1997 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems

Filed Apr 15, 2010 · Engine, Visibility · 142,940 miles · CA

It was at night rainy and cold. I turned on the heater and defroster because my car windows and whole inside of cabin were obscures by a fog. My defroster cleared the back window but all others not so I rolled down the windows and shut down the heater. I waited a while and used clothing to wipe the window. This was the third time in 6 weeks appx. I did turn on the fan alone to push brown fog out of the car. Today I checked my fluids the coolant was half gone in the reservoir so I topped it up. I saw on line vwof america has helped people in the past with a good will heater core but they told me 4-152004 that they would not help me. That is where I'm at no $ and I need my car for work. Thank you

Filed Mar 20, 2007 · Airbags, Electrical · 100,000 miles · CT

Replaced ignition coil for the third time in as many years!! Electric water pump replaced. Eater core exploded a couple months later while I was on the highway at 65 MPH with my child in the car! Couldn't see anything as car filled with antifreeze cloud. Belt driven water pump went a week later. Entire power steering rack needed to be replaced. Window regulator needed to be replaced twice. Door handle broke twice!.

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Body, Engine · PA

The consumer's 1997 volkswagen jetta gls had multiple component failures. **nar** *nm there was an engine coolant leak, the A/C did not function properly, the windshield was broken, the body had rust damage, the drivers side power window made noise, there was excessive rust to the muffler, excessive worn tires, engine and transmission sensors. *sc

Filed Jan 6, 2005 · Engine · 117,752 miles · GA

Turn signal switch sometimes work and sometimes doesn't... Can't lock doors on driver side with my master key, can only lock and set alarm on passenger side. Airbag light stays on... Vehicle cuts off randomly when slowing down or stopping... Without notice!

Filed Sep 23, 2004 · Engine · 71,000 miles · NY

My complaint is regarding the throttle body on the motor. The car ran very erratically and stalled a number of times. The check engine light came on often. The throttle body was replaced. The old part is not available.

Filed Jun 29, 2004 · Engine · 70,000 miles · CA

The engine check light came on and stayed on. The consumer took the vehicle for a smog check point test. The engine check light stayed on. The vehicle passed the emission test, but the examiner could not send the final approval to the motor vehicle department (dmv) until the defect was repaired. *ak the light had gone off, but came back on 6 months later. (crankcase dilution/malfunction cause for p1582 and the motor runs outside idle adaption due to high blow by/malfunction in throttle valve control module -j338) *sc

Filed Apr 5, 2004 · Airbags, Electrical · 67,000 miles · VA

Past year: auto door locks failed, could not open either front door; transmission failed, exhaust system rusted out, headlights out, signals out, wheel bearings need replaced, air bag light stays on, have not been able to drive car in nearly 1 year, required nearly $5000 worth of damage.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 98,157 miles · NV

I bought the car on march 5, 2003 and after 2-3 days the engine light came on! I made more than several attempts to have the repairs done at lithia vw in reno, nv; and the only repairs half way done was the secondary air injection valve and hoses, but not the sai pump as well as the tumbler of the ignition. This is a lemon from day one and I have several proof of the problem even from dmv of nevada in their dtc's which is the diagnostic trouble code descrition of p0411-secondary air injection system!!!!! No one will help me, and I bought the car to enjoy and to not worry of breaking down, but now.....it sits in the driveway....so the warranty won't be voided, and that my car doesn't get worse. I do have many documents to back this claim and the dealer-budget moters won't help, nor will the aul warrenty co. That I pay.

Filed Jan 8, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 69,342 miles · CO

I purchased a used 1997 vw jetta gl in november of 1999. When I purchased the car, the dealership refused to give me a warranty. They said that they didn't offer the warranty with cars over 55,000 miles, mine had 55,500 miles. In late september of 2001 (69342 miles), my automatic transmission went out, during rush hour, in a high traffic area. About 1-2 months prior I had the transmission serviced, including a fluid change. I was forced to replace my transmission, and had several problems with it after. The shop that I had replace it said that they have seen many jetta's with this problem. I still am having problems, with the car. Problems include: check engine light clicks on and off for no reason, not starting in warmer weather, irregular idleing, and sticky locks. I am aware that these cars have electrial problems that could cause unsafe conditions. I do not believe that the customer should be forced to pay for these coastly repairs, when so many cases exsits.

Filed Jul 24, 2003 · Airbags, Engine · CA

My passagner air bag showed defect. My engine light has come on for no reason.