2003 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Seats is the leading concern among 463 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 25 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 85 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 13, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X3.
Campaign 18V406000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
48 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 4, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED WATER TO THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,072.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2014
MY WATER PUMP FAILED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE OVERHEAT SIGN LIT UP. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. AFTER A PAINFULLY LONG DRAWN OUT TOW, TAXI, RENTAL CAR, AND RETURN TO PICK UP THE CAR 1 WEEK LATER (DRIVE 200 MILES THERE AND THEN BACK TO DO SO), THE GARAGE WHICH REPAIRED MY CAR INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A BAD "DESIGN FLAW" TO THE WATER PUMP WHERE IT HAD A PLASTIC PART THAT WOULD COMMONLY FAIL DURING THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A "WELL-KNOW" PROBLEM IN THE JETTA, MANY PEOPLE HAD EXPERIENCED & WRITTEN ONLINE ABOUT IT. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I INSTALL AN "AFTER-MARKET" PUMP WITH ALL METAL PARTS SO THAT IT WOULD NOT OCCUR AGAIN, WHICH I DID. MY CO-WORKER WHO OWNED A JETTA A FEW YEARS OLDER THAN MINE (2001?) FOR 10 YEARS AND LATER TRADED IT IN, INFORMED ME THAT SHE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND IN FACT HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP 3 TIMES DURING THE PERIOD SHE OWNED THE CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE WATER PUMP DESIGN IN THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. IF IT HAD BEEN RECALLED & FIXED PRIOR TO MY BREAKDOWN, I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO ENDURE THE WHOLE ORDEAL I WENT THROUGH. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Sep 28, 2013
I STARTED EXPERIENCING A HOT SPOT IN THE DRIVER'S HEATED SEAT IN THE FALL OF 2012. I HAVE TO PUT A CUSHION BETWEEN MY RIGHT LEG AND THE SEAT OR IT WILL NEARLY BURN. I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING AN ISSUE WITH EITHER THE O2 SENSOR OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHENEVER IT RAINS AND IT'S COOL WEATHER. THE CAR WILL LOSE POWER, SPUTTER AND LURCH UNTIL IT HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE THEN IT ACTS NORMALLY. FINALLY, FOR THE PAST TWO MONTHS THE REAR DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY OR BY HITTING THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DOOR. I JUST REACHED THE 100K MARK AND KEEP UP REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON MY CAR SO I'M A LITTLE UPSET THAT THINGS LIKE THIS ARE HAPPENING SO EARLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2013
I HAVE NOTICED A BURNING CRAYON SMELL IN MY 2003 VW JETTA FOR A FEW MONTHS. I HAVE HAD THE CAR DETAILED AND HAD THE DEALER CLEAN THE AC DUCTS YET THE SMELL REMAINS - AND GETS STRONGER IN HOT/HUMID WEATHER DAYS. I SEE OTHERS HAVE LISTED COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE - AND THE SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL UNDER THE CARPET SEEMS TO BE THE CULPRIT. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL AFFECT BREATHING AND COULD BE TOXIC. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 5, 2012
THE DRIVERS SIDE MOTOR MOUNT BROKE, ENGINE DROPPED AND FELL ON THE AXLE AND BROKE IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2011
RATTLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE, OIL PUMP WAS NOT PUMPING OIL AND CAMSHAFT CHAIN TENSIONER (TIMING BELT) RATTLING FROM LACK OF OIL. I WAS INFORMED I NEEDED TO REPLACE ENGINE DUE TO METAL PARTICLES AND CARBON IN THE OIL PAN.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2010
WATER PUMP FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 23, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AFTER BEING PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER THE WARRANTY TWO YEARS PRIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO PASS EMISSIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER COULD MAKE REPAIRS BUT AT HIS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2010
AFTER TAKING MY 2003 VW JETTA 1.8L TURBO TO THE VW DEALERSHIP FOR A BROKEN DIPSTICK AND IGNITION RECALL, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE IN WHICH THE CAR HAD UNDER 68,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP STATED IT WAS NOT UNDER THE MANUFACTURES WARRANTY AND WOULD COST AT LEAST $900 TO CLEAN OUT THE ENGINE. UPON DECIDING TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC FOR A 2ND OPINION, THE CAR SEIZED UP AND CEASED TO WORK WHILE DRIVING. THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE WAS BLOWN FROM THE SLUDGE BUILD UP WHEN OIL CHANGES HAD BEEN PERFORMED AT 3,000 MILE INTERVALS THOUGH THE MANUFACTURES OWNERS MANUAL STATED IT ONLY HAD TO BE CHANGED EVERY 5,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT OTHER THAN FOR ME TO PURCHASE A NEW ENGINE OR A REBUILT ENGINE. AFTER HAVING A USED ENGINE INSTALLED FROM A SALVAGE YARD, I DISCOVERED FROM THE CAR POURING SMOKE AND MAKING A HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE. APPARENTLY WHEN THE ORIGINAL ENGINE WENT IT ALSO DAMAGED THE TURBO AS A RESULT OF SLUDGE BUILD UP. I'VE FURTHER DISCOVERED AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM TO VW CARS WITH 1.8 LITER TURBO ENGINES FROM MODELS FOLLOWING 2000. UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE THE TURBO IS CONSIDERED AN ACCESSORY TO THE ENGINE, THE TURBO WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE SALVAGE YARDS ENGINE WARRANTY I JUST HAD INSTALLED AND WOULD REQUIRE THE TURBO BEING REPLACED AS WELL. THE VW DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT A REBUILT TURBO WOULD COST $1700 ALONE NOT INCLUDING SMALL PARTS AND LABOR AFTER I HAD ALREADY SPENT $2800 ON A USED 1.8L TURBO ENGINE AND SMALL PARTS AND LABOR. THE USED ENGINE HAD 46,000 MILES ON IT SO IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THAT IT WILL ALSO GO DUE TO ENGINE SLUDGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2010
WE PURCHASED AN 03 VW JETTA WAGON APPROX. 2.5 YEARS AGO. WE CHANGED THE OIL AT THE DEALER EVERY 5000 MILES. WE MISSED ONE OIL CHANGED AND THE ENGINE STALLED ON THE ROAD. IT WAS TOWED TO A VW MECHANIC. WE WERE TOLD IT A HAD TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE DO TO SLUDGE-WHICH THEY SAID WAS LACK OF MAINTENANCE. WE PAID 16,000 FOR THE CAR, IT HAD 40,000 MILES ON IT, WE PUT 20,000 MILES ON IT. WE CONTACTED A LAWYER AND WE WERE TOLD THERE ISN'T ANYTHING WE CAN DO-IT WAS SOLD AS IS. WE CONTACTED VW AMERICA AND THEY TOLD US JETTAS' DON'T HAVE THE SLUDGE PROBLEM, IT'S THE PASSAT WITH THE 1.8T ENGINE THAT HAS THE PROBLEM. MY RESEARCH SHOWS IT'S THE 1.8T ENGINE THAT IS THE PROBLEM REGARDLESS OF THE CAR IT'S IN. WE HAVE NO RECOURSE. THE CAR NOW SITS IN OUR DRIVE WAY WITH NEW TIRES AND A BROKEN ENGINE. A NEW MOTOR PLUS INSTALLATION WOULD COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH. ONCE AGAIN THE WORKING PEOPLE GET SCREWED.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2010
