Check engine light flashed while car urged/stalled/surged/stalled. Check engine light remained on. Brought vehicle to mechanic, coded category non performance. Cat replaced with O2 sensors at $900. Light/ surged/stalled and returned to mechanic immediately. He replaced genuine Volkswagen plugs, wires, and ignition coil. No cracks were found, but replaced anyway at $300. Light continued to illuminate, T and remained lit within 40 miles of reset, codes category, bank 1. ran rough and smelled of raw gas once light went on. Recall did not cover this model although the failure was identical. Only 2.0 aeg motors covered not 2.0 azg to 120000. Quirky operation will result in an accident. Self limiting use of vehicle until problem diagnosed and repaired- O2 sensors at $187 each X 2 in exhaust were next.

- Glen Head, NY, USA

Automatic transmission failure, mass air flow sensor failure, premature rear brake pad failure, automatic door lock malfunction, water pump failure, third brake light failure.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

Mass airflow sensor failure has caused intermittent loss of engine power which may lead to an accident. Problem is widespread, and repeated failures are occurring with many different owners. Cars affected are diesel engine models.

- New Berlin, WI, USA

On several occasions, vehicle accelerated while in park, resulting in limited property damage and passenger injury.

- Houston, TX, USA

Unintended acceleration while in "park" in two occasions (car accelerated and jumped forward while being on "park" and while driver was braking). Jan 2002 limited damages// June 2002 significant damages.

- Houston, TX, USA

Dealer has unnsuccessfully attempted to remedy this problem. They have sent the vehicle to repair and had it put on the computer. Indications were that the throttle valve was defective. They supposedly fixed it. Got the vehicle back- doing the same thing again- 3times. Still the light comes on. I purchased this car brand new - lease. I am not accepting this vehicle as it is not whta I expected in a brand-new vehicle help!!

- Keene, NH, USA