2.3

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
67,380 miles

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problem #1

May 212007

GTI 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 67,380 miles
I noticed that my speedometer was not properly functioning so I went to the VW dealership and they told me that I had a coolant leak and coolant migration. The coolant apparently migrated through the wiring harness to short my instrument cluster. The entire wire harness and part of my instrument cluster is now inoperable due to the migration. I was quoted a $3,800 estimate and my car only has 68,000 miles. I performed online research and several 1999 VW's had the same problem due to a design defect that dripped coolant over the wire harness. There is even a technical service bulletin filed with the NHTSA that instructs VW how to replace to massive problem. I contacted VW and they will not help even thought this is a widely reported problem with 1999-2001 vws and a design defect. Now I need to replace the wire harness, which apparently runs through most of the engine and car components and my instrument cluster- a $3,800 repair. Rather than correct their design defect, VW offered me $1,00 offer a new VW, which is totally unacceptable. Updated 12/12/07

- Pasadena, CA, USA

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