On April 22, 2007 my son was returning to college in the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T when the engine siezed without warning as he accelerated to enter a busy interstat 80. Fortunately, he was able to coast off to the side of the road. Interstate 80was heavily used by trucks, and had my son not been in a position to get off to the side the engine failure could have caused a very serious safety hazard not only to my son but to many other vehicles using this highway. I understand that this is not an isolated instance of failure of the VW 1.8 T engine. From what I have seen on the internet it appears that is fairly common for these engines to fail and VW tends to blame the owners for improper maintenance. My Jetta was purchased in April 2006 with 31,000 miles, in the year that we had the car we put approx. 10,000 miles on it and we had the oil changed at least two times. We purchased this car based on VW advertising about the quality and safety of these cars and I feel that VW should take responsibility for their poorly engineered engine and issue a recall to correct deficiencies with this engine. I order for me to correct this problem I have to replace the engine, I also have just been informed that when the engine suddenly froze the transmission was also damaged. The cost of to make this car usable again will be in excess of $7,000. While I don't feel that it is right that I am stuck with the cost of repairs that are the result of a serious design problem with this engine, I am much more concerned with putting lives in jeopardy when an engine stops without warning at high way speeds

- Williamsport, PA, USA

Oil light comes on, mostly during turns. Sweet smell in interior cabin. Water entering interior floor level.

- Staten Island , NY, USA

(1) many electrical anomalies. Loss of air condition. Dealership advises it is coolant migration causing electrical/power problems. Coolant migrating from coolant bottle into the electrical harness and into all electrical systems. (2)coolant migration has caused severe electrical problems and the vehicle must be re-wired. Cost to me $310.-to be determined(probably 6-10,000$) (3)dealership refused to assist with getting VW of America to correct the problem at their cost. VW of America refused to correct the problem at my request. VW has known since 2001 (see technical bulletin 97-01-01) that the coolant bottle is defective and has not recalled it, or provided technical bulletins as to how to prevent it. Dealer advises the car is not safe to drive in its present condition.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

In April 2006 we purchased a 2002 VW Jetta from a private party. The car had 65,000 miles. She was the original owner of the car and had taken meticulous care of the car. We have all the service records dating back to it's original purchase. It had been in for all scheduled tuneups. VW offers a 60,000 mile or 5 year warranty on the drive train. In November 2006 the radiator warning appeared on the dash. We took it in to the dealership and they claimed the radiator and transmission were mixing and caused significant damage to he transmission. Estimated cost of replacing the transmission $5,890. The dealership mechanic never stated what caused the mixing fluids and would not speculate. We took the car to our local mechanic. He was able to isolated the problem within 20 minutes. The transmission cooler is leaking allowing the two fluids to co-mingle. As a result of the mixing fluids, the belts, hoses, radiator, and transmission are all severely damaged. According to the mechanic the transmission cooler is sealed within the transmission housing and is never meant to be changed. It's position is protected from any road debris and no quality of how the car was driven would effect the performance of this part. It's his opinion that the part had a manufactured defect. Since the car was originally diagnosed in November it has not been driven. We are currently awaiting an appeal to the VW America.

- Madison, WI, USA

Way to many to list here. I have had problems from the start. More than $7000 worth of repair (plus more that was covered by warr) the final item that caused me to say I would never consider another VW product was the engine damage caused by a timing belt failure. All services were performed at the dealership. The users manual states inspection of the belt at services (that I paid for) and replacement at 120,000 miles. I only had 92,000 miles. It will cost $5,000 to repair the engine. It is not cost effective to repair this car. It was a great car to drive but quality control is poor at best.

- Springfield, VA, USA

VW Jetta 2002. Car is 21/2 yrs old and has been to dealer 4 times. The ignition coil has failed 2 times. The engine light had to be replaced and the seloniod also had to be replaced. All were under warranty. VW needs to get the quality of their cars up to par. Once my lease is done I am turning the car in and will not get another VW.

