHANICS I TALKED TO WERE VERY SURPRISED IT WAS OUT ALREADY AND THAT IS WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I LOOKED UP THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND A TON OF OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND TOLD THE SAME THING. OUR CLUTCHES SHOULD NOT BE GOING OUT THIS EARLY. *NM
Power train, Seats, Sep 21, 2004
VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN ASR LIGHT AND WHEN DRIVING ON A SMOOTH ROAD THE ASR LIGHT WILL COME ON ,AND THE VEHICLE WILL DOWN SHIFT. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY WERE COMPLETELY BAFFLED, CLEARED OUT THE CODES, AND REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT MODULES, BUT WERE UNABLE TO SOLVE THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. ALSO, HEATED SEATS OVERHEATED. CONSUMER WA S FURIOUS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, May 26, 2004
1) TRANSMISSION SLIPS, AND CAUSES A THUD. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 2) LED DISPLAY DISAPPEARS. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM TWICE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 3) BRAKES ARE MUSHY. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 4) VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH WHEN ACCELERATING. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE. 5) ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON, AND THERE IS PECULIAR SMELL. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE. *NM
Power train, Structure, Feb 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO FOUND THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE BROKEN AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FALL TO THE GROUND. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE, ENGINE BLOCK, TIMING BELT AND THE LOWER SHIELD. ALSO AT 59,000 THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE CONSUMER COULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Interior lighting, Feb 16, 2004
I BOUGHT THE CAR 3 DAYS LATER THE PROBLEM(S) STARTED. AND THEY HAVE BEEN GOING EVER SINCE. SHIFTING HARD, DISPLAY LIGHTS, WOULD NOT START, WONDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN, OR IFF THEY DID, THEY MADE A LOUD THUD. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Tires, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004
THIS CAR HAS HAD TOO MANY SERIOUS PROBLEMS TO BE LIMITED TO THIS SMALL SPACE. IT IS CLEARLY A LEMON. THESE PROBLEMS SUBSTANTIALLY IMPAIR THE USE AND VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR RECEIVED A NEW TRANSMISSION YESTERDAY AFTER WE HAD REPORTED 3 PREVIOUS TIMES THAT THERE IT REMAINED IN REVERSE AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. EACH TIME WE WERE TOLD IT WAS UNREPRODUCEABLE AND THE COMPLAINT WAS NEVER NOTED ON THE WORK ORDERS. FINALLY, THE DEALERSHIP DID RELENT AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. WE ENCOUNTERED THE SAME TYPE OF TREATMENT WITH THE ENGINE BURNING OIL, AND IT WASN'T UNTIL THE ENGINE RAN COMPLETELY OUT OF OIL, THAT THE DEALER WOULD ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME WE HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT THE OIL WAS 2 MONTHS AFTER WE HAD BOUGHT THE CAR!!!
Power train, Jan 15, 2004
THE CLUTCH COMPLETELY BLEW OUT ON MY 2002 JETTA VR6 AT 27,000 MILES ON 8/25/2003. IT IS COSTING $966 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH (I WILL KNOW THE EXACT PARTS ONCE I GET IT BACK FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT). I WAS TOLD BY THE VW DEALERSHIP AND VW OF AMERICA THAT THIS IS "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" AND NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I DO NOT RIDE THE CLUTCH AND DRIVE ALL HIGHWAY MILES. THE CLUTCH WAS NOT RUINED BY "POOR DRIVING" OR "CITY DRIVING" DESPITE WHAT VW OF AMERICA AND THE DEALERSHIP IS CLAIMING. THE CLUTCH MUST BE DEFECTIVE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH VW JETTA STANDARD TRANSMISSION CARS MADE DURING/AFTER 1999 (THE YEAR VW REMODELED THEIR CARS). THESE PEOPLE HAVE ALSO HAD THEIR CLUTCH GO OUT WITH 10,000-35,000 MILES ON THEIR CARS, WERE EXPERIENCED DRIVERS, AND WERE FORCED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. ALSO, WHEN I DID GET MY CAR BACK I ASKED FOR THE PARTS THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED (SO I COULD HAVE AN INDEPENDANT MECHANIC LOOK AT THEM) AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD ALREADY BEEN SENT BACK TO THE FACTORY. THIS LEAVES ME WITH NO WAY TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE PARTS. SINCE THEN I HAVE WRITTEN VW DEMANDING IT FIND & RETURN THE PARTS OR REFUND THE REPAIR COSTS.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 15, 2004
3 ENGINE COILS HAVE FAILED AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE AND THEY ARE REPLACING THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION THE LEFT FRONT DOOR LATCH HAS FAILED TOO.
Power train, Dec 23, 2003
MY VEHICLE WAS REPURCHASED BY VWOA (VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA) FROM THE FIRST OWNER FOR A RECALL PROBLEM. WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IT CAME WITH AN ALL INCLUSIVE 12 MONTH/12,000 MILE WARRANTY AND THEN THE REST OF THE 4 YEAR/50,000 MILE WARRANTY. AT 11,700 MILES THE CLUTCH STARTING STICKING AND WOULDN'T SHIFT, THE CAR ALSO WOULD GO TO HIGH RPMS WHEN ACCELERATING, EVEN IF ONLY A LITTLE. THE NEXT DAY, I GOT OUT TO GET GAS AND I SMELLED BURNING. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND I COULD TELL SOMETHING WAS BURNT. I CALLED VW FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING AND HAD IT TOWED TO THEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE CAR "MAY BE" UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE A DOCUMENT THAT CLEARLY STATES THAT IT IS. THEY CONTACTED THEIR SERVICE REP, FRED HINGLE, AND WAS TOLD THAT IF IT WAS NOT "WEAR AND TEAR" THAT IT WOULD BE COVERED. WELL VW TORE THE CAR APART, AND AFFIRMED THAT IT MUST BE WEAR AND TEAR, DO TO THE BURNT CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL. AFTER THIS I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE AT MYVWLEMON.COM HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CLUTCH GOING OUT AT 9,000 TO 26,000 MILES, INCLUDING CAR AND DRIVER GUIDE, WHO TEST DROVE THE JETTA AND HAD THE CLUTCH GO OUT AT 26,000 MILES, AND THESE ARE PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS! THEY TOLD ME THE REPAIRS WOULD TOTAL 1551.00 DOLLARS ALMOST 10% OF WHAT I PAID FOR THE CAR. MR. HINGLE THE CORPORATE REP REFUSES TO SPEAK WITH ME. I BELIEVE THE CLUTCH USED IN THIS MODEL AND YEAR IS INDEED DEFECTIVE AND VWOA REFUSES TO DISCLOSE IT.
Power train, Dec 19, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. AS A RESULT, DRIVER SUSTAINED A CERVICAL STRAIN INJURY. *AK
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 24, 2003
EPC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION I PARKED MY CAR AS USUAL. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR, IT STARTED, BUT I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE NUMBER. THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO HIT THE BRAKE WITH MY FOOT AS HARD AS POSSIBLE. THIS ALLOWED ME TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THEY ALSO SUGGESTED THAT I TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR SERVICE. *LA
Power train, Exterior lighting, Oct 31, 2003
UPON STARTING VEHICLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT INDICATOR AND BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE CONSOLE. WHEN THIS OCCURRED DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE GEAR SHIFTER FROM PARK. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Equipment, May 17, 2003
I HAD BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW AND THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FALL INTO THE DOOR FRAME WITHIN A MATTER OF MONTHS. BOTH TIMES THE WINDOWS WERE FIXED, HOWEVER, THEY WERE RELUCTANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM AS IF IT HAD BEEN MY FAULT. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD AND I DON'T THINK HE APPRECIATES ASPHYXIATION FROM SO MUCH WIND IN HIS FACE ON THE LONG DRIVES TO THE DEALER TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE PROBLEMS ON THIS CAR, THE CLUTCH GETS STUCK (REPAIRED TWICE), THE SUNROOF TRIM BROKE OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE ENGINE MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING (FIXED TWICE), STEREO SYSTEM SWALLOWED MY CD (TWICE BEFORE NEW SYSTEM INSTALLED), AND AIR CONDITIONING RELEASES AN AWFUL MOLDY SMELL WHEN TURNED ON WHICH DEALER REFUSES TO ATTEMPT TO FIX. BOUGHT CAR IN VALENCIA VOLKSWAGEN IN VALENCIA, CA. SOLUTION SIMPLE, TRADED IN MY 1YR OLD CAR FOR A BETTER CAR, ONE THAT WORKS! *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Feb 28, 2003
I PURCHASED THIS CAR FOR MY DAUGHTER. THE MAJOR PROBLEMS ARE COMPLAINTS OF HAVING TROUBLE STOPPING. I WAS CONCERNED SO I DROVE IT AND IMMEDIATELY I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND FELT A VIBRATION WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL FIRESTONE TIRE AND THEY FELT THE VIBRATION AND HEARD THE GRINDING NOISE BUT THE BRAKE PADS LOOKED GOOD SO THEY ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, AS IT WAS PROBABLY A WARRANTY ISSUE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHARGED ME $37.00 TO TELL ME THAT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND IT'S NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. I WAS ADVISED VW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. (WHY CHARGE ME $37.00 FOR A PROBLEM THAT (THEY KNOW) THEY HAVE?). HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN ON A BRAND NEW CAR THAT DOESN'T EVEN NEED IT'S FIRST SET OF BRAKE PADS? I AM STILL NOT SURE WHAT TO MAKE OF THE BRAKING PROBLEM. THE ROTORS WERE JUST DISCOVERED BECAUSE I WAS COMPLAINING OF A BRAKING PROBLEM. *JB SECONDLY,WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR JERKS BACK AND FORTH AND SOMETIMES JOLTS. I AM CONCERNED AS TO WHAT THIS COULD BE. THE DEALER HAS NO IDEA. *JB I PAID $27,000 FOR THIS CAR TO INSURE MY CHILD'S SAFETY. I AM NOW WONDERING JUST HOW SAFE IT IS.*JB