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.
Our 2001 VW Jetta gls sputters intermittently and looses acceleration power at in opportune times. According to the dealer the problem is with the ignition coil, and that VW is aware of the problem and are recalling certain models. Ours has not had the recall as of 11/1/09. When this problem occurs, the check engine light blinks. I have found that pulling over, shutting the engine off and removing the key for 30 seconds and then re-starting solves the problem. When the dealer pulled the check engine codes, there were 2. one for the misfire and a "catalyst efficiency below threshold. The dealer said the latter is due to the misfire and in time the misfires will ruin the catalyst. Unfortunately at over 75000 miles and 8.5 years, no warranties apply. This is a safety issue that could easily cause a collision and when parts become available, we will have the ignition coil replaced. VW is clearly aware of the problems and should accelerate their recall campaign on this issue. Also, they should replace the catalysts that have had their useful life lowered by this problem.
Dealership refused to fix the problem with the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta. The manufacturer provided the consumer with an extended warranty for the mass air flow sensor to 7 years/70000 miles, whichever occurs first. The vehicle was take for a state emission inspection but failed the test. The dealer refused to replace the mass air flow sensor under the extended warranty.
After owning this car for 3 years, a strong, toxic smell began to come out of the vents / front of the car. The only way I can describe it is that it smells like burning crayons. I took it to my mechanics and said he found nothing wrong with it. He offered to look into it further, but I didn't want to pay the labor charges without knowing the problem. I've searched the internet extensively and have found at least 25 people citing the same "crayon smell." Volkswagen customer service representatives say they have never heard of this problem. I find that hard to believe. The only explanation I've found that makes some sense is that there is some sort of insulation between the engine and the dashboard and it may melting and causing fumes to enter the interior of the car.
Back brakes and rotors had to be replaced on my 2001 Jetta glx V6 which was purchased 08/01. I only had 23,000 miles on the car! at my 20,000 mile service no problems were mentioned. My check engine light came on too. I had to have my O2 sensor replaced under warranty. The warranty did not cover the brakes. I do not ride the brakes. 1 month after I bought the car I noticed that when I start it in the morning it makes a sound like and old junky car would. I had it to the dealer twice for this and they said its nothing and that's the way a V6 sounds! it only does it on the first start of the day. I am afraid it will end up being some very expensive problem in the future. 9 months after I had the car the arm rest came apart and had to be fixed under warranty. I will never buy another Volkswagen again and I would not recommend them to my friends who are md's and rn's and can afford nice cars.
- Towson , MD, USA
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There was a foul smell coming from inside of the vehicle. Consumer has had to go to hospital because of a rash due to some kind of chemical that she was smelling. Contacted dealer, and dealer could not find cause.
Thereis a very heavy chemical smell in interior of vehicle. Took vehicle to Volkswagen for service, and dealer couldn't locate a problem. Consumer stated that smell was making driver sick in the stomach.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Trumbull, CT, USA