- Lyndhurst, NJ, USA

Engine coil failed-lost empoyment. One dealer stated fixed problem, months later another dealer stated never fixed then they replaced. All rear lights off-near accident, dealer fixed, engine noise -dealer not fixed yet fear future engine leak as read in other car owner reviews 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T.

- Schererville, IN, USA

The vehicle's timing belt failed without warning at 52,000 miles. As a result, the vehicle has become inoperative. Please provide additional information.

- Stamford, CT, USA

This car has had too many serious problems to be limited to this small space. It is clearly a lemon. These problems substantially impair the use and value of the vehicle. The car received a new transmission yesterday after we had reported 3 previous times that there it remained in reverse after shifting into drive. Each time we were told it was unreproduceable and the complaint was never noted on the work orders. Finally, the dealership did relent and replace the transmission. We encountered the same type of treatment with the engine burning oil, and it wasn't until the engine ran completely out of oil, that the dealer would address the problem. The first time we had complained about the oil was 2 months after we had bought the car!!!

- Houston, TX, USA

I have a 2002 VW Jetta, automatic, 2.0 engine. I have put 4200 miles on the car and have had it to two different VW dealerships trying to get a problem fixed with no luck. The car will hesitate upon acceleration from time to time. I acts like it is not getting the signal to speed up. The engine does not stall or sputter, it simply remains at an idle for 1 or 2 seconds and the slowly picks ups speed. No engine lights come on when this happens. This has happened at least 30 or more times since I bought it new. It has nearly cause me to have an accident a couple of different times as I am pulling out into traffic. The dealers claim to have never heard of this before, but after some searching I have found very similar complaints from people with the VW passat. I am frustrated that no one can seem to fix it and I am concerned that I may have a lemon car.

- Hobart, IN, USA

The vehicle burns oil prematurely.

- Abingdon, MD, USA

I bought the car 3 days later the problem(s) started. And they have been going ever since. Shifting hard, display lights, would not start, wondows would not roll down, or iff they did, they made a loud thud.

- Lynden, WA, USA

#3 engine coil continues to burn out, causing vehicle to sputter and stall while driving. Vehicle was repaired under a safety campaign two weeks ago, and it experienced the same problem again.

- Fall River, MA, USA

Intermittently while driving at 70 mph suddenly speed decreased to 25 mph for 10 seconds. Dealer had inspected vehicle several times, but problem still occurring. The problem.

- Grandville, MI, USA

I purchased the 2002 1.8T Volkswagen Jetta on 1/09/02. My service record begins on 1/23/02. From day one, I have pointed out that this car leaks/has wind noise from doors/windows. Seals were replaced on drivers side doors on 6/27/02. Leakage/moisture to date, is an issue. Now there is visible water damage and mold growing along drivers side. Issue- poor quality product. Dangerous mold growing-health factor! ignition coil failure twice! radio has blown twice- faulty wiring! car lunges when started or hard to stop once running. My situation is not "special". there are many others that have purchased this product and have their safety compromised. Ignition coil is a suppose to be a recall, but only when they fail. Volkswagen of America will not replace until you are stranded! this is a severe safety issue. Mold growing in my car is a severe safety issue.

- Florence, KY, USA

Dealer change the faulty coil pack but happen again and dealer refused to change the other two coil.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

Consumer stated that while driving at any speed and without warning the vehicle will shut off causing consumer to pull over. Dealer notified.

- Brighton, MA, USA

When vehicle was at an idle, it started shaking and the engine light was flashing. Consumer had vehicle towed. The dealership indicated that this was caused by the cylinder coil going bad.

- Concord, MA, USA

Consumer states the engine does not work, consumer states engine coil is failing.

- Chicago, IL, USA

While driving vehicle at any speed the engine looses power. Took to dealer and dealer states' the emissions coil is defected.

- Vienna, VA, USA