2000 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine12922.8%
- Visibility7713.6%
- Electrical6311.2%
- Brakes6010.6%
- Airbags417.3%
- Transmission346.0%
- Fuel system223.9%
- Interior & seats203.5%
- Body & structure203.5%
- Exterior lighting193.4%
- Driver assistance173.0%
- Seat belts101.8%
- Suspension101.8%
- Steering81.4%
- Tires & wheels71.2%
- Other / unspecified61.1%
- Powertrain (other)40.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE RECENTLY AND HAVE NOTICED A DISTINCT DIESEL SMELL WHEN IDLING OR DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. SMELLS STRONG LIKE LEAKING DIESEL FUEL. THE CAR IDLES VERY ROUGH AND SOMETIMES STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THERE IS A VERY BAD ODOR WHENEVER I ENTER THE VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CAR WILL STALL AND I MIGHT BE IN AN UNSAFE POSITION DURING TRAFFIC. I THINK THE CLUTCH MIGHT BE DEFECTIVE. IT SOUNDS VERY LOUD. THE VEHICLE HAS 260,000 MILES. DIESLS ARE SUPPOSED TO RUN FOREVER BUT I FEEL LIKE I BOUGHT A LEMON.
2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE AND WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE, ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS, ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER OFFERED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF THE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE PARTS. THE CONSUMER DECLINED. *JS
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRAINING SYSTEM FOR THE SUNROOF WOULD BECOME CLOGGED AND ALLOW WATER TO DRAIN INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. WINDOW FELL SUDDENLY, DROPPING INTO DOOR. ALREADY HAPPENED TO PASSENGER SIDE DOOR YEAR BEFORE. THE CAR IS A 2000 VW JETTA. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH VW'S. HOW DOES A RECALL HAPPEN? HOW MANY TIMES DOES IT TAKE TO GET A RECALL? *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving with the front driver’s side seat heater activated, the seat became extremely hot. The contact started smelling a burning odor coming from the seat. The contact felt a hole in the seat, which burned the contact's middle finger. The contact immediately pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact’s back started burning due to the extreme heat of the seat back. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a hole in his jacket and approximately four holes that had formed in the front driver seat due to the seat heater failure. The contact was not treated for the burns to his back. The contact stated that two dealers were notified of the failure but neither provided immediate assistance. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 489,000.
CAR WILL NOT START AFTER BEING DRIVEN FAR ENOUGH TO WARM-UP THE ENGINE. MUST WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES--UP TO AN HOUR--BEFORE IT WILL START AGAIN. THE PROCESS OF TRYING A RESTART RESULTS IN MUCH UNBURNED FUEL VAPOR IN THE EXHAUST STREAM. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING DOES NOT TURN ON OR OFF WITH THE OPENING OF A DOOR. HORN DOES NOT SOUND WHEN LOCKING THE CAR, AUTO-DRIVERS SEAT POSITIONING DOES NOT WORK. ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR PERFORMS QUITE WELL--GOOD ENGINE POWER, STEERING, ETC. HOWEVER, THE NON-STARTING AFTER BEING DRIVEN A DISTANCE COULD RESULT IN BEING STRANDED AND PLACED IN DANGER. *TT
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE AND WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE, ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS, ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER OFFERED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF THE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE PARTS. THE CONSUMER DECLINED. *JS
BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T FUNCTION DUE TO FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. SUBJECT OF TWO PREVIOUS RECALLS. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA I REARENDED A CAR AT 40 MPH MY FRONT BUMPER IS HANGING OFF AND SEATBELTS DID NOT WORK. VOLKSWAGEN WAS NOTIFIED AND IS HAVING A VW MEMBER LOOK AT THE CAR IN BELLIVILL AUTO SALVAGE 310 OAKHILL RD EXETER RI. DUE TO FAULTY AIR BAGS MY HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD AND CHEST HIT WHEEL DUE TO SEATBELTS. *TR
