3.4
definitely annoying- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 38,633 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.
I have two problems, one with temperature coolant sign. Many Jetta's have this problem, it occurs every time I turn on the car, sign always comes on. This causes signals and computer programs in the car to be confused, and is always a dangerous light because I never know if there is something wrong with my car's coolant or radiator. I have replaced this part about two times through a mechanic shop with a VW part twice. Still is a failure, and I read most Jettas have this problem and it is ridiculous that VW can not fix this expensive part for its customers. Also I had a problem with my alternator one day ago. My vehicle was forced to stall on the middle of the highway causing me almost to get into an accident. For some reason my car lost all its power, battery was only one or two weeks old, and now my alternator died. My car has only 71,400 miles on it, it is not very old, it is a major concern to see an alternator die that early in the car, makes me wonder what other major problems I have in the future, let alone what I had in the past. Now I have to fix this car, and will take one week to fix and get the part ready, costing me almost $600 in repair. Not only did my car break down on the highway but the car smelt like it was burning, very dangerous!!this a VW defect, and should be addressed to all VW owners about their alternators, it doesn't feel safe if this car keeps breaking down, tired of this car.other recalls about this vehicle make me want to question whether to drive it not, if it has a country wide brake problem in this car.
- Brunswick, OH, USA
The coolant temperature sensor warning light comes on during cool and cold weather and stays on till the engine is warmed up. At which time, if the engine is turned off and then restarted, the warning light will remain out. There are no codes listed in the ECU. This issue has occurred continuously since the car was purchased in June 2005.
- Cavendish, VT, USA
I purchased my Jetta in March 2002, and experienced no major problems within the first 30,000 miles. On July 19, 2003, I brought the car to VW after hearing a rattling noise when making turns and idling at a traffic light (mileage: 33,996). The mechanics were unable to identify a problem, however at the same time, the ignition coils were replaced due to a VW recall, the first of several. I continued to contend with the rattling for several more months, and finally brought the car back to VW on November 14, 2003 (mileage: 39,038). At this point, the pressure hose was replaced under warranty. My car functioned without incident until July 2004, when I began to notice that the air conditioning worked sporadically. I did not realize the connection to the engine cooling system until August 25, 2004, when my car began to overheat. The vehicle was towed to the nearest VW service shop in, where I was charged $4 for a cooling fan fuse and $90 in labor (not to mention the brake light switch was replaced due to another product recall). I was charged $101.76, and the problem was still not solved! on August 27, 2004, I spent $659.04 in parts and labor to have both the ac and radiator cooling fans replaced (mileage: 52,650). I drove my car with no problems until November 16, 2004, when the check engine light came on. I spent another $93.28 for a new coolant sensor, coolant refill, and labor. The check engine light came back on in April 2005, and resulted in another trip to the mechanic, costing me another $45.53. On August 5, 2005 (mileage: 68K), my car overheated yet again. The current situation I am faced with is $450 in parts and labor to replace the water pump and $150 to replace a vacuum hose. I am hesitant to drive my car, for fear that it will overheat again, or worse, while I am driving it.
- Flemington, NJ, USA
The engine light illuminated, the dealer stated the ignition coil was defective. The vehicle over heated, and the problem was diagnosed as a ruptured coolant pump.
- Middletown, CT, USA
Vehicle suddenly loss engine power and can not be driven. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information.
- Hazlet, NJ, USA
- Baltimore, MD, USA