10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
101,220 miles

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problem #5

Aug 122007

Jetta 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 176,000 miles
Driving down the highway burning coolant started spewing on my legs, I nearly lost control, when I pulled over I noticed that the carpet was soaked in anti-freeze. Heater core blew. I called VW after hearing they would replace free of charge and was blown off.

- Albrightsville, PA, USA

problem #4

Oct 232005

Jetta 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,100 miles
I was on my way back to galveston from houston (on I-45) with my spouse and a ten month old son in our 95 volkwagen Jetta glx VR6. After crossing the land bridge, I suddenly found a dense white smoke coming from my ventilation ports and a different smell started coming. I could hardly see the road. Initially, I thought it must be the heavy dew (humidity) adsorbed on the windshield. Therefore, I slightly increased the temperature range of the heater but the situation became worst. The car was with a speed 55 mph. I sensed the danger in continuing to drive and I pulled over, otherwise I could have crashed. I was too scared as my family was with me. I couldn't understand what was happening. I also saw that the coolant temperature indicator was flashing. Then I realized that there is something else that must have gone wrong. I cleaned the windshield and slowly reached home as I was very close to galveston. It was a nightmare for me. I thank god that nothing wrong happened. The next day, I contacted the auto mechanics to ask what the problem was and to estimate the cost to fix it. He told the heater core broke and repair is very costly. I was shocked to hear the price. He advised to by pass the heater. So I did. Now, my car is without heater. In these cold days I can''t take my family out anywhere. I hope my experience will help the other drivers in the states specifically those who are driving similar car as mine. I also hope that the part which failed on my car will be recalled and get fixed. I pray nobody should get in this kind of situation and mental stresses I went through.

- Galveston, TX, USA

problem #3

Aug 241995

Jetta

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I bought my Jetta III gls in 1995 brand new. Within a year the molding on the doors started peeling off and eventually falling off. The dealer sent it to a body shop to have it glued and it never stuck. I've been driving for years with one molding missing. I have replaced multiple power window motors and parts. Failure of these power windows are consistantly failing one after the another. I had smoke and an electrical burning smell coming from the steering column and failing blinkers which were both related. I replaced the blinker system and problem was solved. The lock freeze easily in cold weather and I have had the driver side lock completely fall apart while unlocking the car. The seal on front windshield is wearing away causing leaking of rain and this will be fixed with $100 resealing of windshield. Rusting is occurring under car and on underside of doors, VW said it must be rusting from the inside out to be covered (wouldn't that be bigger problem if it occurred from the inside??). the oil seal is leaking. The oxygen sensor has been replaced and needs replaced again. The middle console was permanently locked and dealer took it lock out saying it was broken. The windshield washer fluid container has broken twice. This is all with 85,000 miles. These are common problems with Jetta but window motors and molding are by far two main problems that should be covered with a recall, ask any Jetta owner.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #2

Jun 202005

Jetta 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 152,000 miles
Driving East on I-70 about 15 miles East of frisco, co, there was suddenly thick white steam coming out of my vents, followed by boiling hot coolant pouring onto my feet. It was hard to see, and hard to brake because of the hot fluid. I was eventually able to pull onto the shoulder. I immediatly called VW of America, because I had heard of this happening. My feet were covered in coolant, and burned. I can still taste the coolant in my nose. The heater core went out, and caused the cooland to enter the heater ducts. The car is at the local dealership today, and VW has said that they will pay for the repair. It amazes me that they have not issued a recall for this part, even though they issued recalls for the older cars with similiar problems. I just want to do something that will prevent people from getting into trouble because of this defective part in the future.

- Rockford, MI, USA

problem #1

Apr 212004

Jetta 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles
Intermittently vehicle lost power at a cold start. Several dealership serviced the vehicle, but could not identify what was causing the problem. The consumer was afraid that loss of power will occur while driving or pulling into oncoming traffic. The vehicle would loose power when the brake was pressed to put the vehicle into drive.

- Tulsa, OK, USA