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, Electrical system, Dec 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COIL INSIDE THE CYLINDER FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN ONE MONTH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,890 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,046. UPDATED 03/14/08. *LJ THE COIL PACK WAS REPLACED
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 19, 2007
WHILE DRIVING FROM PA TO BOSTON MY CAR'S ENGINE BROKE DOWN IN WHAT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE VW 1.8 LITER TURBO ENGINES. THE PASSAT (FROM '98-'04) HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE ISSUE BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT. I DRIVE A '03 JETTA WITH VW'S 1.8 TURBO ENGINE, BUT BECAUSE IT'S NOT A PASSAT THE WARRANTY WAS NOT EXTENDED. I STILL HAVE SEVERAL MONTHS OF PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR AND IT ONLY HAS 70,000. ALL VW CAN/WANTS TO DO TO HELP ME IS OFFER $1,500 IN REPAIRS OR TRADE IN. I'M LOOKING AT $7,200 AND OWE $1,600 ON THE CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2007
THERE WAS A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE RIGHT AFTER THE 75,000 MILE CPO WARRANTY ENDED. THE SMOKE WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY TURBO. THE TURBO HAD BEEN REPLACED AT 49,000 MILES AND VW AND AN INDEPENDENT VERIFIED THAT THE TURBO WAS FAULTY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ASKED TO CHECK THE ENGINE (UNDER WARRANTY) FIVE TIMES THROUGHOUT THE TIME AFTER THE FIRST TURBO WAS INSTALLED, THEY REPORTED THAT ALL WAS FINE. AS SOON AS THE WARRANTY ENDED, THEY SAID THAT THE TURBO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. VW HAS SHIFTED ALL RESPONSIBILITY TO ME. EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS BURNING OIL, AND AFFECTING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NO WARRANTIES APPLY. THE TURBO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, HOWEVER, NO ONE (INCLUDING VW) CAN EXPLAIN WHY IT KEEPS FAILING, DESPITE PERFECT MAINTENANCE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Wheels, Equipment, Jul 22, 2007, crash
I HAVE OWNED A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (TURBO - 2003) AND HAVE HAD ONE HORRIBLE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER. WITHOUT FAIL, I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN FOR RANDOM MECHANICAL REPAIRS EVERY FEW MONTHS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. I FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO AND THAT VW WAS AWARE OF HOW BAD THEIR CAR'S MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO WERE. IF THAT IS THE CASE, HOW CAN SO MANY CAR OWNERS WITH SO MANY MECHANICAL ISSUES CONTINUE TO SELL IN THIS COUNTRY? I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT VW FOR LACKLUSTER PERFORMANCE AND FOR CONTINUING MANUFACTURE IN AN AREA WELL KNOWN FOR ITS BELOW AVERAGE STANDARDS AND FOR CONTINUING TO BLEED THE CONSUMER WHEN IT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2007
VW JETTA 2003 OIL LEAKAGE FROM OIL PAN SCREW ACCORDING LOCAL SERVICE GUY: ALUMIN PAN AND STEEL SCREW THEARD ON OIL PAN LOOSE GRIP. VW NEED TO RECALL THIS. HTTP://WWW.AUHO.COM/FORUM/ARCHIVE/INDEX.PHP/T-1613.HTML *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 5, 2006
BOUGHT A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS IN 2003. SEVERAL THINGS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. FOR EXAMPLE THE GLOVE BOX COVER, WHEEL BEARING. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT ON MOST NEWER VEHICLES THAT WHEEL BEARINGS DO NOT REQUIRE MAINTENANCE. MY CAR HAS 74,000 MILES. LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING AND MY MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE CAR IF GOING OVER 30 MPH CUT OUT. THERE WAS A ROTTEN EGG SMELL. IT IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND 2 COILS WERE FAULTY. THEY REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND IGNITION COILS FOR CYLINDERS 1&3 AND CLEARED FAULT CODES. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. BUT SAID VOLKSWAGEN FEELS THE IGNITION COILS ARE A REGULAR MAINTENANCE ISSUE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND AM FINDING THAT VOLKSWAGEN HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE COILS. IN MY RESEARCH I FOUND THAT VW HAD A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION LETTER THAT WAS SENT OUT TO VW OWNERS TO BRING CAR INTO DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE COILS. VW REPRESENTATIVE IN MICHIGAN TOLD ME THAT THEY STOPPED DOING THAT IN 2005. I BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD HAVE NOT HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE THE IGNITION COILS. VW KNOWS THAT THEY HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS. I LOVE MY VW BUT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS THIS CAR THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I TRADE VEHICLES EVERY 3-4 YEARS BUT WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER VOLKSWAGEN. NOT BECAUSE I HAVE HAD SO MANY THINGS GO WRONG BECAUSE THE STRANGE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THE CAR AND VOLKSWAGEN DOESN'T TAKE CARE OF THEIR DRIVERS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2006
I HAVE A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI GLS. I SHOULD NOTE THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN FAITHFULLY SERVICED BY THE DEALER FOLLOWING THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE LISTED IN THE USER MANUAL. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 109,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE INCIDENT DATE LISTED ON THIS COMPLAINT, THE A/C CEASED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THERE WAS NO COOL AIR COMING OUT OF THE VENTS. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUTDOWN, THE RADIATOR FANS WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN UPWARDS OF 15 MINUTES. NEITHER EVENT HAS OCCURRED BEFORE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO A VW DEALERSHIP ON THE INCIDENT DATE TO HAVE ITS NORMAL 110,000 MILE SERVICE AND TO HAVE THE ISSUES (NOTED ABOVE) DIAGNOSED. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP LATER IN THE DAY ON THE INCIDENT DATE STATING THAT A FAILURE IN THE COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR CAUSED COOLANT FLUID TO BE WICKED INTO THE VEHICLE'S WIRING HARNESS LEADING TO CONTAMINATION / CORROSION OF THE ENGINE AND BODY HARNESS. THE QUOTE TO REPAIR WAS APPROXIMATELY $6,000. THIS PROBLEM IS A LATENT DEFECT IN THE DESIGN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UN-DRIVABLE UNTIL THE REPAIRS ARE MADE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR ALSO CONFIRMED THAT BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE HARNESS ITSELF, ANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENT COULD BE AFFECTED SUCH AS THE AIRBAGS, ABS, SRS, ETC. ALSO, FROM MY OWN RESEARCH I FOUND SOME PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM HAVE ALSO HAD SMOKE OR FIRES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. VW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (ID# C 97-01-01) FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE ON 1999.5 - 2001 MODEL YEAR JETTAS, BUT NEVER FOR THE 2003 AND NEVER A RECALL CAMPAIGN ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. VW HAS REFUSED TO ASSIST IN THE COST OF REPAIR TO THE VEHICLE AS WELL. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2006
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DURING WORK OUT OF STATE. DIAGNOSIS AT A SERVICE STATION INDICATED BOTH ELECTRICAL COOLING FANS HAD FAILED. I REPLACED THEM WITH AFTERMARKET FANS IN ORDER TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME AND IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO THE DEALER. DEALER REPLACED BOTH FANS AND FOUND THE COOLING TEMP SENSOR HAD BEEN SHORTING OUT. I WAS CHARGED OVER 900.00 FOR THE FANS AND TOLD THEY WERE NOT COVERED SINCE I HAD PUT AFTERMARKET FANS ON THE CAR. I OFFERED TO GIVE THE DEALER THE STOCK FANS SO THEY COULD VERIFY THEY WERE NOT WORKING BUT THEY REFUSED. GIVEN I DID NOT CAUSE THE OEM PARTS TO FAIL AND MADE NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE CAR OR IT'S WIRING WITH THE TEMPORARY FANS I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE COVERED. ALSO, A SEARCH OF ONLINE VW USER GROUPS INDICATES THE PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON, (HUNDREDS OF IDENTICAL REPORTS ON ONE SITE). I WAS ALSO CHARGED FOR THE OEM COOLING PARTS WHICH HAD FAILED SUCH AS TEMP SENSOR, TEMP SWITCH AND FAN CONTROL MODULE. FOR THE RECORD, I CALLED VW AND REQUESTED A TOW TO SERVICE AND WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE THE CAR IN. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2006, fire
2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. A VEHICLE FOLLOWING MY SONS CAR ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE (MY SON WAS OUT OF STATE RETURNING HOME) NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR AND BLOW HORN AND FLICKERED LIGHTS. MY SON LOOKED IN HIS REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW SMOKE AND IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED BY VEHICLE FOLLOWING. THE JETTA NEVER LOST POWER AND WHEN HE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND HE HAD TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF. THE JETTA WAS SMOKING AND THE FIRE STARTED IMMEDIATELY AND WITH IN MINUTES FULL FLAMES. THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM AND IT CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE JETTA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT GET THE FIRE OUT AND HAD TO BREAK THROUGH THE HOOD. THE WHOLE FRONT (ENGINE AREA) WAS BURNED. THE JETTA WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEREFORE WE PERSONALLY WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO REPORT (THINKING STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY WOULD PROVIDE A RENTAL AND WANT TO INVESTIGATE) ALL THEY DID WAS REFER US TO VOLKSWAGEN. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN ON MARCH 27, 2005 AND TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT I HAD TO REPORT TO MY INSURANCE. VOLKSWAGEN ALSO TOLD ME THAT IF IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.... THEY WOULD ONLY PAY WHAT INSURANCE WOULD PAY??????? MY SON ALSO TALKED TO THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP AND ALL THAT WAS SAID IS HE (THE DEALERSHIP OWNER) WAS SORRY AND GOOD THING HE (MY SON ) HAD INSURANCE. THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T EVEN OFFER TO TRY AND HELP US GET BACK INTO A VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION (NO ENGINE WARNING, NO POWER LOSE, SMELL ETC.) THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG. THE SMOKE WAS GOING UP UNDER THE JETTA AND OUT UNDER THE BACK. THE BLESSING IS THE VEHICLE BEHIND MY SON.... WHAT IF HE HADN'T CAUGHT MY SONS ATTENTION?????????? THE AUTO INSURANCE DIDN'T COVER FOR WHAT WAS LOST IN THE VEHICLE, JUST THE JETTA. ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WERE DONE AS RECOMMENDED BY VOLKSWAGEN????? *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2006
ENGINE FROZE 1 MILE AFTER THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. NO SMELLS, WARNING LIGHTS, NOISES BEFORE THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER THEN I DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION. CHECKED THE OIL, AND IT WAS DRY. PUT IN A QUART OF OIL AND DROVE IT TO SEE IF LIGHT WOULD GO OFF - IT LOCKED A COUPLE BLOCKS AFTER THAT. WHY DIDN'T THE OIL LIGHT COME ON SOONER? THE OIL LEVEL WAS VERY LOW , ENOUGH TO MAKE THE ENGINE FREEZE. WHY DIDN'T THE OIL LIGHT COME ON SOONER? *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 20, 2006
NUMEROUS TIMES THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON MY 2003 JETTA. FIRST VISIT WAS 9/12/02. THE OTHERS WERE: 2/21/03, 6/13/03, 10/21/04, 1/6/05, 12/14/05, 12/21/05, 1/9/06, 1/13/06. IT IS CURRENTLY ON AND IS WAITING FOR A CAT. CONVERTER. THEY CHARGED ME TO HOOK UP TO COMPUTER, REPLACED ALL COILS & SPARK PLUGS AND THE LIGHT IS STILL ON. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 19, 2005
EXCESSIVE BUILDUP OF CARBON IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEADING TO THE FAILURE OF THE CAR TO START. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AMONG VW DEALERS WITH TDI DIESELS AND THERE IS NOTHING VW IS DOING ABOUT IT. COST $700 TO REPAIR THIS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 28, 2005
ON SEPT. 22ND, 2005, OUR 2003 VW EUROVAN BROKE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE HAD IT TOWED TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP, ROGER JOBS VW IN BELLINGHAM, WA. A FEW DAYS LATER, I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THAT THE CAUSE OF THE BREAKDOWN WAS THAT THE OIL FILTER CAP HAD SPLIT, CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO DRAIN OUT, RUINING THE ENTIRE ENGINE WITHIN MOMENTS. FIVE VW EXPERTS EMPLOYED WITH OR ASSOCIATED WITH ROGER JOBS VW (ANGELA MATTIX THE SERVICE ADVISER, PETER DRAKE THE SERVICE MANAGER, DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE JUAN GARCIA, AND TWO TECHNICIANS, BOB GORSUCH AND PAUL TIEGROB), UNANIMOUSLY AGREE AND ARE UNEQUIVOCALLY CERTAIN, THAT BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCE AND WISDOM, THE OIL FILTER CAP SPLITTING WAS DUE TO AN OVER TIGHTENING OF THE CAP BY THE SELLING DEALERSHIP (PACIFIC VW), AND, WAS NOT THE RESULT OF, AS CLAIMED BY PACIFIC VW AND SUPPORTED BY VW OF AMERICA, A STONE FLYING UP UNDERNEATH THE CAR, WHICH WOULD CLASSIFY IT AS DAMAGE DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES, THEREBY EXCLUDING IT FROM COVERAGE UNDER THE LIMITED NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY. AS POINTED OUT BY THE FIVE VW EMPLOYEES LISTED ABOVE, THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS STRONGLY PROTECTED AGAINST SUCH OCCURRENCES WITH MULTIPLE LAYERS OF HARD PLASTIC SHIELDS, ALL OF WHICH SHOW NO SIGN WHATSOEVER OF ANY KIND OF ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE. THEY ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE OIL FILTER IN THE CAR WAS A FACTORY VW OIL FILTER. WE BOUGHT THE CAR (ALONG WITH A FULL WARRANTY) DIRECTLY FROM PACIFIC VW IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN THE SPRING OF 2004. ACCORDING TO THE EXPERT OPINION OF FIVE VW EMPLOYEES, IT''S CLEAR, THAT THE FAILURE OF THE OIL FILTER CAP WAS DUE TO FAULTY SERVICE ON THE PART OF PACIFIC VW, AND WAS NOT DAMAGE DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 21, 2005, fire
A/C FAN SIEZED, CAUSING ENOUGH HEAT TO START A FIRE. THE SHROUD, UPPER RADIATOR MODLINGS, A/C HOSE, HOOD INSULATION AND PAINT WERE DAMAGED.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2005
VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN ON A HIGHWAY AND MOTOR "BLEW UP". TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THAT IT WAS FAULTY TURBO DUE TO SLUDGE IN THE TURBO. DEALERSHIP DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY CLAIMING IT WAS OWNER'S PROBLEM BECAUSE SYNTHETIC OIL WAS NOT USED.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2005
CAR STARED PUTTING OUT ALOT OF BLUE SMOKE FROM TAIL PIPE ON START UP AND GAS MILAGE WAS DROPPING 5-6 MPG AND I THOUGHT THAT WAS ALOT FOR A DIESEL ENGINE. CAR LOST POWER AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND WOULD BARELY RUN. ENTIRE INTAKE SYSTEM TO THE HEAD WAS FULL BLACK STICKY CARBON CHOKING THE ENGINE FOR CLEAN AIR. INTAKE SYSTEM HAD TO BE COMPLETLY DISASSEMBLED (MANIFLOD,EGR VAVLE,CCV TUBE) AND CLEANED OF CARBON, WHICH BY SEARCHING THE INTERNET IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH VW TDI 1.9 ENGINE.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 15, 2004
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. WHEN THE CAR WAS IDLING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO FAIRFAX VOLKSWAGEN IN FAIRFAX, VA TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED OUT. APPARENTLY THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION COILS, WHICH HAD BEEN OUT FOR OVER A YEAR. I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT THE RECALL -- EVEN AFTER I TOOK THE JETTA TO STOHLMAN VW FOR SERVICE ON MY AUDIO SPEAKERS IN THE FALL OF 2004. THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALL AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AT THAT TIME. FAIRFAX VW TOLD ME THAT CHECKING FOR RECALLS IS THEIR FIRST PRIORITY, AND THAT IS HOW THE RECALL WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION. I AM VERY DISPLEASED WITH STOHLMAN, AND THE SERVICE, OR LACK THEREOF, I RECEIVED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 9, 2004
VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2003 GLX. *MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANICS SUGGESTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS AN INCIDENT WHERE THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTING SHIRTING ERRATICALLY. AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ERRATICALLY MIS-SHIFT AND OR BUCK. (MODEL/GLX) *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Jun 23, 2004
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE VEHICLE. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THERE WAS A SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *MR THIS RESULTED IN A COMPLETE LOST OF POWER AND A REPLACEMENT OF THE INJECTOR SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS MUDDY DIESEL FUEL BUT COULDN'T PRODUCE THE FUEL FILTER TO BACK UP THE CLAIM. THERE WAS ANOTHER INCIDENT WHERE THERE WAS A PUFF OF SMOKE AND A LOST OF POWER DOWN TO 25 MPH ON THE ROAD. THE ENGINE HAD A #3 VALVE GO THROUGH THE PISTON AND RUN UP AND DOWN THE CRANKSHAFT. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH ANOTHER INJECTOR SYSTEM AND FUEL PUMP WAS ADDED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, A HIGH PRESSURE OIL LINE BROKE FROM THE WELD AND SPEWED OIL EVERYWHERE. THE AXLE ASSEMBLY AND THE TRANSMISSION SLAVE CYLINDER WERE REPLACED AS WELL. *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, May 11, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH AIR CONDITIONER ON 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. *MR THE AIR INTAKE DUCT LEAKED WHICH CAUSED WHITE SMOKE TO EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED AFTER A 75 MILE TRIP. THE PART HAD TO BE ORDERED. THE A/C CONDENSER LEAKED WHICH CAUSED THE A/C NOT TO COOL THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THE DEALER SURMISED THAT THE DAMAGE TO THE CONDENSER WAS FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE THEREFORE REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004, crash
THE OIL PUMP QUIT, CAUSING THE OIL PRESSURE LAMP TO COME ON. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT SINCE I CANNOT PRODUCE ALL OF THE RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THEY WILL NOT COVER THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO OIL SLUDGE. I WAS NOT INFORMED THAT I HAD TO KEEP RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES DURRING THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 7, 2003, fire
MY 2003 JETTA TDI WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY APARTMENT BUILDING FOR APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES. WHEN I WENT BACK OUT TO THE CAR TO GET IN IT, I FOUND IT WITH SMOKE BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS I STARTED TO PULL THE HOOD RELEASE TO INVESTIGATE, I NOTICED FLAMES. I DID NOT OPEN THE HOOD AND INSTEAD QUICKLY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY RESPONDED ASAP. BY THE TIME THEY STARTED PUTTING OUT THE FIRE, FLAMES WERE ENGULFING THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER THE FLAME WAS EXTINGUISHED IN REIGNITED AND HAD TO BE PUT OUT AGAIN. THE CAR IS INOPERABLE. I ONLY OWNED THIS CAR FOR THREE MONTHS AND IT WAS NOT EVEN DUE FOR ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE. NOW VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS STALLING AND HAS NOT EVEN BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO PERFORM ITS INVESTIGATION. I AM VERY UPSET THAT AFTER TWO WEEKS NO ONE HAS GIVEN ME A PROGRESS UPDATE. I AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING SEEKING LEGAL ADVICE. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, May 15, 2003
10,000 MILES, MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) CAME ON SOLID. AFTER I WAS TOLD THAT IF THE LIGHT WAS SOLID, THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. TOOK CAR HOME AND DROVE TO DEALERSHIP NEXT DAY. AFTER PRINCETON VOLKSWAGEN LOOKED AT THE CAR, TURNED OUT TO BE THAT MY 2003 JETTA GLS 1.8T THAT WAS LESS THAN 3 MONTHS OLD HAD A FUEL LEAK! I WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL SENDER CLAMP WAS LOOSE AND HOSE WAS SMOKING. *JB