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.
Transmission failed. The dealer replaced the part. However, two weeks later the part failed again. The vehicle would not go into reverse. The transmission slipped and the vehicle had run into a pole at a gas station on the right front side. This problem remained the same. The engine light had come on along with the transmission problems. Other problems were: The tire pressure had to be reset on numerous occasions, rear pads, A/C was not cooling, glove box, power windows, console, power sunroof, interior trim, steering/suspension, driveability, trim electrical, sound system, and heating/cooling. The consumer did not report any damage to vehicle when she hit the pole.
I thought my first new car purchase (a 2000 Jetta VR6 gls) was a lemon. I, like many others, have experienced several problems. Problems such as: - rear cup holders broken - middle/rear seatbelt locked, cannot be used - 02 sensors both replaced since mil light kept illuminating - mas sensor replaced (and later recalled) - both front windows have fallen to the "black hole" (and later recalled; including a recall to the recall B/C they went from metal clips to plastic or vice versa) - paint peeling from inside door handles - alarm system faulty on passenger side door (dealer told me that unless the car beeps at me, the alarm is not secured. So, I must lock the door. Stand by for 15 seconds, lock the door again and this time when the car beeps, the passenger door is secured. And, furthermore, (this is good - keep reading) I was told that if I drive too close to a jea bus, their bus computer systems are run on the same channel as my Jetta's computer system and sometimes being too close to a jea bus will cause my cars computer system to scramble). Computer system can be reset, and did you know that while resetting, VW can make your car beep in different patterns? that's probably a "feature"! - center console/armrest latch broken - large spring sits underneath my passenger side front seat - seat belt no longer click, indicating locked in position (dealer told me it still works. So, now I have to push it down and then tug on it, hoping that it really is locked -- if not, I may fly out that recalled window.) - child restrain seat locks recalled - trunk lock wouldn't stay latched - front fender separating from body of car - grinds going into second gear (manual transmission) - when car is put into 1st gear, it waits a few second before it gets enough power to fully accelerate - brake dust covers alloy wheel, in just hours of cleaning drivers wanted...but they're all in the dealer waiting room!
My Jetta has been back at the dealer 5 times in the past two months to repair the same problem. The car hesitates upon acceleration as if it will stall. The check engine light comes on. Sometimes it stays on until they reset it and sometimes it goes off. The dealer has replaced the mass air sensor and cleaned parts of the engine. Then the intake manifold had to be replaced. Now they told me the problem is the ignition coil and wires for an additional $700. This car is just three years old and I have spent close to $2000 in repairs in two months. I didn't even made it out of the dealer's parking lot before the check engine light came on again. VW needs to address this issue but their customer service representatives won't help.
Aprox. Dates. Severe hesitation @ 2000 miles on May 23 2001. Purchased new on April 8 2001. Repaired three more times after first "check engine light" appeared. Light is on at current time and not under warranty any more. This car has been in and out of VW shop to many times for how new it is.
Brake sensor failed. Epc light activated and car failed to shift from park. Mechanical brake on transmission failed to recognize brake was depressed. Faulty sensor requred to be replaced.
Vehicle electrical system failed while driving. Causing the vehicle automatic door lock, turn signals and factory installed alarm system to be inoperative. Wiring in the turn signal lever was shorted.
When operating driver power window it went down 2 inches then fell in the door. The same happened to the passenger front window on 16 April 2002. Dealer replaced the regulator in both windows. Nlm
For a newer car this Volkswagen has been very problematic. On three occasions after starting the car the engine would make a noticeable sputtering noice and shaking like it was struggling to keep running. The check engine light would come on accompanied by a sulfurous smell and bluish exhaust. Upon attempting to put the car in drive, after idling for a while, the car would stall and not restart. Usually within an hour to a day later it would start again only after reving the engine to high rpms for about 5 minutes. I contacted the dealer the first time it occured (too busy to see my car) they thought it might be moisture in the engine. The problem seems to occur after or around rainy/snowy weather. I had a tune up recently and the car still feels like it may stall when it is idling at a stop light or in the driveway. This is unaccepable for such a new car. Among other problems I had the indash cd player replaced twice because of defect and the fuses that illuminate the temp/radio controls replace twice all within the first month of ownership due to malfunction.
Air bag was repaired 5 times and spiral spring replaced - light still indicates malfunctioning system. Consumer states that brake light was inoperative and the electrical connectors were replaced, installed front heated oxygen sensor, install 6 disc cd changer, battery was replaced and wiring harness war replaced. Owner is no longer in possession of the vehicle
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Columbus, OH, USA