AIRBAG FAILURE LIGHT ON DASH CAME ON AT 65,000 MILES. I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS OF AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE FIRMWARE IN THE ORIGINAL FACTORY CRASH SENSOR, I THINK THE MANUFACTURE (VOLKSWAGEN) SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE SENSORS. THE AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY AT ANY TIME OR NOT DEPLOY IN A WRECK. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A 2000 VW JETTA ON 6/16/10. TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS & SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE, IT HAS HAD TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS: 2 FANS, ABS SENSOR WOULD COME ON & LOCK UP THE WHEELS, SO THE SYSTEM HAD TO BE UNPLUGGED, COOLANT SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED, A TRANSMISSION REPLACED & A CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST FOUND IT HAD BEEN TAKEN OUT PRIOR & 4 CYL PARTS WERE USED IN A 6 CYL VEHICLE, & THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST OF REPAIRS TO DATE ARE APPROX. $5,200 & I ONLY PAID $4,995 FOR THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD IN THE CONDITION IT WAS IN. THE SELLER FAILED TO DISCLOSE THAT THE VEHICLE HAD UNDERLYING PROBLEMS AFTER I INQUIRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE BUSINESS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES THE BUSINESS HAS SOLD LIKE THIS. I HAVE THIS VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS MORE THAN I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT & WHEN I PURCHASED IT, THE SELLER WAS AWARE I NEEDED A RELIABLE VEHICLE TO GET TO THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT VERY QUICKLY. *TR
I AM REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON THE MODEL YEAR 2000, VOLKSWAGEN, JETTA. I HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AND CAR NOT STARTING UP AFTER UP OR BEING PARKED AFTER SHUTTING OFF ENGINE AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION PLUS MALFUNCTIONING ON MY 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GL. AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING AND NOT STARTING WHEN IGNITION IS ACCELERATED, I HAVE ALSO I EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BREAKING EFFORTS WHEN I PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WOULD NOT START WHEN SITTING FOR A WHILE. AFTER ABOUT 45 MINUTES OR LONGER - I WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE OPERATED AT A REDUCED POWER. THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND WILL NOT START UP FOR NO REASON AT ALL. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE AND NERVOUS WHEN DRIVING - AND HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM OVER AND OVER AND HAVE PAID FOR COSTLY REPAIRS. STILL TO NO AVAIL, IT KEEPS HAPPENING. TIRED OF THE VEHICLE - WILL NEVER EVER PURCHASE A VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN! PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION MODULE ON VOLKSWAGEN JETTAS - YEAR 2000 PLEASE ASAP !!! I HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN THE WORST PLACES WITH THE VEHICLE - WITH NO HELP TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE RECENTLY AND HAVE NOTICED A DISTINCT DIESEL SMELL WHEN IDLING OR DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. SMELLS STRONG LIKE LEAKING DIESEL FUEL. THE CAR IDLES VERY ROUGH AND SOMETIMES STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THERE IS A VERY BAD ODOR WHENEVER I ENTER THE VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CAR WILL STALL AND I MIGHT BE IN AN UNSAFE POSITION DURING TRAFFIC. I THINK THE CLUTCH MIGHT BE DEFECTIVE. IT SOUNDS VERY LOUD. THE VEHICLE HAS 260,000 MILES. DIESLS ARE SUPPOSED TO RUN FOREVER BUT I FEEL LIKE I BOUGHT A LEMON.
VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLS FOR SEVERAL SECONDS SPORADICALLY WHENEVER THE FUEL GUAGE READS 3/8 OR LESS. BOTH MY VW CAR DO THE EXACT SAME THING. IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THIS OCCURS WITH MOST VW CARS. EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A 2000 VW JETTA. MY SON AND I WERE HEADING HOME AFTER A COLLEGE VISIT, HE TURNED ON HIS SEAT HEATER AND BEGAN TO NAP. 20 MINUTES LATER, HE POPPED UP RUBBING HIS SHOULDER, THE SEAT HEATER CAUSED THE SEAT TO CATCH FIRE AND BURNED A PORTION OF THE SEAT, HIS SHIRT AND SHOULDER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF THAT ISSUE AND THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL FOR SUCH AN ISSUE. I THEN DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND WHERE IT'S A VERY COMMON ISSUE. *TR
