10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #25

Aug 012002

Jetta

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Consumer on behalf of daughter. The spark plugs began blowing out and the vehicle was operating on 3 cylinders. The first spark plug was replaced and was in tack when the second spark plug blew. It was decided to replace the head gasket, spark plugs, and timing belt. The vehicle is still missing between gear shifts and the check engine light is illuminating.

- Hoover, AL, USA

problem #24

Jul 082002

Jetta Diesel

  • miles
Manifold and oil cooler plug with carbon. Dealer indicates that Volkswagen, knows about the problem, and has yet to offer any remedies. This problem leads to a very costly cleaning.

- Laingsburg, MI, USA

problem #23

Oct 012001

(reported on)

Jetta

  • miles
The oil in engine is being consumed very quickly. When I take car to get an oil change every 3,000 - 5,000 miles, the oil is usually so low it does not appear on dip stick. The oil is simply blowing out of the engine. You can see the oil residue on the engine.

- York Haven, PA, USA

problem #22

Sep 182001

Jetta Diesel

  • miles
Failed part after car had been in dealer several times this summer failed on freeway, could have been killed Volkswagen should cover this, then ripped off by dealer in Chicago wher car just died on the dan ryan without any warning.

- Glendale, WI, USA

problem #21

Sep 042001

(reported on)

Jetta

  • miles
Car burns oil and needs to be added every 1000 miles. After 5000 miles no oil left. Passanger side glove box rattles.

- Methuen, MA, USA

problem #20

Jul 012001

Jetta

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #19

Mar 182001

Jetta

  • miles
Car dies while driving at any speeds no power-brakes or steering.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #18

Jun 012001

(reported on)

Jetta

  • miles
Engine burns about a quart of oil every 1000 to 1500 miles. Dealer is waiting on Volkswagen for a fix. After reading other ntsb complaints and talking to other VW owners I find that this is a major problem that VW is hoping will blow away. Adding oil to a new car every 1000 to 1500 miles is not acceptable to me as a consumer. What is VW doing about this?

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #17

Dec 011999

Jetta

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
When traveling consumer has to put 1 quart of oil every thousand miles. Dealership is aware of problem.

- Silverspring, MD, USA

problem #16

Feb 242000

Jetta

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle hesitates when taking off from stop and go. It launches forward like a delay with mass air flow sensor, but vehicle it still hesitates. Dealer says they can't replicate problem. The vehicle's hesitation became more frequent after each sevice and finally the engine shut off after the 34,000 miles service.

- Paloalto, CA, USA

problem #15

Jan 152001

Jetta

  • miles
Engine consumes about 1+ quart of oil every 1,500 miles. Front rotors need to be replaced at 30,000 miles, while brake pads are less than 50% used. Refrigerant in air conditioner gone at around 30,000 miles with normal use in mild climate.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #14

Jan 242001

(reported on)

Jetta

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle was 2 quarts low on oil at 38,587 mile following a 30,589 mile oil change service, consumer fells this vehicle should not consume this much oil. Nlm

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #13

Feb 022001

(reported on)

Jetta

  • miles
Engine oil must be added every 350 - 400 miles.

- Seaford, NY, USA

problem #12

Jan 222001

Jetta

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle runs out of oil every 1500 miles, and the transmission is very jerky. Windshield wipers were streaking because wipers were separating. Instrument panel cup holder loose on tight side. The stick shift vibrates in 3rd gear due to selector shaft failure.

- Carson, CA, USA

problem #11

Aug 011999

Jetta

  • miles
Oil light came on 2000 miles after oilchange/burning or leaking excessive oil, and oil level low. Passenger's window motor stopped working, resulting in window falling down, . also, engine revved high/ light switch on interior light fell off/ front right Michelin tire blewout, and had to replace battery. Dealer kept repairing problems. Consumer contacted VW co, and was told they would get back to her, but never did. Consumer felt vehicle was a lemon. Please add additional information.

- Edison, NJ, USA

problem #10

Sep 042000

Jetta

  • miles
Ceased water pump, sheared timing belt, and damaged valves caused vehicle to stall on interstate, consumer wants reimbursement.

- Unk, UN, USA

problem #9

Jun 152000

Jetta

  • miles
At about 26,000 miles, which was about two and a half months ago, I checked the oil and had to add three quarts. I took it to the dealer and they told me to look for black smoke and oil spots on the driveway. No black smoke or oil is visibly escaping from the engine. I checked the oil again on June 15, and had to add another quart and a half. I reported it to the dealer and made another appointment for them to check it out. Today, July 11, 2000, the dealer checked the oil (which was down a half quart), told me that they don't know what to look for and have to wait for the Volkswagen district service manager to point them in the right direction. So "we" are now waiting for a call from the district manager. The oil and filter have been changed regularly, but the oil appears very gritty and also appears to be burnt onto cap of the filler-hole. The dealer seems reluctant, at best, to deal with the situation.

- Silverton, OR, USA

problem #8

Aug 011999

Jetta

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle burns oil (doing so for 9 mos now), dealer has been running "test" on car for 4 mos. Said may have to replace engine. Air bag light on first day owning, told to wait 2wks for an appt at which was told car unsafe to drive. Transmission difficult to shift/acceleration (making turns, entering highways, etc.)

- Wakefield, RI, USA

problem #7

May 011999

Jetta

  • miles
Car will die for a second or two, lose of power and begin running normally with doing anything 2. car will not start immediately when it does presents, ie:radio are gone as if battery was disconnected, computer shows no failures

- Hillsborough, NJ, USA

problem #6

Nov 051999

Jetta

  • miles
Vehicle experienced engine failure while in motion. Nlm

- Burke, VA, USA

Read the next 5 complaints »