2000 VW Golf 2.0L engine; driving to work on freeway (65-70mph). Heard "pop" and a hissing noise from front of vehicle. Slowed down and pulled over to shoulder, saw coolant leaking. Engine would not restart. Towed to dealership, found internal engine damage to valves and pistons. Cause was a faulty water pump: VW uses a plastic impeller on the water pumps which frequently break and cause the engine to overheat very quickly. After the damage, a simple google search on VW forums revealed numerous other people had the same problem I had. The end result was that I had to replace the engine, radiator, timing belt, water pump ($6000 repair bill). Sadly, VW put in the same type of water pump with the plastic impeller, so I have little confidence that it will last longer than another 60000 miles. I would have changed it with the timing belt, but VW says the belt is not due to be replaced on this vehicle until 105,000 miles (just outside the 100,000 mile warranty, conveniently!) car had only 60,000 miles on it, VW claims it is not covered under warranty due to age of vehicle.

- Columbus, OH, USA