Bought used vw from a dealer. Dealer was doing brakes/inspection, and on picking up the vehicle stunk of burnt electric smell. Vehicle would not start. This was around 50,000 miles. Check engine light remains on although numerous codes continue to come up nothing is found. Dealer sent car to authorized vw dealer to fix - light still remains on. Around 87,000 miles car began to drain battery and would not start even after new battery. Took to authorized vw car shop. Seems something with fuses/electrical system. Again many codes but nothing seems wrong, accept for the whole not starting. Ignition switch was replaced - light still on. Lighter socket no longer works. Now around 89,000 miles and it is now early 2008.
2000 Volkswagen Jetta electrical complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 60, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Multiple and various dash indicator lights illuminate intermittently causing costly and unnecessary dealer visits to be in compliance with the owners manual.
I purchased a used certified 2000 volkswagen jetta in january 2004, after only one week of purchasing the vehicle, the engine light came on, the accelerator was making a vibrating sound and stalling continuously. Okay, the transmission went out and it had to be replaced at my expense - I purchased a used transmission and then the engine throttle failed and the car wouldn't even start one day - had that replaced at my expense $1700. No the old parts are not available. Okay, there's more, the brakes have been replaced a total of four times within three years, the engine light is still on, air bag light on, brake light on, lights and fog interior fuses and exterior lights have been replaced I don't know how many times, I have put so much money into this vehicle - and it still is running badly. As of today, the car won't move without warming it up first for about 45 minutes fully - when you press on the accelerator without warming it up first - it will stall and make a loud embarrassing noise as if the engine is going to explode - and you have to literally make it move by pressing very hard on the accelerator and praying that it won't just shut off while driving and never start again. My vehicle has 117,000 miles on it had 43,500 when I bought it (I know stupid wasn't I) it was my first vehicle. I know a car is not suppose to last forever, but dam does it have to cost so much to try and keep it running until it dies. Please help me with any information you may have to assist me in this matter.
Mass air flow sensor & wiring harness failure on 2000 jetta tdi with 55,000 miles. Car lost acceleration and automatic shifting ability on interstate highway creating very dangerous situation. This is apparently a known failure problem with vw since I was told it is covered by an extended warranty & "it's happened to a lot of others". We had to leave car with a dealer in nj & rent a car to get home to massachusetts.
At about 50,000 miles as I was driving uphill the engine felt as if it was failing and losing power. It regained power, but the check engine light came on. I took it to an independent mechanic who ran a diagnostic, and found many codes on it, but nothing wrong. He cleared out the computer and sent me on my way. I now have 87,000 miles and have been having the same problem continuously. Now, I have to take my car regularly by my mechanic to have the computer cleared out. The check engine light came on 2 days after he cleared it last time. I called volkswagen and they said there is no recall on the electrical system, but that they have had this complaint before.
Coil pack failure on 2000 vw jetta glx v-6; this jetta manufactured late in 2000 and should have been included in recall for 2001-2003 years.
Dt: the consumer states the check engine light is on. The consumer took the vehicle to a service dealer and they told him the ignition coil was bad. They wanted to replace the ignition coil at a cost of over $700.00; parts only. The consumer has visited a website and found a recall on a later model; 2001 vw jetta. His car is doing the same thing as listed on this recall. He has talked to vw and they said they could not help him. He noticed problems about 3 weeks ago. The dealer told him it had a 100,000 10 year warranty, but they will not fix it under the warranty. 8jb
My car had recall #04v096000 performed approx 1.5 years ago (a switch was replaced). That same switch had been replaced several times before. It is the switch that detects whether or not I have pressed the brake, allowing me to shift out of park. Sometimes it also affects my brake lights, causing them to not turn on when the brake is depressed. However, on may 14, 2005 I brought the car in again for the same problem, even after the recall. This is the 4th time it has happened. This time it did affect the brake lights - they would not come on when I depressed the brake. The dealership stated that the cause of the brake light failure was not due to a fuse, but due to that switch, and that the two are connected. When the switch malfunctions the brake lights could malfunction as well. The dealership replaced the switch (again). This is the 4th time that part has been replaced. The consumer has experienced several electrical failures such as a short to the ground which required a new fuel pump relay, esp light which indicated a bad brake light, the check engine light illuminated indicating a bad ABS pump and relay. Updated 01/27/06.
