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.
I own a 2001 VW Jetta. I bought it 3 years ago, used from the Volkswagen dealership. The automobile was sold as a "certified" auto, which I found out later does not mean much. My trunk is locked shut and does not open manually or with remote, I've had to replace cv boots, catalytic converter, transmission and numerous headlight, taillight and blinker bulbs. And today one of my headlights is so dim, it doesn't really provide any light when it is dark. I have replaced it and replaced it. It stays fine for about 2 days and then just dims out again. I can't afford to keep taking it to Volkswagen. It's a rip off and they don't even fix anything right anyway. My engine fan went out all of the sudden the other day, causing the car to overheat. I had to get it towed. That isn't the first time I have had to pay to have it towed. The interior plastic coating on armrests and all plastic inside is peeling and looks terrible. When I push unlock all doors, the driver's side back seat door will not open unless I reach inside and pull the lock open manually. There is so much more, but I don't want to waste my time. I know nothing will happen, even though it is so obvious that these cars are complete lemons, and they need to stop selling them to people.
My trunk release will not work, with or without the remote key. I contacted VW of America and they refuse to indicate this is a defect, even though multiple complaints are found online by other VW owners.
I drive a 2001 VW Jetta. As I opened my glove compartment today, the handle including the lock mechanism fell into my hand. It just broke off right then and there. I do not use my glove compartment often so it is not from wear and tear. My issue is that now there is a hole in my glove compartment. If someone was thinking about breaking in, this could be the deciding factor for them knowing that the glove compartment is completely accessible and at times there are valuables located in compartments as well as trigger switches to trunks and in some cases even spare keys to the car or a person's home! I do not have any of those items in the compartment, but someone could be intrigued enough to try to break in. I contacted the warranty company and Volkswagen and the most the dealership offered was 25% discount to fix it. Just not enough to ensure the safety of the car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- La Quinta, CA, USA