1999 Volkswagen Jetta: engine failure

7 of the 349 complaints about the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 26 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2024
1
2023
1
2022
1
2020
1
2019
5
2017
4
2016
2
2015
2
2014
10
2013
10
2012
6
2011
17
2010
20
2009
35
2008
2
2007
6
2006
12
2005
7
2004
5
2003
11
2002
12
2001
12
2000
12
1999
7
1998
1
1996
1
1995
1

What owners say

Filed Feb 23, 2009 · Engine · 147,787 miles · CA

Coolant system external leak was fixed, hoses replaced and connector that attaches to engine was replaced also. Leak comes back , replaced another hose., then the worse starts, the heater core started leaking and the car started to smell like antifreeze. Got heater core replaced, but the inside of the car smells horrible,.every time I drive my 1999 jetta, I get this metallic taste in my mouth and throat. The stuff is definitely toxic, and the af container reads poisonous. Becomes a torture to drive my jetta I hate the metallic taste in my mouth. The design off some of the heating system includes plastic components that may not take the heat well specially at the point of contact with the engine. Did some online research and found similar cases with internal antifreeze leaks on vw jettas. This fumes can really ruin your driving experience not to mention the possible detriment on your health due to breathing in a contaminated atmosphere thanks for looking into this complaint.

Filed Mar 15, 2007 · PA

This entire scenario is unacceptable for a car, I had hoped to keep, as I am told that vw's can well near to the 200,000 miles plus. I am told they are reliable and being on the road myself, that had been a point of comfort when I purchased the vehicle. Being of limited income capacity, I thought I made a wise investment to carry me for many years without a car payment. I am scared to death now that something drastic could happen because of this situation, be it a break down on a late evening, dark stretch of road or greater further damage to the vehicle as well as me personally. Mr. Witter, this is a major problem I want to believe you are not aware of, because a ceo of a company who purports service and a quality product would investigate and resolve such a large issue, in all cases, but most especially in warranty cases. There needs to be a major recall or someone will be injured or killed in an engine failure incident. You may end up finding yourselves in a class action suit. I believe proactive is more positive than reactive course of action. I look forward to a positive response from you indicating that you will have day apollo vw remedy my issue in the same manner the california dealer satisfied my sister's same defect. To date 3/2007 they continue the stance this is normal and refuse to service my vehicle for any future issue.

Filed Nov 13, 2000 · Engine · NY

While driving 60mph heard a clicking noise. Then ater pump seized & caused vehicle to stall out. Pulled over. Had vehicle towed to dealer. Informed by mechanic it was the water pump which sheared off the timing belt & damaged the valve head. Problem was repaired except for the clicking noise that was still there.

Filed May 3, 2000 · Acceleration, Airbags · RI

Vehicle burns oil (doing so for 9 mos now), dealer has been running "test" on car for 4 mos. Said may have to replace engine. Air bag light on first day owning, told to wait 2wks for an appt at which was told car unsafe to drive. Transmission difficult to shift/acceleration (making turns, entering highways, etc.)

Filed Feb 10, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · OH

Vehicle has excessive engine oil consumption and loss of cooling at the same rate, which could cause engine failure/fire and air pollution. Owner has contacted dealership two times about the problem. Also, gear selection and engagement of the transmission are slow to respond to input. Dealer says that these problems are normal.

Filed Sep 14, 1999 · Engine · CA

While driving at 70 MPH and without prior warnng, engine failed, and consumer lost power. Consumer was in the third lane, and the vehicle shut down . Also, engine valves dropped straight through the engine on the other side while in motion, and vehicle vibrated.

Filed Jan 27, 1999 · Engine · PA

Engine died while driving slowly. Mil and generator lights came on. Took two tries to start engine again, then vehicle operated normally. This is the second occurrence in a week and a half. Dealer was unable to find a problem after the first failure.