I am the primary repair person for this vehicle. Over its history, there have been numerous component failures that in my opinion are unacceptable for a vehicle with this mileage and age. I personally know the owner, and know that it is not operated under unusually harsh conditions. The vehicle was involved in a minor cosmetic crash early on, otherwise, there have been no unusual outside factors. At this point, the car has only 37,000 miles on the odometer. Primary use is on long trips. The vehicle is parked and stored for about 3-6 months each year. First problem: air conditioning system leak: the expansion valve failed, requiring replacement. Check engine/ malfunction indicator light: has come on several times, each time with the same dtc, a manufacturer specific code related to the mass air flow sensor. The power windows have failed, ultimately resulting in free repair of the windows with a revised retaining clip, as this problem occurs far too often, and finally, the rear brake pads have worn completely with the front pads in virtually new condition. This is accompanied by all four rotors being excessively pitted, with large areas of the rotor face actually flaking off. My research shows that I may end up needing to replace the rear calipers, as well, due to poor design.
1) no events or prior warning of failure. 2) failure -- key loses programming and cannot communicate with electronic immobilizer. Car cannot be started and must be towed to dealer for reprogramming of keys. *ak 3) lost programming of key in june 2004 while car parked at home. Car towed to dealer who reprogrammed keys. Occurred again on 3/9/05 while 70 miles from home. Car towed to nearest dealer who reprogrammed the only key -- the spare & valet keys now inoperative, requiring car to be delivered to dealer to get all 3 keys reprogrammed to match.
2000 vw jetta, vr6 engine, 49,3331 mile. Whenever my car was idle for more than 6-8 hours and was exposed to rainy\wet weather, the engine would experience performance issues. Immediately after starting the car under these circumstances, the engine would sputter and sound like it was on the verge of stalling. If I attempted to drive the car without letting it fully warm-up, the engine would experience a severe performance degradation, characterized by poor, rough acceleration. The check engine light would also illuminate, and I would receive the emissions workshop warning message. This problem has occured several times over the past 1-2 years. At first the problem was mild, but over time it worsened. I took the car into the dealer for service and was informed that the ignition coil and ignition leads needed replacement to resolve the problem. These parts have been replaced, and thus far the issue with my engine has not reappeared. Vw issued an ignition coil recall for various other 2001, 2002 and 2003 models. It appears the ignition coil recall should be expanded to include other model years as this is not the kind of part that should need regular replacement. It's quite obvious there's a defect with this part.
1) vehicle comfort module spontaneously failed. This happened while driving the car! 2) a majority of the functions controlled by this module failed, including alarm going off while driving, fuel cap release not working, door locks, trunk release, etc. All failed. In the middle of the freeway, the alarm went off and there was nothing I could do to turn it off. Called emergency roadside service and they showed me how to disable the alarm (turn the key in the door lock on and off several dozen times). However none of the other functions worked, most serious was that the fuel cap could not be opened. I had to get this fixed before I ran out of fuel! 3) took the vehicle to the dealer. They replaced the comform module and most of the system operational again. 4) however over time, one by one various systems starting malfunctioning again. Within weeks, one of the rear door locks wouldn't close automatically. Later the trunk release didn't work with the remote. Then the interior lights wouldn't go off automatically. Other door locks stopped functioning, etc. 5) since the car was out of warranty and these were not crucial functions, I lived with these failures. But now I'm uncomfortable driving the car, not knowing where again in the middle of nowhere, everything stops working again. 6) I called volkswagen and described this. They said I would have to go to a dealer to have the problem diagnosed and fixed at my own cost. They said that since the vehicle was out of warranty, they could not help fix this. I argued that this was a core component that failed - not due to wear and tear or misuse, but they still said sorry!
No warning lights illuminated. Periodically the braking pressure was released and a pedal pulse was felt while stopping. The dealer stated that the problem to the ABS pump leaked into the ABS module. *jb the consumer's daughter was unable to stop in a parking lot as a result of the brakes releasing causing her to hit another vehicle. The person in the other vehicle sought medical treatment.
While driving, the ABS brake light came on intermittently. The clutch became stuck and the consumer had to jiggle the gear. The vehicle also had electrical problems. *bf AC compressor failed. New battery went dead. Four window failure due to electrical problem.
