Owner tried to start engine after vehicle sitting unused for one week. Engine would not start, so owner jump-started it and let it run approximately 5 minutes. Owner then drove vehicle approximately 8 minutes and noticed smoke coming from the center console and the right front of the vehicle. Pulled over and called the fire department. Exhaust system was overheated and showed blue heat discoloration. Plastics and carpet on center floor of passenger compartment were burned.

- Seekonk, MA, USA

There is a continuing problem with the exhaust system. I have had to have it repaired 3 times in the last year and half. The Volkswagen dealership has repaired it over and over again. I am getting really worried that one of these days something really bad is going to happen, and I may be injured. I would buy another car but I simply can't afford it. After fixing an exhaust 3 times who could afford anything else. I am a loyal Volkswagen owner and this is the second VW I have owned and I never had a problem with any of the other cars. If there is anything you can do to help it would be greatly appreciated you.

- Omaha, NE, USA

Failure of vehicle's air mass sensors. The mass air flow sensor failed. A new throttle body was also installed. The consumer believes these parts were poorly designed.

- Altadena, CA, USA

The electrical system sensor fail due to defect. Once the warrenty is out at 28,000 miles, car begin to fall apart. I have to replace the canister, new brake system, the O2 sensors and other minor fixes. Please check if VW know about the problem and still release the new 2000 Jetta model with all the problem.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Check engine light (mli) came on. Checked engine oil and found to be nearly two quarts low. Refilled and called dealership. Delaership replaced O2 sensor - indicated that oil consumption of this amount was unusual and should be tracked. Several months later, check engine light came on, checked oil and was nearly two quarts low. Took to dealership, tweaked ECM settings and fixed the problem. New serice manager claims that high oil consumption is typical with this engine (notice - very different response from first encounter). Two days later, while at highway speed, the check engine light came back on. I have an apppoinment with dealer on Friday. Car is just out of warranty (2 years) and has only 15K miles on it.

- West Lafayette, IN, USA

Engine check light and emissions work shop warning keeps coming on. Each time I take the car in the dealership tells me that its a different reason the light is coming on. To date they have made three different repairs to the car and none of them have worked. I received the last check engine/emissions workshop on 4/10/01 and car is in the shop being fixed.

- Middleburg, VA, USA

I fell that I have had a lot of problems with my car and most importantly, the problems are on going. I have voiced my complaint to Volkswagen customer service, the dealership service manager and sales manager. I have made it clear that I feel that my car is a "lemon" as I have had numerous problems that are ongoing. I do not get called back when they say they are going to call, they point fingers at each other and no results. The sales person/VW dealership consultant offered me a trade in value of $15,500 and a small discount on another car. I wish to seek assistance in making my "lemon" car situation right. I also have a written documentaion of my experience and service history. I do not believe that myself, as a consumer, should be treated in a manner, that disgards the integrety to make things right. If your ageny can help me, I would be appreciative. Thank you for your time. No safety derfect listed.

- Richmond, VA, USA