HEAT SEAT CONTROL AT 5 ONLY AVAILABLE. AFTER A NUMBER OF TIMES STARTED BURNING SEATS. LEATHER IS MELTED. NO LONGER USE. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD JUST BOUGHT THE CAR, GOT IT SATISFIED AND WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY BACK TO SCHOOL ON A BACK HIGHWAY. THE HOOD CAME COMPLETELY UNDONE AND SWUNG ON TOP OF MY WINDSHIELD. THE WHOLE HOOD IS COMPLETELY CRACKED AND WE COULD BARELY CLOSE IT. I HAD CHECKED EVERYTHING TO MAKE SURE IT WAS CLOSED BEFORE I HAD LEFT BECAUSE I WAS SO PARANOID THAT SOMETHING WOULD GO WRONG. I CALLED THE VW HOTLINE AND THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT THEY AREN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND IT WAS ALL ON ME TO PAY. THE HOOD AND CLOSING LATCH BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WANT TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN OR IF IT WAS JUST A FLUKE. *TR
I HAD RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM "SKYLINE" DEALER IN COLORADO , I'VE OWNED IT FOR,ONE YEAR HIT A SPEED BUMP AND THE ENGINE FELL FORWARD(BREAK-AWAY ENGINE) THE ENGINE HAD BROKE OFF THE ENGINE BOLTS(MOUNTS) AND THE ONLY THING TO HOLD PART OF IT UP IS THE TRANSMISSION ARM. I HAVE JUST NOW FOUND SOMEONE TO MAKE THE 8/15/06 REPAIRS ITS A SLOW GO,AND STILL OWE OVER 17,000 ON IT THE INSURANCE COMPANY WOULDN'T HELP THEY SAID THAT SOMEONE HAD WELD THE BOLTS BACK ON INCORRECTLY SO THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, I DIDN'T NOTICE, NEITHER DID THE DEALERSHIP FOR THAT MATTER IN THERE MANY POINT INSPECTION. *NM
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WATER PUMP AND BACK HOUSING THE COOLANT SYSTEM
CAR WILL NOT START AFTER BEING DRIVEN FAR ENOUGH TO WARM-UP THE ENGINE. MUST WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES--UP TO AN HOUR--BEFORE IT WILL START AGAIN. THE PROCESS OF TRYING A RESTART RESULTS IN MUCH UNBURNED FUEL VAPOR IN THE EXHAUST STREAM. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING DOES NOT TURN ON OR OFF WITH THE OPENING OF A DOOR. HORN DOES NOT SOUND WHEN LOCKING THE CAR, AUTO-DRIVERS SEAT POSITIONING DOES NOT WORK. ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR PERFORMS QUITE WELL--GOOD ENGINE POWER, STEERING, ETC. HOWEVER, THE NON-STARTING AFTER BEING DRIVEN A DISTANCE COULD RESULT IN BEING STRANDED AND PLACED IN DANGER. *TT
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving with the front driver’s side seat heater activated, the seat became extremely hot. The contact started smelling a burning odor coming from the seat. The contact felt a hole in the seat, which burned the contact's middle finger. The contact immediately pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact’s back started burning due to the extreme heat of the seat back. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a hole in his jacket and approximately four holes that had formed in the front driver seat due to the seat heater failure. The contact was not treated for the burns to his back. The contact stated that two dealers were notified of the failure but neither provided immediate assistance. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 489,000.
FOR TWO DAYS, I SMELLED AN ODOR SUCH AS A STARCHED IRON IN MY CAR. I TURNED THE HEATED SEATS OF FOR A FEW DAYS. TODAY I TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE SMELL CAME BACK. I TOOK MY JACKET OFF AND IN ONE PART OF THE SEAT, MY BACK WAS BURNING. THE DRIVERS HEATED SEAT IN MY 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA BURNED THROUGH INTO THE EXTERIOR. THE HEATED SEAT CAUSED TWO HOLES IN MY SEAT AND A LARGE BROWN BURNT STAIN. IF I HAD NOT DISCOVERED THIS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY IT WOULD CREATE MUCH MORE DAMAGE. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE AND THE RPMS WOULD INCREASE WHEN SHE HAD HER FEET ON THE BRAKE AND THE CLUTCH PEDALS. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 127,000.