While driving, my 2000 jetta gls, vehicle hesitates and stalls (engine light also would come on at times). On six occasions to service, vw claimed that nothing could be found. The seventh time, conveniently after warranty expiration, they found a bad ignition coil...which obviously, I had to pay for. Speaking to four acquantainces that had same vehicle, all reported similar issues with the hesitation and stalling. The kicker came from my friend who received a recall on this issue (ignition coil recall) for his 1.8t jetta. A call to vw (1800-822-8987) to inquire about reimbursement for my expenses revealed that my jetta VIN did not match the recalled VIN's!!! How can a part that has been recalled not be covered for my vehicle that has the same part? This is absolutely preposterous. Obviously, there are significant owners out there that are being talked into unnecessary repairs and sidetracked from the real issue and are not aware of the recalls or simply do not file complaints. A little bit of info...to test for the problem, run your vehicle with less than 1/4 tank of gas (one or two gallons will reveal the problem), and watch what happens!!! Since the ignition coil was replaced, no problems...hmmmmmm! I urge all to call vw and file complaints with aaa and the federal safety agency if you have been duped. Eventually, the truth will win.
While driving, the check engine light flashed and then stayed on, followed by the vehicle sputtering. Then it stopped accelerating. The dealership performed a diagnostic test, in which the failure wa a failed ignition coil. The ignition coil has been replaced twice, but the failure has recurred. This failure occurs every 20,000 miles. The dealership cannot indicate what was causing the failure.
From stop the vehicle would sometime stall. The consumer was unable to accelerate. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak the vehicle had a bad mass air flow sensor (maf) and was replaced. The dealer found nothing wrong with the vehicle. The driver side door lock did not always lock automatically and would cause the alarm to sound. The problem was diagnosed but the problem was not fixed. The vehicle alarm would sound when the vehicle was started.
Bought the car brand new from the dealer in december 2000. At 5,390 miles w/warranty took my car in b/c the A/C was having problems. 7,255 miles-A/C is not cold- found system leak-expansion valve leak. 13,247 miles-AC not cold again. Found expansion valve leaking- freon-replaced o ring receiver and drier and expansion valve. 34,684- A/C loud again. 60,760 miles- faulty air flow valve-removed and installed air flow sensor- warranty. 88,850 miles-A/C problems again! 88,850miles- A/C not cold blowing warm air, customer turned A/C on and sqeaking noise heard, turned back off, stopped noise, turned back on blowing warm air and sqeaking noise heard again. Took car in for the A/C problem a total of 8 times! Wrote official complaint letter to vw dealership. Manager found the whole A/C system was leaking! Manager said it would cost $3,725 dollars! ( b/c warranty has been expired) to fix the A/C unit. They offered to pay for 50% of the price. We are not satisfied. We should not have to pay for anything b/c the vw "qualified" technicians attempted to fix the car, entrusted the car into their care, but eventually LED the customer to bigger problems! The car had all the maintenance services done on time! Failure of the technicians being able to fix the problem does not show that they are qualified..what did they check??? Why tell the customer that just because warranty expired that there is no olbigation by the service department to take responsibility anymore when they are the ones who have touched the system and attempted to fix it?? Bad customer service! Unacceptable! Already notified the dealer and the president of taking legal action. No car buyer should have to experience this kind of horrible time consuming problem. After paying the full value of the car. Investing thousands of dollars for a new vw car this result is not getting what we payed for. The car does not meet up to the standard of their motto "vw design and intent".
2000 volkswagen jetta gls vr6 has recall for faulty cruise control brake light switch.*mr the engine light illuminated and after a diagnostic was performed it was determined a new catalytic converter was needed. It was finally determined that the converter failed due to a faulty coil pack.
Transmission failed. The dealer replaced the part. However, two weeks later the part failed again. *ak the vehicle would not go into reverse. The transmission slipped and the vehicle had run into a pole at a gas station on the right front side. This problem remained the same. The engine light had come on along with the transmission problems. Other problems were: the tire pressure had to be reset on numerous occasions, rear pads, A/C was not cooling, glove box, power windows, console, power sunroof, interior trim, steering/suspension, driveability, trim electrical, sound system, and heating/cooling. *sc the consumer did not report any damage to vehicle when she hit the pole.
Mass air flow sensor failed at least 6 times in the past 60,000 miles, causing the vehicle to stall. Consumer discussed this with volkswagen, and asked manufacturer for an extended warranty. However, volkswagen was not listening. *ak the driver's side seat up/down lever spring broke. The micro switch failed and as a result the trunk light and gas light on the dash were inoperative. The automatic door locks failed.
Problems with vehicle's brake lights. *mr on three occasions, the window regulator clips were replaced. Currently the brake light switch needed to be replaced for a third time.
I thought my first new car purchase (a 2000 jetta vr6 gls) was a lemon. I, like many others, have experienced several problems. Problems such as: - rear cup holders broken - middle/rear seatbelt locked, cannot be used - 02 sensors both replaced since mil light kept illuminating - mas sensor replaced (and later recalled) - both front windows have fallen to the "black hole" (and later recalled; including a recall to the recall b/c they went from metal clips to plastic or vice versa) - paint peeling from inside door handles - alarm system faulty on passenger side door (dealer told me that unless the car beeps at me, the alarm is not secured. So, I must lock the door. Stand by for 15 seconds, lock the door again and this time when the car beeps, the passenger door is secured. And, furthermore, (this is good - keep reading) I was told that if I drive too close to a jea bus, their bus computer systems are run on the same channel as my jetta's computer system and sometimes being too close to a jea bus will cause my cars computer system to scramble). Computer system can be reset, and did you know that while resetting, vw can make your car beep in different patterns? That's probably a "feature"! - center console/armrest latch broken - large spring sits underneath my passenger side front seat - seat belt no longer click, indicating locked in position (dealer told me it still works. So, now I have to push it down and then tug on it, hoping that it really is locked -- if not, I may fly out that recalled window.) - child restrain seat locks recalled - trunk lock wouldn't stay latched - front fender separating from body of car - grinds going into second gear (manual transmission) - when car is put into 1st gear, it waits a few second before it gets enough power to fully accelerate - brake dust covers alloy wheel, in just hours of cleaning drivers wanted...but they're all in the dealer waiting room!
While driving 40 MPH a fire started under the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The cause of fire was undetermined. Also, dealership floor manager indicated there were many volkswagen jettas with this kind of problem.
Request for full reimbursement in the amount of $1898.94 for unwarranted repairs. (nar) *ph
The vehicle experienced electrical problems, especially with the brake sensor switch. Provide further details........................
Vehicle suffered a lost of power when check engine light illuminates.*mr on march 7 2002 university vw discovered a defective airflow meter. The windshield was replaced for a cracked rain drain. The brake servo was changed for a pin hole air leak. Consumer was told that the glow plug harness might be the cause as to why the brake lights come on. The hazard switch switched on and off distressing other drivers behind. Replaced the hazard relay switch (on the dash) by myself. Back brake pad wore down to the rivets. Vehicle overheated on 3 occasions had pressure test and thermostat changed and problem still exist.*ts
My jetta has been back at the dealer 5 times in the past two months to repair the same problem. The car hesitates upon acceleration as if it will stall. The check engine light comes on. Sometimes it stays on until they reset it and sometimes it goes off. The dealer has replaced the mass air sensor and cleaned parts of the engine. Then the intake manifold had to be replaced. Now they told me the problem is the ignition coil and wires for an additional $700.00. This car is just three years old and I have spent close to $2000 in repairs in two months. I didn't even made it out of the dealer's parking lot before the check engine light came on again. Vw needs to address this issue but their customer service representatives won't help.
Starting on may 23,2003 I started taking my jetta vr6 into the dealership due to the fact that the check engine (mil) light was on and occasionally while driving the car would die. I would drive at 40 MPH or be at a stop sign and either way the car would just drop all power. I lost control of steering and everything else and would have to restart the car while driving down the road. The 1st time I was told that a 40,000-mile tune up would fix the situation. It occurred again after the tune about two weeks later, and I was informed that it was an o2 sensor and the mass flow sensor that has problems. They paid for the mass flow sensor and it's labor and I paid for the o2 sensor and it's labor. After the repair and replacement it occurred (with in the same week); they said it was another o2 sensor and they paid for the labor where I paid for the part. On the fourth visit, they said that it was the catalytic converter and one of the 2 o2 sensors that had already been replaced had gone bad again. They paid for both of these issues and assured me the problem was fixed. It wasn't the next time they told me it was the alternator. After much discussion I asked them to drive it and make sure as the alternator they wanted me to buy was $700. They called back a week later and said they were wrong it was the battery instead and that I owed them $125. I paid because I was too tired to argue anymore. That was on 8/9/03. On 10/6/03 the car died again. They are now saying it is the ignition switch and that it was causing the battery to drain (meaning to me, I may not have needed to purchase a new battery 2 months ago). They wanted me to pay for the part and half the labor because the car is out of warranty (only came with 2/24k). Starting to wonder what will they blame it on (and charge me for) next month. Car is currently at 48500.
Both headlight plugs melted. Dealer notified.
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