2000 Volkswagen Jetta fuel system problems

Filed Jul 7, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 260,000 miles · MI

I purchased this vehicle recently and have noticed a distinct diesel smell when idling or driving at low speeds. Smells strong like leaking diesel fuel. The car idles very rough and sometimes stalls when coming to a stop. There is a very bad odor whenever I enter the vehicle. I am concerned that the car will stall and I might be in an unsafe position during traffic. I think the clutch might be defective. It sounds very loud. The vehicle has 260,000 miles. Diesls are supposed to run forever but I feel like I bought a lemon.

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Fuel system · 170,000 miles · UT

Vehicle completely stalls for several seconds sporadically whenever the fuel guage reads 3/8 or less. Both my vw car do the exact same thing. It is common knowledge this occurs with most vw cars. Extremely unsafe and should be recalled.

Filed Jun 16, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 127,000 miles · ME · 1 injury

One year after purchasing this vehicle from a private owner, today was the second incident I've had regarding the clutch and the fumes it emits. Six months ago I noticed the clutch slipping and immediately took it into a repair shop. On top of the slipping clutch, the coolant and emissions workshop and electrical became a problem. "stop coolant low" would always appear on my dash, however the coolant would be filled. The engine light also stayed on. The mechanic did all he could to fix it. Six months later, today, I'm having the same issue with this vehicle. Only difference is, I immediately became ill while driving and breathing in the fumes the vehicle emit. I became nausea, dizzy and vomited. This issue regarding the clutch is an ongoing digression to the vehicle and the safety and health of myself and other drivers. I hope vw will take this seriously and investigate this case, I have friends who've also experience similar instances with their vw vehicles. I hope to get mine and all vehicles who have displayed similar issues repaired properly by the correct mechanics before anyone else becomes suddenly ill like I have today.

Filed Aug 27, 2010 · Fuel system · 71,230 miles · NC

2000 vw jetta belonging to my friend [xxx], quit running in heavy traffic. She coasted out of the way and had other drivers help push it to a nearby parking lot. On investigating the problem, it was found that a switch in the driver's door failed, shutting off the fuel pump. The door switch normally turns on the fuel pump when the door is opened and if the car is started without opening the driver's door the "immobilizer" security system shuts off the fuel pump. The switch failed while [xxx] drove home from work and fuel was shut off turning off the engine.[xxx] and the people that helped push the car were endangered by having to get out of their cars in the heavy traffic. Car designs need to be reviewed for fault tolerance so that minor components like door switches don't cause the car engine to stop. Also if the car were hit in the door, it would open the switch causing fuel pump to turn on possibly feeding large quantities of gasoline under a damaged car. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 1, 2008 · Fuel system · 70,648 miles · OH

Volkswagen 2000 jetta uncommanded acceleration while driving. Car has no cruise control yet car accelerates on its own to the point the car has to be braked hard.

Filed Feb 23, 2006 · Engine, Fuel system · 98,361 miles · CT

1) I purchased a vw tdi with a diagnosis of a bad turbo and an intermittent check engine light. I had the car seven months and put 12,984 miles on it with no problems. I took the car to the dealer and had the car diagnosed as to why the c.e. Light was on. When asked about repairing the turbo by the counter man I told him I intend to drive it until it breaks then have it repaired. I asked him if there would be a problem doing that he explained to me the car would be sluggish then not run. Vw diagnosed my car as having a "turbo waste gate blown" I deferred the repair intending to drive the car until the turbo went. 2) on the way home, six miles from the dealership, the car ran slightly rough. I observed light smoke coming from my car in the head lights of the cars behind me. I deducted my car was burning carbon since carbon build up was noted on the report. I slightly depressed the accelerator and the car raced forward. I immediately removed my foot from the gas pedal and nothing happened. The car raced forward so quickly and with such force I would compare it to a muscle car being floored. The car kept accelerating. I looked at the tachometer and it was going by 4,000 RPM. This diesel engine was screaming. Instinctively I depressed the clutch to regain control of the car. The engine revved then blew. I was 7 miles from the dealership. Service manger stated that a gasket in the turbo let go causing the engine to suck oil from the crankcase fueling the engine. He told me that nothing could stop the engine from revving not even turning off the key. He told me that all diesel engines were made this way. There is nothing vw could do for me. I called vw customer service, level 2 operator told me since I was told about the turbo being broken there is nothing they can do. 3) my car is sitting with a blown engine and a blown turbo.

Filed May 26, 2005 · Fuel system · 69,820 miles · CT

2000 vw jetta - same exact problem as with the 2000 vw golf fuel system. Car suddenly stopped running and wouldn't start. Car was leaking a significant amount of gas. I had already replaced the fuel pump last year (2004) and this time had to replace the entire fuel line. I was told it was a very dangerous situation by the dealer because it could've caused a fire or explosion. Dealer used new parts to replace fuel line.

Filed Apr 23, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 21,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Aug 31, 2004 · Fuel system · 42,000 miles · TX

While driving vehicle stalled. The consumer was unable to restart vehicle, however the consumer noticed that liquid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the plastic hose and other parts needed to be replaced. *ak the fuel hose had come loose while the vehicle was in motion.

Filed Jun 7, 2004 · Fuel system · 85,000 miles · NY

Vw jetta tdi 1.9 litter diesel has extremely poor fuel mileage. Advertised is to get 50 mi/gallon. I get at best 40 mi/gallon highway and as low as 25 mi/gallon mixed highway/city. Dealer avoids the issue by saying low milage is due to bad fuel, extreme cold, poor driving habits.