I BOUGHT MY JETTA 03/2009 AND HAVE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING I NOTICED AFTER ONCE I WOULD PULL OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND PRESS THE GAS AND THE ASR LIGHT AND EPC LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND IT WOULD LOSE POWER AS IN NOT GO. SO I WOULD HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR AND LET IT SET FOR ABOUT 15 MIN, WHICH DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK. SOMETIMES AFTER LEAVING A STORE AND GETTING ON THE MAIN ROAD IT WILL DO THIS, WHICH IS REALLY SCARY WHEN CARS ARE COMING UP ON YOU FAST AND YOUR AT ALMOST A COMPLETE STOP HOPING THEY NOTICE THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON, WHICH DO NOT ALWAYS WORK. MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, AND WAS TOLD IT HAD TO DO WITH THE THROTTLE BODY THAT'S WHY IT IDLES ALOT. I HAVE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY LOOKED AT, IT IS FINE, I HAVE REPLACE HOSES THAT WERE DAMAGED. I JUST PICKED IT UP FROM THE SHOP FOR EMISSIONS REPAIR, ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON, AND NOW MY MOTOR IN KNOCKING REALLY BAD. AND ABOUT 2 WKS OF PURCHASING MY JETTA THE CASING ON THE TRANSMISSION BUSTED, SO I HAD TO HAVE IT FIXED, WAS NOT CHEAP. AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP, AND TIERODS, WHICH IS FINE, THAT'S VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. BUT MY STEERING IS STILL MESSED UP, AND REPLACING THE TIERODS DID NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM, AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS CAR. NOTHING CAN BE PIN POINTED. NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY THE EPC LIGHT AND ASR LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR LOSES POWER. *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
WENT TO BUCKLE UP AND HEARD A NOISE. LOSS AT TENSION ON SEAT BELT.
2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA I REARENDED A CAR AT 40 MPH MY FRONT BUMPER IS HANGING OFF AND SEATBELTS DID NOT WORK. VOLKSWAGEN WAS NOTIFIED AND IS HAVING A VW MEMBER LOOK AT THE CAR IN BELLIVILL AUTO SALVAGE 310 OAKHILL RD EXETER RI. DUE TO FAULTY AIR BAGS MY HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD AND CHEST HIT WHEEL DUE TO SEATBELTS. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2000, THERE HAS BEEN A SOUND MADE AT THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. 2) LOUD SOUND WHEN DRIVING ON REGULAR ROADS. PERSISTENT LOUD THUMP SOUND. 3) I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR SOUNDS AND HAVE ASKED OTHER JETTA OWNERS AND THEY TOO AGREED THAT THEIR CAR HAD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. I WAS EVEN CHARGED SEVERAL TIMES BY THE DEALER WERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO RE-TORQUE AND TEST THE FRONT END. THEY AGREED THAT THEY COULD DEFINITELY HEAR THE SOUND BUT COULD NOT TROUBLE SHOOT THE PROBLEM. ALL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR OR FIND PROBLEM ARE DOCUMENTED IN MY SERVICE THROUGH VOLKSWAGEN. I ALSO HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO APPROXIMATELY 8 ADDITIONAL SHOPS TO TROUBLE SHOOT NOISE. ALL AGREED THAT THE NOISE WAS UNBEARABLE BUT NO SOLUTION WAS FOUND. NOW I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 4.5 YEARS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE MY FRONT END IS GOING TO FALL APART. *JB
I PURCHASED A 2000 VPLKSWAGEN JETTA IN THE YEAR 2002, PRE-OWNED. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT SINCE I BOUGHT IT, AND NOW AM TRADING IT IN, AND TAKING A $3000 LOSS. HERE IS A LIST OF THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD IN THE LAST 2 YEARS LISTED FROM FIRST PROBLEMS TO MOST RECENT: 1. WINDOW TRAY BROKE, WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. $300 2. TRUNK LATCH BROKE, HAD TO GET REPLACED $50 3. SUNROOF BROKE, WOULD NOT MOVE AND NEEDED THE ENTIRE THING REPLACED INCLUDING THE MOTOR. $1800 4. WATER PUMP LEAKED OUT ALL COOLANT, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED $ 600 5. STRUT COIL SNAPED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING, NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES $500 6. LASTLY, (THIS IS THE POINT WHEN I DECIDED TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND TRADE THE CAR IN FOR ANOTHER BRAND) WATER LEAKING FROM THE ELECTRICAL PANEL ON TOP OF INSIDE ROOF. SUNROOF THEN MALFUNCTIONED, OPENING WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED AND THE KNOB WAS NOT TOUCHED. HAD TO PAY TO DISCONNECT POWER SUNROOF. WHATEVER YOU DO, PLEASE, DO NOT BUY A VW JETTA. THAT IS UNLESS YOU WANT TO HAVE IT CONTINUALLY IN THE SHOP AND HAVING TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON REPAIRS. *AK
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A 2000 VW JETTA 2.0 GLS AUTOMATIC. I WAS COASTING DOWN A HILL AND COMING TO A STOP. I STARTED USING MY BRAKES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WITH OUT ANY WARNINGS CHIMES OR INDICATION MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL FELT LOCKED UP AND I ALMOST CRASHED IF NOT FOR MY FRIEND HELPING ME MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS A SIDE STREET TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPEN. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. ONLY AFTER AN HOUR OR SO OF WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK DID MY CAR START BUT WAS DIFFERENT. THIS HAPPENED TO ME 4 MORE TIMES. LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM NEW JOB AT AROUND 2 AM EST I GOT LOST AND CAR STALLS OUT ON ME WITH NO INDICATION AND IT DOES NOT JUST STALL AND STOP IT STALLS AND CONTINUES TO ROLL UNTIL YOU LOOSE MOMENTUM THIS IS NOT SAFE. THANKFULLY THIS PROBLEM DID NOT HAPPEN TO ME WHILE ON A HIGH WAY THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH IF ONES CAR STALLS AND THEY CAN NOT CONTROL IT. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND CONFIRMED BAD COIL PACK AND CRANK POSITION SENSORS. *TR
1) SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2000, THERE HAS BEEN A SOUND MADE AT THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. 2) LOUD SOUND WHEN DRIVING ON REGULAR ROADS. PERSISTENT LOUD THUMP SOUND. 3) I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR SOUNDS AND HAVE ASKED OTHER JETTA OWNERS AND THEY TOO AGREED THAT THEIR CAR HAD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. I WAS EVEN CHARGED SEVERAL TIMES BY THE DEALER WERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO RE-TORQUE AND TEST THE FRONT END. THEY AGREED THAT THEY COULD DEFINITELY HEAR THE SOUND BUT COULD NOT TROUBLE SHOOT THE PROBLEM. ALL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR OR FIND PROBLEM ARE DOCUMENTED IN MY SERVICE THROUGH VOLKSWAGEN. I ALSO HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO APPROXIMATELY 8 ADDITIONAL SHOPS TO TROUBLE SHOOT NOISE. ALL AGREED THAT THE NOISE WAS UNBEARABLE BUT NO SOLUTION WAS FOUND. NOW I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 4.5 YEARS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE MY FRONT END IS GOING TO FALL APART. *JB
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAND NEW TIRE COMPLETELY FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS TIRE WAS 7 DAYS OLD AND THERE WAS A TOTAL SIDEWALL FAILURE. LOOKING ONLINE AFTER THE INCIDENT, THERE ARE COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
FOUR NEW CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED ON MY 2000 VW JETTA. AFTER APPROX. 2 DAYS, ONE TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. TIRE SENT TO SELLER, AND THEY PRONOUNCED IT WAS AN INSTALLATION ISSUE. THIS TIRE WAS SENT TO SELLER, AFTER PURCHASING A NEW ONE. AFTER 4 TO 5 WEEKS OF DRIVING, A SECOND TIRE (DIFFERENT WHEEL) FROM THE SAME ORIGINAL SET OF 4, FAILED SUDDENLY. THIS TIRE "SUDDENLY" FAILED WITH A "GUN SHOT" LIKE NOISE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. REVIEW AT THE SERVICE SHOP SHOWED NOTHING UNUSUAL IN THE INSTALLATION. PICTURES OF THE SECOND TIRE WERE SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY COMMENTED THAT THIS WAS AN INSTALL ISSUE. I WORK FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING COMPANY, AND HAD ONE OF OUR EXPERT TECHNICIANS REVIEW THE SECOND TIRE. HE HAS 30 YEARS OF SERVICE EXPERIENCE WITHIN CHRYSLER DEALERSHIPS. HE WAS CONVINCED THAT THIS WAS A TIRE DEFECT, HAD NEVER SEEN SUCH A FAILURE, AND STATED THAT THIS TYPE OF FAILURE WOULD NOT HAPPEN DURING INSTALLATION. THIS WAS BASED ON THE LOOSE CONDITION OF THE STEEL RING ON THE INNER