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: power train
55 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Apr 23, 2023
Since New we noticed transmission malfunctioning, transmission would jerk on the upshifts and downshifting also, then it would take longer than normal to go into gears Im the original owner, I parked it for 11 years waiting for a recall letter, I heard the beatle had gotten a recall on this failure,, the Jetta had the same motor and transmission the triptronic, I should get one also it only has 89164 miles, I’m waiting for a letter please respond thank you.
Power train, Aug 29, 2020
NO TRANSMISSION FILTER .SO THERE IT IS MR VAR NO EONT GO IN ANY GEAR.I WENT TO CHONGE FILTER AND AFTER DAYS OF RESEARCH FOUND OUT THEY CAME W NO FILHER AND THAT MY FRIEND. CAN NOT BE JUSTIFIED. EVERY ONE HAS THESE PROBLEMS WHK OWNS ONE
Power train, Engine, Jan 10, 2017
THIS IS IN REGARD TO TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 77,000 MILES. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY PAID OFF AND 17K MILES AFTER WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. WHILE I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD STAY IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AND GIVE A BIG JOLT WHEN GOING INTO 3RD AND 4TH WHILE STILL COLD, ONLY AFTER ENGINE WOULD HEAT UP WITHOUT ANY STOPS WOULD IT PERFORM SUB PAR. PREVIOUS TO THIS I HAD HAVE NO COMPLAINTS. DEALER QUOTED $5600 TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION AND INDEPENDENT SHOP $2500. I WAS INFORMED I HAD A WORN CLUTCH AND IN 2008 I REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION AND CONTINUED HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. AFTER THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS SPENT ON THIS VEHICLE ON APRIL 12 OF 2012 I SENT IT THE JUNKYARD. I WILL FOLLOW UP AND SEND MORE HARD COPIES DOCUMENTS TO NHTSA AS I HAVE MY ENTIRE SERVICE RECORDS FROM 2003 - 2012 TO SUBMIT. THERE ARE 100'S OF OTHER AMERICAN CAR OWNERS WITH TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCING SAME ISSUES AND ITS APPARENT THAT IT IS FAULTY MANUFACTURING.I'M ATTACHING SEVERAL PDF DOCUMENTS WITH ARTICLES AND OTHER SIMILAR COSTUMER COMPLAINTS. I HAVE ALL MY SERVICE RECORDS AND WILL SUBMIT HARD COPIES SEPARATELY HOWEVER WANTED TO GET THE COMPLAINT STARTED HERE. THE YEAR OF MY VEHICLE WAS NEVER INCLUDED BUT ITS OBVIOUS THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING LONGER THEN PREVIOUS RECALLS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 19, 2016
HAVING WORKED IN VW DEALERSHIPS MY TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE IS FAILING AT ONLY 130,000 MILES ON IT WHICH HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND COMPLAINT BY MANY. WHEN IT ACTS UP IT WON'T UPSHIFT OR WILL DROP DOWN INTO LOW GEAR AND ONE HAS TO WORRY ABOUT BEING REAR ENDED WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURS.
Power train, Mar 23, 2016
WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AND THE ENGINE IS COLD, BELOW 190F, IT WILL NOT ENGAGE REVERSE GEAR, ALL OTHER GEARS WILL OPERATE. AFTER THE ENGINE REACHES 190F, THE REVERSE GEAR WILL ENGAGE. THIS CAR HAS A SEALED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SO NO OWNER MAINTENANCE IS POSSIBLE AND FLUID LEVELS CAN NOT BE VERIFIED.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 1, 2015
TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES JUST DOESN'T WANT TO SHIFT PROPERLY I WAS DRIVING ALONG RT 50 AT 60 MPH WHEN THE CAR JERKS REALLY HARD AND LOSS OF POWER ALMOST GOT RAN OVER BY SEMI CALLED VW WHO IS AWARE OF VALVE BODY DEFECT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS INDEED MY FAULT FOR DRIVING IT LIKE THAT IT JUST HAPPENED WAITING ON CALL FROM VWOA PROBABLY WILL LEAD NO WHERE I WANT THIS FIXED ASKED FOR HELP TO GET PARTS OR ECT I KNOW THERE WAS OPEN RECALL ON THIS BUT MY CAR EXCEEDS YEAR AND MILEAGE BUT A SAFETY RECALL IS JUST THAT SO PLEASE RESEARCH AND SEE IF IT WAS PREFORMED ON MY VEHICLE I AM SURE IT WAS NOT ADDRESSED BUT THEY SENT LETTERS OUT FOR THIS MYSTERY RECALL ALSO I CAN LEAD TO OTHER INTERNAL FAILURES OF TRANS OR REPLACEMENT MY SPEEDO ALSO JUMPS 10-15 MILES UP AND DOWN OTHER TIMES IT WILL WORK YOU CAN CONTACT STATE HWY PATROL THEY CAN TELL YOU EVEN MORE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS.
Power train, Jun 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
Power train, Engine, Dec 29, 2013
ACCORDING TO A VW DEALER, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ON MY 2003 VW JETTA FAILED AT 89,000 MILES. THE VW DEALER STATED THAT IT FAILED BECAUSE THE MIL ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR'S COMPUTER SHOWS CODE P0420. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER COVERED BY ANY WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 23, 2013
THE REAR O2 SENSOR ON MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FAILED CAUSING THE MIL INDICATOR TO ILLUMINATE. THE SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR EMISSIONS. *TR
Power train, Aug 10, 2012
BOUGHT THIS CAR OCTOBER 2010 FROM BERGE VW AZ. I NOTICED A FEW MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT IT THAT IT INTERMITTENTLY WOULD KICK INTO GEAR. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASK ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL, NEVER BROUGHT IT IN JUST TALKED TO A FRIEND OF MINE FROM THE DEALER. TURNS OUT IN NOV 2010 THEY SENT ALL VW OWNERS EXTENDED WARRANTY PAPERWORK FOR THE VALVE BODY ON THESE JETTAS FOR THE EXACT PROBLEMS I AM HAVING. I REPLACED SPEED SENSORS AND EVERYTHING. NO NOW I AM BEING TOLD ITS THE VALVE BODY AND I NEVER GOT A LETTER AND I JUST HIT 102K LAST MONTH BUT I AM OUTSIDE THE 7 YEARS. VW KNOWS THIS PART GOES BAD. THERE SHOULD NOT BE A YEAR ON IT FOR VEHICLES LIKE MINE THAT HAVE LOW MILES! I CAN PROVE IT WAS HAPPENING BEFORE THE 100K MILES. HELP! *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO PROVIDE AN ACCURATE SPEED TRAVELED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED, IT WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SURGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 211,000. UPDATED 12/14/11 THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS EXHIBITING AN INTERMITTENT HESITATION. UPDATED 12/20/11. *JB
Power train, Jul 8, 2010
MY TRANSMISSION TAKES ALONG TIME TO SHIFT TO 2ND GEAR,WONT P/U SPEED ,IF YOU TURN OFF CAR FOR A FEW MINS SOMETIMES IT WORKS BETTER. SORRY ITS A 2003 JETTA. *TR
Power train, Jun 12, 2009
ENGINE CASING BROKE WHERE THE MOTOR MOUNT CONNECTS, GOT THAT REPAIRED. 2 DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY, ENGINE MAKES LOUD NOISE AND SEIZES. UNDRIVEABLE, WONT START. *TR
Power train, Apr 27, 2009
2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T WOLFSBURG EDITION PURCHASED USED AT 23,000 MILES WITH A BURNT OUT CLUTCH. THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP IN ORDER TO COMPLETE SALE. AT PURCHASE WE WERE ASSURED THE CLUTCH WOULD LAST AND NOT BE AN ISSUE. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY THE SALE WAS COMPLETED. WITHIN 30,000 MILES THE CLUTCH HAS GONE OUT ONCE MORE. THE TECHNICIAN IT WAS TAKEN TO REPORTED THAT HE RECEIVES AT LEAST 2 OF THE EXACT SAME CAR WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE PER MONTH. VW DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE PRESSURE PLATE IS DEFECTIVE AND BLAMES THE DRIVER. ANY CLUTCH IS EXPECTED TO LAST AT LEAST 90,000 MILES. BOTH VW AND EXTENDED WARRANTIES WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR WHICH IS BEING QUOTED AT $1900- $2200. THE PART HAS BEEN REPORTED DEFECTIVE IN PREVIOUS MODELS BUT IS STILL NOT BEING CORRECTED OR ACKNOWLEDGED AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, WHICH IT IS. THE PRESSURE PLATE, FLYWHEEL, AND CLUTCH DISC ARE UNDER-RATED FOR THE VEHICLES STOCK HORSEPOWER. THE IDENTICAL PARTS ARE FOUND IN OTHER VW VEHICLES WITH UP TO 80 HORSEPOWER LESS. THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED SINCE THE PREVIOUS 2 MODELS. THE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED. WHEN EVEN A VW TECHNICIAN ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE PARTS ARE DEFECTIVE SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE WITH VW AMERICA, REQUIRING THEM TO REPLACE THESE PARTS AT THEIR EXPENSE WITH PARTS QUALIFIED TO SUPPORT THE VEHICLES NEEDS. *TR
Power train, Apr 3, 2009
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, AND IT'S UNFORTUNATE. STARTED ABOUT A YEAR AGO, AT TIMES MY CAR WILL START AT THE TURN OF THE IGNITION AND SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT. I HAVE ALSO BROUGHT TO VW'S ATTENTION ABOUT MY CLUTCH, IN PARTICULAR IS VERY HEAVY (I HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN MANUALS) AND AGAIN, AT TIMES I HAVE DIFFICULTY SHIFTING INTO 'R' AND INTO '3RD' GEAR. I WOULD HAVE TO RETURN SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL; STEP ON THE CLUTCH SEVERAL TIMES AND I AM ABLE TO GET INTO 'R'. AS FAR AS '3RD' GEAR, ITS PRETTY TRICKY(SINCE I AM MOVING!!!!) SOMETIMES I CANNOT SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR, AND LITERALLY HAVE TO DOWN-SHIFT AND ATTEMPT 3RD AGAIN!!!! AND NOW, MY CLUTCH IS COMPLETELY SHOT, WITH ONLY 65,000MI ON IT. *TR
Power train, May 30, 2008
AT APPROXIMATELY 61,000 MILES ON MY 2003 VW JETTA GLX (V6), I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS THAT SEEMED TO BE TRANSMISSION RELATED. THIS INITIALLY OCCURRED IN JUNE OF 2007. ALL EXCEPT ONE OF THE ISSUES WERE RESOLVED BY THE WRAY VW IN COLUMBIA SC. THE ONGOING AND CURRENT PROBLEM I HAVE IS THE CAR CHANGES GEARS HARD BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD. THE HARD GEAR SHIFTS HAPPENS 95% OF THE TIME THE CAR CHANGES BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO DUE TO THE FACT THE 2 VW DEALERSHIPS DEEMED THE TRANSMISSION TO BE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY PROBLEM IS STILL ONGOING. *TR
Power train, May 22, 2008
I HAVE A 2003 VW JETTA TDI. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD IT SERVICED ON TIME AND HAVE KEPT IT WELL MAINTAINED, I HAVE 78,000 MILES ON IT. THE SPEED SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO FIX IT. I WORRY BECAUSE THE DOORS NOT LOCK CORRECTLY BECAUSE OF THIS AND I AM NOT AWARE AT THE SPEED I TRAVEL BECAUSE THE GAUGES HAVE FAILED. MY BIGGEST WORRY IS THAT IF I WERE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT WORK BECAUSE THE CAR DOES NOT KNOW HOW FAST IT IS GOING. IF THIS WERE A NORMAL ITEM LIKE BREAKS, TIRES OR SOMETHING THAT HAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR I WOULD UNDERSTAND BUT ITS NOT. IT IS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WHAT I VITAL FUNCTION OF THE CAR. I REALLY FEEL THAT VW SHOULD COVER THE COST OR AT LEAST SPLIT IT WITH ME. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? *TR
Power train, May 11, 2008
I AM A RESIDENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA AND IN THE SUMMER OF 2007 , DUE TO THE FACT MY CAR HAS BEEN RELIABLE I DECIDED TO DRIVE CROSS COUNTRY TO LOS ANGELES , I TOOK ALL PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO LIVING, FROM OIL CHANGES , BRAKES , TIRE ROTATION AND SO FORTH. IN OCT. OF 2007 , I WAS IN A FENDER BENDER IN LOS ANGELES , WHICH DELAYED MY RETURN TO SOUTH FLORIDA IN THE ACCIDENT THEY HAD TO REPLACE FRONT END LIGHTS AS WELL AS MY RADIATOR. I ONCE AGAIN TOOK ALL PRECAUTIONS ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO MY JOURNEY. AS OF MID NOVEMBER I WAS BACK IN MIAMI , NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR , ALL IS GOOD AT THAT POINT THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 72,000 OR SO . IN MID MARCH I NOTICED THAT WHEN I STARTED MY CAR AND TRY TO ACCELERATE THE CAR , IT WOULD NOT SURPASS 15/20MPH AND IT MADE A VERY STRANGE SOUND. IT WOULD ONLY FUNCTION APPROPRIATELY WHEN THE ENGINE WAS @ 190. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THEY BOTH HAVE INFORMED ME THAT MY CLUTCH IS WORN OUT. I'M NOT SURE WHY THAT IS? I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO KEEP THIS CAR UP TO PAR , AS FAR AS MAINTENANCE . THE DEALER QUOTED ME $5600 AND THE OTHER MECHANIC $2500. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD BEEN AMAZING TO ME TILL NOW, I HAVE A LITTLE LESS THEN 80,000 AND WOULD LOVE TO DRIVE IT TOO AT LEAST 160,000 , BUT THE WAY THIS IS GOING I'M AFRAID THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN . I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE ISSUE. VW JETTA STATION WAGON - 2003 , TURBO GLS TIPTRONIC - 80,000. *TR
Power train, Mar 17, 2008
THE CLUTCH ON MY VW JETTA BURNED OUT ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE AND WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE CAR HAD 46,604 MILES ON IT AND SHOULD HAVE LASTED MANY MILES ABOVE THAT BUT I HAVE LEARNED OF 100'S WHO OWN THE SAME CAR WITH THIS SAME SITUATION. *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
Power train, Jul 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE. THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED AT 34,000 MILES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 34,489 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. UPDATED 09/17/07 *TR
Power train, Jan 3, 2007
2003 VW JETTA AT 40K MILES TRANS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN FEB 06, JUNE 06 SAME SYMPTOMS, TOLD BY DEALER NOT TO BE CONCERNED THAT THE SENSORS TAKE TIME TO ADJUST TO NEW TRANS, EMISSIONS LIGHT ON DEALER SAYS NOT TO WORRY IF IT DOES NOT STAY ON, CONTINUE TO CALL,WITH SAME RESPONSE. DEC 06 CAR LOSES POWER ON INTERSTATE TAKES TWO WKS TO MAKE AN APPT TO GET INTO DEALER, TOLD IT IS NOW THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, VW WILL NOT WARRANTY ALTHOUGH THIS PART WAS NOT CHKD WHEN TRANS REPLACED, TOLD THIS PART IS THE BRAIN TO TRANS IT TELLS TRANS WHEN TO SHIFT. DEALER AND VW OF NO HELP. LOOKED AT CONSUMER AFFAIRS ON THE INTERNET NOTICED HUGE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEMS AS I SAME YEAR SAME MODEL. THE ECM LIGHT STAYS ON AND IS NOT EMITTING SMOKE. *NM
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 28, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER READ 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 97.3 MPH. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE GEAR BUSHING WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE GEAR WAS: 01M-409-187. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE BUSHING WAS: 095-409-190. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT, THE MANUFACTURER NEEDED TO KEEP THE OLD GEAR AND BUSHING. THE CONTACT DID NOT AGREE AND WANTED THE OLD PARTS. *AK
Power train, Aug 15, 2006
2003 VW JETTA CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL OUT AT 47,962 MILES. I AM AN EXPERIENCED MANUAL TRANSMISSION DRIVER. THIS IS NOT MY FAULT, AND THIS IS VERY PREMATURE FOR A CLUTCH FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $2088.00 PLUS TAX FOR PARTS AND LABOR. MY DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME AT $1400 BACK HOME, BUT IM STUCK IN COLORADO WAITING FOR THE CUSTOMER CARE TO GET BACK TO ME. EVERY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC I HAVE TALKED TO INCLUDING VW CERTIFIED; BUT NOT AFFILIATED HAVE TOLD ME THAT EVEN THE WORST CLUTCH -RIDER(WHICH I AM NOT) WOULD HAVE CLUTCH FAILURE AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES. VW IS TOO CHEAP TO SUBMIT A RECALL FOR THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLIES ON THEIR 2000-2004 VEHICLES. WITH THE VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE WEB AND EVEN ON THIS SITE, THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, AND IM NOT JUST SPEAKING ABOUT THE EXTREMELY OUTRAGEOUS REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR COSTS. PLUS! THEY NOW USE NON- RE-SURFACE FLYWHEELS...*JB
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITION PROBLEMS WERE NOTICE WITH THE TRACTION BUTTON FOR THE ESP SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE BLACK BRAKE SWITCH FAILED. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED FOR THE PURPLE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH TWICE. THE BLACK BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD A RECALL FOR 2002 MODEL BUT DOES NOT COVER THE 2003 MODELS. ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH, WHICH INCLUDES THE TRACTION BUTTON FOR THE ESP SYSTEM AND THE PARK POSITION LEVER WHICH LOCKS OFTEN. ALSO THE CONTACT ONCE BECAME STRANDED ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL. ALL REPAIRS MADE BY THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN COVERED BY THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT BRAKE LIGHTS BECAUSE REPRESENTS SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM