1995 Volkswagen Jetta: power window failure

Filed Jun 24, 2007 · Airbags, Electrical · 68,000 miles · NY

Well, I' had some serious problems with the 1995 vw jetta iii. First, I had to put 2 new struts plus a whole new exhaust system. Next, the instrument cluster failed to work. It was taxing on the entire transmission, and it costs over $450 usd to repair. On my way home from a 2 1/2 hour tri the car stalled for no apparent reason. I had to push the car off the road, and when I checked the oil I was shocked to discover I barely had half a quart in it , after having an oil change less than 1200 miles ago. I got the car home, and they told me that I had a blown head gasket that cost me $900 usd. I got the car fixed, and it was running fine for a while, and then all of a sudden it started stalling at random moments. One time, I was on a nasty mountain road, with no place to stop, I almost hit a rock wall, I was barely able to control the vehicle. I had it towed to my mechanic, and they were unable to fined the cause of the problem. It took them 3 times to find out that it was a clogged fuel pump. I also have a dummy air bag light that no one can figure out, and no matter how many times I asked my mechanic could not figure out why the battery light kept coming on. Another problem was the windshield cowl that protected the car and engine from debris. It was completely dry rotted, causing water to leak into the driver's side foot wells. My most recent problem has been been the front passenger side window regulator. My back driver's side window has been broken since I got the car, but this wa sa new problem. Apparently, you could not buy just the window regulator, and you have to buy the motor as well. I'm tired of the car, and it was unfortunate because I love driving it. It was a nice looking car. All of these problems happene dthe last year, and it cost me over $3,500 usd to have them fixed.

Filed Jul 5, 2006 · Visibility · 121,200 miles · MD

(1) I was operating the window normally and the window regulator failed. The window dropped into the door and I was unable to put it back up. (2) this happened in sever thunderstorms and I was unable to drive my vehicle. I had to pull over to the side of the interstate and sit on a narrow shoulder until the storm passed. My rear window is also having the same problem with a window regulator, and is unable to go up and down. (3) I have to buy a replacement window regulator and install it. The old part is available. I have owned several earlier model volkswagens, year 1995-1997 and have had the exact same problem on all of them. Volkswagen charges and outrageous price to fix a problem that is way too common. I never realized how much of a safety hazard it was until it happened to me in a thunderstorm and I had to pull to the shoulder of I-95 during a storm with terrible visibility.

Filed Dec 5, 2005 · Body, Electrical · OH

I bought my jetta iii gls in 1995 brand new. Within a year the molding on the doors started peeling off and eventually falling off. The dealer sent it to a body shop to have it glued and it never stuck. I've been driving for years with one molding missing. I have replaced multiple power window motors and parts. Failure of these power windows are consistantly failing one after the another. I had smoke and an electrical burning smell coming from the steering column and failing blinkers which were both related. I replaced the blinker system and problem was solved. The lock freeze easily in cold weather and I have had the driver side lock completely fall apart while unlocking the car. The seal on front windshield is wearing away causing leaking of rain and this will be fixed with $100 resealing of windshield. Rusting is occurring under car and on underside of doors, vw said it must be rusting from the inside out to be covered (wouldn't that be bigger problem if it occurred from the inside??). The oil seal is leaking. The oxygen sensor has been replaced and needs replaced again. The middle console was permanently locked and dealer took it lock out saying it was broken. The windshield washer fluid container has broken twice. This is all with 85,000 miles. These are common problems with jetta but window motors and molding are by far two main problems that should be covered with a recall, ask any jetta owner.

Filed Feb 9, 2005 · Visibility · VA

Well lets start with the window motors, I have had my car since 1998 and I have had to replace my window motors for each window at least 2 or 3 times. I which I have had to pay $300 or more. Also the side striping which melts off in the sun has been replaced also 3 or 4 times costing $100 each round. Why is it that these items have not been recalled or replaced for free when it is not the users fault for these items going bad or falling off!!!!!

Filed Mar 22, 2003 · Body, Electrical · 100,000 miles · NJ

Where to start? Problem with the lock cylinders, which broke and had to be replaced, instrument cluster lights blown out, replaced the bulbs and 1 month later they are blown out again, window regulators failed, the steel cable snapped inside the housing faulty designed wheel and motors blown, can not buy motors separately need to buy the whole regulator which costs over $200, paint peeled and cracked, side molding fell off had to re-glue, and that is all I can think of off hand I am not including the numerous suspension and exhaust problems.

Filed Jul 23, 2001 · Visibility · TX

Dozen power window regulator and motor failures since new. First one at 4,373 miles. About once every six months on average I have to deal with the window falling into the door or getting stuck up. I've paid through the nose to get these repaired. I've tallied quite a bit of similar and identical incidents of this problem, in other models as well, and I think it's about time vw is forced to do something about it. They've dupped thousands of owners on this problem and their claim that the warranty is expired shouldn't be accepted anymore, especially if the failures occured under warranty and then continually break afterward. The federal safety agency ought to help all the owners file a class action suit on behalf of the owners to compensate them for their troubles and frustrations. Leaving your car at a dealership isn't exactly convenient, and having to do it repeatedly for the same problem should be unacceptable to the industry and the industry regulators (you). My family also owns a 1986 honda accord with 190,000 on it and not once in 15 years has any of its window regulators or motors failed. Vw jetta's aren't the only model susceptable to this failure, passats and even the new beetle have identical failures for many years, I just researched it on your own site. Add up the complaints and you'll find there's significant reason to actually do something about it for the owners and ample reason to fine vw and force them to acknowledge their failures by reimbursing the people who keep them in business, their customers. Thank you. Todd callahan

Filed Feb 20, 2001 · Visibility · CA

Power window regulator has gone out on all four windows. The cost is at least 250.00 per window to fix. I researched this and there has been many complaints for the same failure.

Filed Aug 11, 1995 · Visibility · CA

Power window motor failed.