TIRE, AND THE FACT THAT THEIR WERE NO WITNESS TOOL MARKS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. THE ORIGINAL INSTALLER OF THE TIRES ALSO STATED THAT THE RUBBER ON THE INNER BEAD OF THE TIRE WAS "TOO THIN" AND OF POOR CONSTRUCTION. I HAVE THE SECOND TIRE IN MY POSSESSION, AND HAVE REQUESTED THE ORIGINAL FIRST TIRE BACK FROM THE SELLER. I HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED THIS, NOR HAVE I RECEIVED ANY FORMAL CONCLUSIVE REPORT WITH MEASUREMENTS AND ANALYSIS TO PROVE THEIR CONCLUSION. RIGHT NOW THEY ARE ONLY STATING THEIR PERSONAL OPINION, WITHOUT THOROUGH ANALYSIS. I AM STILL DRIVING ON THE REMAINING TIRES WITH AN "UNEASY" FEELING THAT I AM AT RISK OF ANOTHER CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. I AM ONLY AFTER THE TRUTH IN THIS MATTER, AND UP TO NOW HAVE FELT AS THOUGH IT HAS NOT BEEN PRESENTED. I DIDN'T CREATE THIS FAILURE, AND I HAVE A HARD TIME SEEING HOW THE INSTALLER, WHO DOES THIS FOR A LIVING, COULD HAVE DONE IT TO 2 TIRES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE AND WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE, ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS, ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER OFFERED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF THE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE PARTS. THE CONSUMER DECLINED. *JS
I OWN A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, THE CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, I REALIZE THE CAR IS OLD AND WAS BOUGHT AS IS IT STILL SHOULD MAINTAIN TO PROPERLY RUN. IT HAS CAUSED A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN THE CARS WATER PUMP FAILED WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DOING 75MPH, IT STARTED TO STALL I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE, I PULLED OVER THREW HEAVY TRAFFIC, IT WAS A 1000 DOLLAR REPAIR, I HAVE RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT A FAILED WATER PUMP, ALSO, THE CAR STARTS AND REVS AT 2000 RPMS OR IT HAS TROUBLE STARTING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY AND CANT FIND THE PROBLEM, ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS ARE NUMEROUS, I FEEL I SHOULD HAVE SOME COMPENSATION FROM THE VW CORPORATION AND ALL THE OTHER OWNERS OF A VW OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME ISSUES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE RECENTLY AND HAVE NOTICED A DISTINCT DIESEL SMELL WHEN IDLING OR DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. SMELLS STRONG LIKE LEAKING DIESEL FUEL. THE CAR IDLES VERY ROUGH AND SOMETIMES STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THERE IS A VERY BAD ODOR WHENEVER I ENTER THE VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CAR WILL STALL AND I MIGHT BE IN AN UNSAFE POSITION DURING TRAFFIC. I THINK THE CLUTCH MIGHT BE DEFECTIVE. IT SOUNDS VERY LOUD. THE VEHICLE HAS 260,000 MILES. DIESLS ARE SUPPOSED TO RUN FOREVER BUT I FEEL LIKE I BOUGHT A LEMON.
ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE OWNER, TODAY WAS THE SECOND INCIDENT I'VE HAD REGARDING THE CLUTCH AND THE FUMES IT EMITS. SIX MONTHS AGO I NOTICED THE CLUTCH SLIPPING AND IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT INTO A REPAIR SHOP. ON TOP OF THE SLIPPING CLUTCH, THE COOLANT AND EMISSIONS WORKSHOP AND ELECTRICAL BECAME A PROBLEM. "STOP COOLANT LOW" WOULD ALWAYS APPEAR ON MY DASH, HOWEVER THE COOLANT WOULD BE FILLED. THE ENGINE LIGHT ALSO STAYED ON. THE MECHANIC DID ALL HE COULD TO FIX IT. SIX MONTHS LATER, TODAY, I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. ONLY DIFFERENCE IS, I IMMEDIATELY BECAME ILL WHILE DRIVING AND BREATHING IN THE FUMES THE VEHICLE EMIT. I BECAME NAUSEA, DIZZY AND VOMITED. THIS ISSUE REGARDING THE CLUTCH IS AN ONGOING DIGRESSION TO THE VEHICLE AND THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS. I HOPE VW WILL TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY AND INVESTIGATE THIS CASE, I HAVE FRIENDS WHO'VE ALSO EXPERIENCE SIMILAR INSTANCES WITH THEIR VW VEHICLES. I HOPE TO GET MINE AND ALL VEHICLES WHO HAVE DISPLAYED SIMILAR ISSUES REPAIRED PROPERLY BY THE CORRECT MECHANICS BEFORE ANYONE ELSE BECOMES SUDDENLY ILL LIKE I HAVE TODAY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .