The contact stated while driving at night there was a loss of exterior and interior lighting. Also, the windshield wipers were disabled. There was no prior warning. The lights will shut off, but intermittently come back on. The contact inspected the battery, fuses, and the alternator. The vehicle has not been to a dealer, and no repairs have been made due to the expense. Updated 02/07/06.

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

My 1997 Jetta was purchased new in August 1997 in Canada. In 1997, the electric moon roof and the electric window had intermittent fault of not operating and were fixed. However after the warranty period one rear electric window could not be operated locally. In Oct 28, 2004 the generator was faulty and was replaced by a re-built unit at owner's cost. In Oct 30, the ignition switch was replaced at the extended warranty. From Oct 30 to 31, 2004, an intermitent fault occurred 5 times on the panel cluster, all readings in the cluster (tachometer, speedometer, temperaure and fuel gauges) drop to zero for a short period of time and resumed normal. The dealer has not yet located the cause of the intermitent fault. If the panel C;uster were found faluty, it would be a very cost repair. The electrical system on my 1997 Jetta are exceeding unreliable with a high intermittent fault. It is the responsiblity of the vwoa to pay the repair cost for such faulty electrical system.

- Vancouver Bc Canada, 00, USA

Problems with ignition switch and tire equipment. The dealer replaced the ignition switch and starter assembly. On another occasion, while the consumer was driving, the rear tire fell off the vehicle, themechanic informed the consumer it was due to ball bearing seizing which caused a tremendous amount of heat.

- Niles, MI, USA

Past year: Auto door locks failed, could not open either front door; transmission failed, exhaust system rusted out, headlights out, signals out, wheel bearings need replaced, air bag light stays on, have not been able to drive car in nearly 1 year, required nearly $5000 worth of damage.

- Oakton, VA, USA

We bought the 1997 Jetta used in 2000. Since then it had it's ignition changed (new key to start engine). The third starter was just put in. We thought the new starter would fix the problem of the engine not turning over, but it's back again less than 21 days after the starter was put. It's in the shop, starter was checked; it's not the starter.

- Birdsboro, PA, USA

Vehicle's transmission failed. The transmission had gone out when it was under warranty. It had taken three weeks to get the vehicle back at that time. The following year, the vehicle started to jerk. The vehicle was out of warranty. It wasn't until the vehicle stopped again, the consumer was told the transmission had leaked. There were numerous repairs. The vehicle was placed in the shop for the timing belt and the cylinder head. The vehicle also had to be taken in for a protective shield in the right rear wheel housing. The distributor cap, ignition rotor, and the spark plugs were replaced. Repair was also made to the wire for the ignition coil/cam shaft. The ignition switch was replaced and the engine control modules.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

Bought Jetta gls new 12/97. Moldings fall off constantly. Three of four power windows have failed, all needing regulators replaced. Slow wiper speed cuts off and sometimes doesn't work at all. Oil leak. Can't lock doors on driver side with my master key, can only lock and set alarm on passenger side.

- Hull, GA, USA

Jetta was evaluated at VW repair shop and was tested for several days over the last 4 working days. Electrical and fuel sytem was checked and nothing found so far. Car engine stalls intermittently regardless of speed or temperature of engine. Have not driven it on the freeway due to safety concerns. Was driving on city streets and suddenly the engine cuts out while driving. Has nothing to do with slowing down or accelerating. Concerned that there may be other reported problems similar to this in this model but cannot find any information.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

Add't dealer repair info: Northland VW. Cin oh. Air system smells rotten, water pump went out due to belts going bad, electrical malfunctions caused car to stall & not operate, cigarette lighter is stuck -can not pull out. This car has been in the repair shop 9 times in 3 yrs.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA