The fuel gasket decided to crack on the top of the sending unit that sends diesel to the engine. It filled the top and spilled down over the tank onto the concrete. $250 repair for the gasket + labor not at a dealership. It's probably a fire hazard and VW should recall the gaskets.

- Orlando, FL, USA

Vehicle lost power at highway speed. Further application of the throttle caused the transmission to second from fourth, causing the vehicle to rapidly decelerate from 70 to 40 mph, at which point the engine resumed normal operation. This happened several times in the span of an hour, and is entirely intermittent. Three VW dealers are at a complete loss for an explanation. The ECU does not return a fault code. This problem occurs completely at random, regardless of fuel level, incline, or throttle position. The only consistency is that it has never happened at a speed over 50 mph.

- Ventura, CA, USA

Loss of power on freeway, without warning. Vehicle lost power, then, while attempting to restore power by 'pumping' the accelerator, shifted into second gear, resulting in a very rapid deceleration from 70 mph to 45 mph. This occurred twice in one hour, at both times requiring following motorists to swerve severely to avoid.

- Ventura, CA, USA

My 2002 Volkswagen Jetta gls turbo, 26,000 miles caught on fire in Washington state while on the highway. I smelled gas while driving and pulled over opned hood and a fe seconds later a fire started. While on the phone with 911 there was a minor explosion and I received minor burns to the face and hands. Vehicle was towed 20 miles to karmart VW in burlington, wa. The next VW of America called and said they were investigating it. Three weeks later they called and denied the claim for repair or replacement. About $10,000 in damages. My insurance company allstate is involved and hired an engineer to investigate it. He determined it is most likely a factory defect. VW denied to fix or replace the car becuase there no clamps present where the fire ocured. The hoses burned off about 3-6 inches. Allstate found the one of the clamps in the engine compartment. I think it rediculous that VW will not cover the damges or replace the car. What am I suppose to do with a 2 year car with major fire damage. I have lost total faith in the vehicle and don't want. I will have a hard time selling it with this kind of problem, who would want to buy car two olds knowing it was in a serious fire" what problems in the future due to this" I feel with my minor injury and being a new car VW should do something.

- Lake Stevens, WA, USA

Fuel gauge does not go to full mark. Drops between 1/2 and full marks. Dealer has replaced the fuel sender 3 times, fuel pump once, instrument cluster board twice. Ph **dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**769766

- Cicero, NY, USA