This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
On Sept 2, 2005 and Sept. 6, 2005, under two circumstances involving quick acceleration with moderate load (two adults and one kid. About 50 lb load in trunk), the engine kept high revving after the gas paddle had been fully released, thus pulling forward hard unintentionally; it kept so doing for seconds, even after braking was applied for the first few seconds, and pumped. It recovered back to normal responsiveness after hard braking for at least five seconds in the first incident and about three second in the second. Another problem is the cruise control never worked since the purchase in 1996.
I have now had to replace the transmission in my one owner automatic Jetta, three times. My last transmission was replaced 35,000 miles ago, and I now need to spend 1,700 dollars to replace it.
The vehicle has experienced continued problems with hard shifting, the transmission cooler ruptured internally and was repaired, however the vehicle continued to shift erratically, final diagnosis is to replace the throttle body, PCM and ECM, however the parts are on backorder, consumer is requesting help.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
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Transmission would not shift properly. Would make whinning noise, fluid would be leaking. Took to dealer & mechanic tried to repair it. Claimed would work fine. Transmission seized up, and vehicle was hit by another vehicle. Vehicle was totaled.
Since I bought my car, I have had a problem with the automatic transmission where the car will shift hard when changing gears(2nd-3rd, 3rd-4th ect.). I have had the car go through diagnostic testing several times which revealed that an adjustment had to be made to the transmission. These adjustments seem to correct the problem temporarily for a couple of months and then the car will slip back into poor shifting mode. It seems to me that the transmission is defective but the dealership and VW of America claim that these diagnosis' are not considered failures by the manufacturer and therefore replacement is not warranted. It is extremely inconvenient for me to have these adjustments made periodically. Obviously there is a problem that is not being permenantly corrected.
I am dubious about the safety of a well maintained car when the transmission fails in the first 6 months. The manufacturer's serviceman jumps the battery against owners manual recommendations and blows the internal fuse for the radio and sets off the airbag sensor (neither repaired by the dealer at no charge. Also, ) tires needing replacement at less than 20,000 miles - lock cylinder fallling out of driver's side door- and all the power locks failing, resulting in having to go to the dealer just to get out of the car.
Two wires of the rear defroster do not work which obstructs view--automatic transmission clicks loudly when shifting gears--radio/cassette player becomes extremely hot while driving--wheels make funny vibrating noise at certain speeds--paint job on body of vehicle has been scratching and peeling easily
Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. When driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. This problem is intermittent. At times, will not function at all. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. In addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. Engine check light comes on/off.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Rochester Hills, MI, USA