WHEN I START MY CAR, THE ENGINE IDLES INCONSISTENTLY AND THE CAR SHAKES OR STUTTERS. IF I BEGIN DRIVING NORMALLY ONE OF TWO THINGS WILL HAPPEN, EITHER THE ENGINE WILL STALL (HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY LATELY) OR THE CAR WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE IDLING PROBLEMS UNTIL IT WARMS UP. IN THE SECOND CASE, THE CAR WILL DRIVE NORMALLY FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES UNTIL I COME TO THE FIRST HILL. IF THE CAR DOWN SHIFTS WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL AT LOWER SPEEDS, THE ASR LIGHT WILL COME ON AND FROM THIS POINT ON THE CAR HAS A DIFFICULT TIME SHIFTING GEARS. THE SHIFTING IS ABRUPT AND THE ENGINE DOES NOT SOUND NORMAL. IF I STOP, TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON THE CAR APPEARS TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. TO AVOID THE ABOVE PROBLEM, I DO THE FOLLOWING WHEN FIRST STARTING MY CAR. I START THE CAR, TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS AND REV MY ENGINE TO ABOUT 3000 RPM'S. I HOLD THIS RPM FOR ABOUT 30-60 SECONDS AND THEN I NOTICE THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ONCE AND BECOME STRONGER AND THE ENGINE WILL THEN REV UP ANOTHER 500 RPM'S ON ITS OWN. AT THIS POINT I USUALLY DO NOT EXPERIENCE THE ASR PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. PROBLEM FIRST STARTED IN 2007 AND PERSISTED UNTIL 2010 WHEN IT WAS FINALLY REPAIRED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Feb 23, 2010
2003 VW JETTA: DIGITAL DISPLAY WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN KEY WAS REMOVED FROM IGNITION. UNABLE TO LOCK VEHICLE DOORS WITH REMOTE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED FOR DIGITAL PANEL TO APPEAR (RE-SET) AND FOR DOOR TO LOCK WITH REMOTE. ENGINE WOULD ALSO SHUT OFF WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. POSSIBILITY TO CAUSE A CRASH. ALL DIGITAL PANELS STILL ILLUMINATED, KEY WOULD BE LOCKED IN INGNITION, UN-ABLE TO TURN OR BE REMOVED UNTIL CAR PLACED BACK IN PARK AND HAND BRAKE PULLED UP. ISSUES OCCURED BI-WEEKLY, WEEKLY, AND NOW DAILY. VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD THAT IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRANTY (WARRANT JUST EXPIRED LAST MONTH). AFTER TRYING TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM PRIOR TO BRINGING TO DEALERSHIP, I'VE FOUND ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE/REPAIR FOR VW CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. MANY CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR COMPLAINTS/EXPERIENCES, ALL OF WHICH WERE TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. VEHICLE IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND IS AT APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD SERVICE FOR THE FOLLOWING RECALLS: CATALYTIC CONVERTER, FAILED IGNITION COILS, FAILED REAR WINDOW/DOOR LOCKS. THIS CAR IS A LEMON! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 21, 2009
2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8 TURBO, ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO SLUDGE FORMATION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY AND THE DEALER CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. HE HAS PAID OVER $500 IN REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 10, 2009
2003 JETTA GLS; TWICE WHEN RUNNING THE AC THE CAR SUDDENLY OVERHEATS, FUSE BLOWS. THE ENGINE TEMP GAUGE GOES FAR INTO THE RED ZONE. I TURNED ON THE HEATER TO DRAW HEAT AWAY FROM ENGINE, AIR WAS SO HOT IT LITERALLY MELTED THE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE IN THE CUP HOLDER. (DIDN'T HELP MY COMFORT THAT THE OUTSIDE TEMP WAS NEAR 100 DEGREES AND I'M DRIVING ALONG WITH SUNROOF OPEN, WINDOWS OPEN, AND HEATER TURNED ON HIGH!) I WAS CONCERNED THAT MY LEG WAS BURNED AS WELL BECAUSE THE AIR BLOWING FROM VENT WAS SO HOT. I HAD TO IDLE THE CAR EVERY FEW THOUSAND FEET TO ALLOW CAR TO COOL ENOUGH TO LIMP TO SERVICE STATION. FIRST TIME (JULY 06, CAR W/I WARRANTY @ 32K MILES), VW TOLD ME THAT THE FUSE WAS BLOWN; THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND INDICATED THAT IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN THEY WOULD NEED TO FIGURE OUT WHY. SECOND TIME (NOV. 2007, CAR OUT OF WARRANTY @ 51K)), NON-VW MECHANIC ABLE TO REPLICATE AND SAID THAT FUSE BLEW BECAUSE "COOLING FANS ARE DRAWING TOO MANY AMPS (UP TO 100 AMPS) WHEN STARTING. WHEN RUNNING THEY ARE STILL DRAWING 37 AMPS AND SHOULD BE LESS THAN 20 AMPS." ALTHOUGH THIS HAS HAPPENED ONLY TWICE, AND I HAVE YET TO REPAIR (TOO EXPENSIVE AT $800+ AND I'M UNEMPLOYED), I LIVE IN GREAT FEAR AS WARM WEATHER APPROACHES THAT I WILL BE "BURNED" BY THIS ISSUE AGAIN. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 16, 2009
2003 VW JETTA - FUSE BOX INSIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MELTED! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 6, 2009
I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT FAILURE OF THE IGNITION COILS ON A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA ( ) WITH THE 1.8 LITER TURBO ENGINE. VW HAS ALREADY RECALLED A NUMBER OF JETTAS OF THIS VINTAGE AND WITH THIS ENGINE FOR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE COILS ON THIS CAR. ONE FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO RUN POORLY. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING ALL FOUR COILS AT A COST OF $384.48. THE CAR ONLY HAD 23,726 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THIS DEFECT CAN CAUSE IMMEDIATE ENGINE FAILURE. CLEARLY, THE VW DEALER BELIEVED THAT THE COILS ARE SUBJECT TO UNEXPECTED FAILURE AT LOW MILEAGE EVEN THOUGH VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO RECALL THE PARTICULAR VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Wheels, Interior lighting, Equipment, Nov 10, 2008
I HAVE HAD 27 THINGS BREAK OR FAIL ON MY 03VW JETTA 1.8T. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN 01/06 WITH 32,000 MILES. AFTER BUYING THE CAR THE FIRST FIVE MINS THE WINDOW SHATTERED. FIRST TWO MONTHS 2 TIRES BLEW OUT, FRONT RIM CRACKED, BACK TIRES OUT OF ALIGNMENT. DEALER PAID TO FIX RIM BROKE 2 WEEKS LATER THE DEALER PAID FO USED SET OF SIMILAR RIMS. EVERY LIGHT INSIDE AND OUT WENT OUT BY 05/06 DRIVER SEAT WONT RAISE UP CARGO NET IN TRUNK FALLS APART DEALER WONT COVER. GAS AND TRUNK RELEASE BUTTONS FELL DOWN INSIDE OF DOOR. RADIO STOPPED WORKING FRONT DOOR SPEAKERS ARE SHORTING OUT. DRIVER WINDOW SWITCH GOES UP WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN AND DOWN WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN HAVE TO FIDDLE WITH IT FOR IT TO GO UP. EXHAUST HANGER BROKE CAUSING CHATTER. SWAYBAR BUSHING FELL OUT CAUSING GRINDING AND SHAKING WHEN EVER MOVING. NOT COVER BY WARRANTY ALL THESE HAPPENED BY 05/07. NOW ITS 10/08 AND I HAVE 84,000 MILES. CURRENT PROBLEMS ARE REAR SPOILER BRAKE LIGHT HANGS DOWN(DEALER JUST GLUED IT IN PLACE LASTED ABOUT 4 MONTHS) CAM AND CRANK SEALS LEAKING OIL CAUSE ODOR INSIDE OF CABIN. IF I DRIVE FOR MORE THEN AN HOUR I GET SICK AND LIGHT-HEADED. SEAT, CARGO NET IN TRUNK, IS STILL BROKEN. RADIO STILL ISN'T FIXED SO I JUST WENT AND BOUGHT AN AFTER MARKET. SPEAKERS STILL SHORTENING OUT ONLY WHEN ITS COLD OUT. KEYLESS ENTRY ONLY WORKS WITHIN 4FT OF THE CAR. IN THE WINTER THE CAR ONLY GETS 18MPG ON THE HIGHWAY AND ABOUT 14 IN THE CITY AND THE CAR IS PARKED IN A HEATED UNDERGROUND GARAGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OVER THE YEARS HER VEHICLE SPORADICALLY OVERHEATS. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND HAD THE OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED TWICE, THE THERMOSTAT, THE BATTERY, THE WATER PUMP, AND THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP. RECENTLY, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FAN, SECONDARY AIR PUMP, AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF OVER $2,000. THE TECHNICIAN ADDED THAT IF THE REPAIR WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN REMEDYING THE FAILURES, THEY MAY HAVE TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,126 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2008
MY 2003 VW WOLFSBURG EDITION JETTA CONTINUES TO LOSE POWER. WHILE I AM DRIVING THE CAR WILL ALMOST STALL THE POWER CATCHES AND POWERS BACK UP PRIOR TO STALLING. THE LIGHTS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR GO OUT, THE RADIO TURNS OFF, THE CLOCK LOSES POWER, THE ENGINE LOSES ENOUGH POWER TO NOT ACCELERATE, BUT STILL DOES NOT STALL. THE POWER LOSE LAST FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ALSO FLICKER. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES EVERY DAY. SO FAR I HAVE REPLACED THE COOLANT FANS AND CENSOR (1ST DIAGNOSTIC FROM VW DEALERSHIP), REPLACED THE 2ND COIL (2ND DIAGNOSTIC FROM VW DEALERSHIP) REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH (LESUEUR CAR CO), & REPLACED THE CONTROL MODULE (3RD DIAGNOSTIC LESUEUR CAR CO) WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR FROM LESUEUR CAR CO I DIDN'T GET A MILE AWAY WHEN THE CAR LOSE POWER AGAIN. I BOUGHT THIS 2003 VW JETTA FROM CARDINALE WAY OF SCOTTSDALE LAST SEPT. (2007) I ASKED FOR A BUMPER TO BUMPER EXTENDED WARRANTY AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. MY CAR STARTED LOSING POWER AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC I FOUND OUT MY WARRANTY IS NOT WHAT I ASKED FOR. IT'S JUST A POWER/TRAN WARRANTY WHICH DOESN'T COVER ANYTHING! I HAVE SPENT ALMOST $1300 IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS TRYING TO FIX THE POWER LOSE PROBLEM AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR?!?! EVERYTIME IT GIVES A DIAGNOSTIC ERROR, WE FIX THE ERROR, AND THE CAR STILL CONTINUES TO LOSE POWER! IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 6 TIMES, TWICE AT A VW CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP AND THE 4 OR 5 TIMES AT LESUEUR CAR CO WHICH IS THE LARGEST NON-CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP IN AZ. I HAVE CONTACTED CARDINALE WAY AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO??? I HAVE 3 MORE YEARS TO PAY ON A CAR THAT NO ONE CAN FIX!! AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING THINGS THAT AREN'T THE PROBLEM EITHER! IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP IT WILL BE VERY APPRECIATED. THANKS *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 22, 2008
MY 2003 VW JETTA HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS THAN IN THE LAST 5 YEARS. THE LATEST TWO PROBLEMS WERE; 1) THE ENGINE COIL (WAS REPLACED ONCE BY RECALL) AND 2) MY FUSE BOX ON TOP OF MY BATTERY MELTED. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1,500 IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS ON THE CAR. WAS TOLD THAT ONLY ONE ENGINE COIL WAS ALLOWED UNDER THE RECALL, AND WAS TOLD THE FUSE BOX MELTING WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE EVEN THOUGH THEY DID NOT EVER FIND THE "REAL" REASON FOR IT TO MELT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 16, 2008
ON MARCH 1, 2004, I PURCHASED AND FINANCED A 2003 JETTA TDI FROM THE VW DEALERSHIP IN CHICO, CA. I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH MY NEW VEHICLE IN LATE NOVEMBER 2005, WITH MILEAGE AT 47399. I SUFFERED INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO THE FREEWAY AND IN TRAVELING UP HILLS. DURING THE LOSS OF POWER, I ALSO NOTICED THAT I COULD NOT HEAR THE WHINE OF THE TURBO AND ASSUMED THAT THE PROBLEM MUST BE RELATED TO MY TURBO. THE CHICO DEALER TEST DROVE THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES WITH A SCAN TOOL BUT WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY MY COMPLAINT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PROBLEM WITH THE TURBO PERSISTED. I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO THE CHICO DEALERSHIP ON JANUARY 7, 2006, WITH MILEAGE AT 50856. ONCE AGAIN, THE CHICO DEALER WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY MY COMPLAINT BECAUSE THEIR SCAN TOOL DID NOT PULL A CODE. THE CHICO DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR IN AN ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE MY COMPLAINT REGARDING THE LOSS OF POWER. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY THE CHICO DEALER ON JANUARY 7, 2006. FEELING DEFEATED AND FRUSTRATED, I SUFFERED THROUGH THE TURBO PROBLEM FOR ANOTHER YEAR. DURING THIS TIME, I WAS FORCED TO TAKE EXTRA SPECIAL PRECAUTION WHEN ENTERING THE FREEWAY IN CASE MY TURBO FAILED TO RESPOND UPON ACCELERATION. IN ADDITION, WHEN I EXPERIENCED A LOSS POWER TRAVELING UP-HILL, I WAS FORCED TO UTILIZE MY HAZARD SIGNAL AND MOVE TO EITHER THE SLOW LANE OR THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO ALLOW OTHER VEHICLES TO PASS ME. WHEN MY TURBO FAILED TO RESPOND PROPERLY, MY VEHICLE WOULD ONLY TRAVEL AT A MAXIMUM OF 45-55 MPH WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO THE FREEWAY AND 35-45 MPH WHEN TRAVELING UP-HILL. NEEDLESS TO SAY, EVEN LARGE SEMI-TRUCKS PASSED ME TRAVELING UP-HILL. THE PROBLEM WITH MY TURBO JEOPARDIZED MY SAFETY AND THAT OF MY PASSENGERS' AS WELL AS THOSE TRAVELING AROUND US. THIS HAS GONE ON TOO LONG WITHOUT THE PROPER ATTENTION TO MY CONCERNS AND I FEEL UNSAFE WHILE TRAVELING IN MY VW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 11, 2008
I HAVE A PIECE OF JUNK VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T THAT IS A LEMON. AT 64,000 MILES THE FAN SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED SOME PROBLEMS TO THE TUNE OF $800. THEN AT 70,000 MILES THE AIR TUBES MELTED MAKING THE CAR RUN TERRIBLE. THAT WAS ANOTHER $600 DOLLARS TO FIX. NOW AT 71000 MILES THE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. I HAVE HAD IT TALKING TO THE DEALER AND CONSTANTLY WRITING VOLKSWAGEN. THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS AND THEY DO NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS. THANK YOU, GEORGE AND LAURA BOGDAN *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2008
PURCHASED A USED 03 VW TDI ON 04/05, HAD THE WARRANTY TRANSFERRED AND REGISTERED TO ME AT VW. BRIEF RANDOM INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHERE THROTTLE WOULD NOT RESPOND FOR 1-3 SECONDS WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP SIGN. (THIS COULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR HEALTH) VW DEALER COULD DO NOTHING WITHOUT A FAULT CODE. THIS CONTINUED FOR 2 YEARS AND 24000 MILES. ON 02/04/08, I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, DID AN ERRAND, CAME OUT AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE ONLY TO HAVE IT IDLE ROUGH THEN DIE OUT, DURING THIS TIME THERE WAS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. I RESTARTED ENGINE 6-7 TIMES, ON THE 8TH TIME IT RAN NORMALLY. NEXT DAY SAME HAPPENED TO WIFE. I LOADED CAR ONTO A FLATBED AND DELIVERED TO VW DEALER 60 MILES AWAY. THEY FOUND THE EGR THROTTLE VALVE STUCK, REMOVED IT, CLEANED OUT BUILT-UP CARBON. THIS COST $370.00 WE DO NOT KNOW IF THESE INCIDENTS ARE RELATED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 31, 2007
A) 1) DROVE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 2 MILES ON THE MORNING OF 05/21/07 WHEN THE FAILURE HAPPENED. 2) VEHICLE LOST ENGINE POWER AND VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE A LOT. 3) FAILED IGNITION COIL #3 WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. B) 1) DROVE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 1 MILES ON THE MORNING OF 11/07/07 WHEN THE FAILURE HAPPENED. 2) VEHICLE LOST ENGINE POWER AND VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE A LOT. 3) FAILED IGNITION COIL #4 WAS REPLACED. *TR