1998 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems

Filed Nov 30, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 1 miles · VA

Like others, I have had the ignition coil replaced. This happened after the warranty expired, of course. I have also had electrical problems with the windows (regulator and motor) for all of them. Now, my check engine light is flashing and the car is sputtering. I know the secondary air intake valve needs replacing but it did not cause problems. Now I'm wondering if something new is wrong??? Also, I was having problems with losing coolant and had to continuously replace antifreeze. After fixing what I thought was a small leak the entire system will not produce cool air! This car has been nothing but problems and vw should look into all of these complaints.

Filed Jun 9, 2004 · Engine · WA

Consumer stated that while driving down the road vehicle lost power. The power returned in about 2-3 minutes. She called the manufacturer and the dealer, and they told her unless the problem was first discovered at the dealership, then there was no problem. It did not happen at the dealership because one had to be driving the vehicle. Consumer maintained that this was dangerous because in moving traffic if vehicle slowed down it could be hit from rear.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 111,000 miles · CA

My 98 jetta tdi engine blew approximately 11,000 past its warranty. This would be the equivent of 5 months driving at the rates I drive per year. The dealership (av nissan/vw) told me they couldn't find what caused it and that it would require a replacement engine. The dealership told vw of america, a different story then either had been related to me (that the car had been driven with warninglights on & with damage). Unfortunately when talking to vw of a. They related the story back to a non-existent employee of the dealership. I paid for the troubleshooting and towed the vehicle to a local service center (ted's service and repair) that specializes in german vehicles. He noted that the valve seat dropped into the cylinder, which caused the valve to break in the cylinder doing massive damage to the engine. He noted that when seats drop they are typically due to manufacturer defect. Vw refused to cover any damages due to the recently expired warranty. Help!

Filed Sep 17, 2003 · Engine · 18,350 miles · CT

Leaking coolant from the coolant overflow bottle migrated up the electrical low indicator sensor wires, causing damage the relay control board and alarm sensor module. This problem is known to volkswagen as a "coolant migration" problem.

Filed Jun 5, 2002 · Engine · WI

In october of 2001 our engine light came on in our 1998 jetta volkswagen diesel. We immediately took it into srp automotive in batavia, wi, a certified volkswagen mechanic. Over $2,000 and 4 months later the engine light still came on and now the car had no pickup. It would take about 7 miles to reach 60 MPH. I picked it up and took it to motorville in sheboygan, wi, around the beginning of march. They are a volkswagen dealer, service and repair business. I explained to the mechanic where we had it and gave him his name and number if he had any questions on what he had already tried. He spoke to steve at srp and obtained all pertinent information. Within a few weeks they had identified the problem that it was carbon buildup under the heads, a $696.31 fix. Warren the mechanic at motorville also stated to my husband that he thought, valve seals didn't quite fit right but that was what volkswagens part number gave them and they should be fine, bring it back in if you have any problems.

Filed May 25, 2002 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY

Volkswagenh of america has not been supportive or helpful in resolving these complaints nor have the volkswagen technicians been able to diagnosis the true problem; they just fix the problem "symptoms". No safety defect listed.

Filed Feb 11, 2002 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

My lights, wipers and heat wouldn't work, discovered it was the ignition switch. Contacted vw, and dealer, they want to charge me too much to fix it. I know 3 other people with jettas that had the same problem. Obviously vw is installing defective ignitions. My emergency brake wasn't releasing, took it to dealer and they informed me that I had a torn brake cable boot that was allowing moisture to get in and freeze my cable. The 2 yr/24,000 mile warranty was expired. My check engine light started going on and off, when I took it to the dealer, it took them 3 times to figure out it's the rear oxygen sensor. This is the first brand new car I have ever purchased and I have had more things wrong with it than I ever had with previously owned vehicles.

Filed Oct 4, 2000 · Acceleration, Electrical · NM

I have spoken with vw and the dealership a number of times.. No one will help.

Filed Sep 12, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · CA

Continual problems, some undiagnosed. Unsympathetic dealership. Reoccuring problems. Most problems occurring after lease/warranty were up. Too many problems for a car that is only about 2 and a half years old. Dealership unable to diagnose why brake light is on, A/C not working, engine not starting although starter was replaced, or why engine began smoking. All the problems appear related. They all occur at the same time.the car is unsafe and I am afraid to drive it now because no one can figure out what is wrong with it.

Filed Jan 4, 2000 · Body, Electrical · NJ

Vehicle serviced several times due to engine light illuminating, replacement of the oil and ignition cable that had shorted out did not rectify problems with the intermittent engine light coming on.