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.
This entire scenario is unacceptable for a car, I had hoped to keep, as I am told that VW's can well near to the 200,000 miles plus. I am told they are reliable and being on the road myself, that had been a point of comfort when I purchased the vehicle. Being of limited income capacity, I thought I made a wise investment to carry me for many years without a car payment. I am scared to death now that something drastic could happen because of this situation, be it a break down on a late evening, dark stretch of road or greater further damage to the vehicle as well as me personally. Mr. Witter, this is a major problem I want to believe you are not aware of, because a CEO of a company who purports service and a quality product would investigate and resolve such a large issue, in all cases, but most especially in warranty cases. There needs to be a major recall or someone will be injured or killed in an engine failure incident. You may end up finding yourselves in a class action suit. I believe proactive is more positive than reactive course of action. I look forward to a positive response from you indicating that you will have day apollo VW remedy my issue in the same manner the California dealer satisfied my sister's same defect. To date 3/2007 they continue the stance this is normal and refuse to service my vehicle for any future issue.
I bought the car in August 2003, I noticed a repair docket from previous owner for left lower ball joint and left tie rod assemble w front end alignment on 5/29/03 at 34383 miles. I had a lot of noise under the engine. VW capistrano checked it out and said it was driver side ball joint. I bought car from a Ford dealer who did not want anything to do with it. Finally, VW capistrano forced their hand and processed it through my then current warranty. At the time, I had 45K miles on the car. I thought it shocking that a car so young should have such a major problem (for the second time). When I picked car up, a couple of days later, I heard a loud crunching noise in the front left hand side of the motor or wheel. I thought nothing of it, drove it another 5000 miles, had to replace 4 tires, and asked the tire tech to check it out. He said it was the steering knuckle and it was in bad shape. I contacted VW who said, bad luck, it's only covered for 24K miles or 2years. I again am shocked, firstly because that's impossible one of these should go out so early, added to that, if the ball joint was replaced, then isn't the steering knuckle, moved in some way shape or form, so there should be some sort of recourse. This car is a lemon, however, ca law states it isn't. I was ripped off by theodore robbins in costa mesa and wouldn't recommend anyone buy from them, they were suspect from day one once I drove my car from their lot. Also, the back right seat belt is fixed to the seat and is unusable, I complained it was dangerous, Ford said too bad, you bought it that way fix it. Since then my horn has gone out because the car 'lost' it's under wheel cover and water got into the horn. This car reportedly had a 100 point inspection, which I believe to be not true. The radio has never worked a day, it's always 'fuzzy'.
Vehicle experienced several recalls/ and several problems: Dome light, vanity mirrors, emissions problems, etc... the consumer experienced the following problems with: The interior dome lights, interior trim had come loose on the passenger side, the passenger vanity mirror light did not shut off, the cup holder was jammed and had broken, the driver window sounded as if air was coming in the vehicle, the glove compartment hinges had broken, the air bag light would come on when the radio was turned off, the sensors never seemed to work, the oil dipstick had given abnormal readings(showing low when oil was just changed), the lean oxygen sensor was replaced, the check engine light was intermittent but stayed on, and the catalytic converter was replaced due to noise which ended after the repair(the check engine light had come back on).
Rear brakes were sqeualing for months. Took into dealership 5 times and they could not duplicate noise. Finally rear brakes went all together and had them replaced at another dealership. Dealer said they should not have gone after just over 30,000 miles so Volkswagen covered half of costs. One week later picked up car as I was driving home malfunction indication light came on. Took into dealership again. All three oxygen sensors had blown. Day after picking up from dealership passenger window fell into door and is currently back in being fixed. I know these are all common problems with 1999 Jetta. VW was somewhat helpful on cost but will do nothing now because they "have already been too kind". this car is dangerous and I do not feel comfortable driving it anymore. Now I have to cover the cost of an early lease termination for fear of injury or more $ for damage repairs.
Warning that engine needs to be checked has shown up on dashboard since summer of 2000. We have taken car in two times and is now due for another service job, and light to engine check is still on for past six months. Dealer simply shrugs their shoulders. Cost a factor to repair? we have no way of knowing what is wrong with the car since last summer (now December 2001) if additional problems, we would not know for light is continually on. Bought this car for my daughter to be safe driving. No help from dealer.
Engine transmission light failed after 3 months, both windows have fallen down into door, front bumper has been torn off, antena and other plastic objects around car have fallen off, ABS system light is on again, cover for gas tank will not open (I had to pry it open), cup holders and mirror covers have broken, inside of car started to bubble after 6 months, because of the plastic. All the service department in san antonio could say was that I did not know how to manage car. I didn't know I had to take a class in opening the gas cover. Oddly enough, most of these things started to break after my two year warranty expired. All they had to say was that "when it rains it pours". I would never recommend this car to anyone
Engine checklight came on with engine running rough. Dealer diagnosed broken mass air flow sensor and replaced. Manufacturer refused to extend warranty to this part. Many other owners report this part failing at 20K to 40K miles.
This car was purchased new in July 2000. It is the newly redesigned Jetta. Since it's purchase the car has been in the shop 9 times for water/air leaks, twice for failed drivers side front suspension steering failure, namely the shock, bearing, spacer, retainer (struts). In addition several pieces of the inside molding have detached. One of the largest safety issues for me, other than the strut, is the poorly designed floor mats which pop loose, slip forward, and catch the gas petal causing accerlaration. The air conditioner has molded over twice. I have informed both the seller and the manufacturing of my complaints and have demanded a refund or a lemon law take back. I am not sure what to do but feel VW hasn't been honest about all the problems the "new" VW has had. I just wanted to file this complaint in case other owners out there are experienceing the same problems I am and have not received any help from VW also.
Vehicle runs out of oil every 1500 miles, and the transmission is very jerky. Windshield wipers were streaking because wipers were separating. Instrument panel cup holder loose on tight side. The stick shift vibrates in 3rd gear due to selector shaft failure.
Oil light came on 2000 miles after oilchange/burning or leaking excessive oil, and oil level low. Passenger's window motor stopped working, resulting in window falling down, . also, engine revved high/ light switch on interior light fell off/ front right Michelin tire blewout, and had to replace battery. Dealer kept repairing problems. Consumer contacted VW co, and was told they would get back to her, but never did. Consumer felt vehicle was a lemon. Please add additional information.
The car has been in the dealers hands for 6 weeks. They have all but said this a recurring problem with this model. They have told us for 2 weeks that the part is being shipped. We have yet to receive word of that actually happening. This seems to be a tremendous problem, virtually unheard of in my 40 years of driving experience. Thanks dmf. No safety defect listed within summary.
Engine check light stays on, indictating a defect. Vehicle will stall while being driven, casuing a safety hazard. Dealer cannot determine cause of defect. Also, when slightly opening rear windows, vehicle will vibrate.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Coraopolos, PA, USA