2001 Volkswagen Jetta: engine overheating

Filed Mar 16, 2016 · Body, Brakes · 137,354 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen jetta. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle overheated and stalled without warning, the parking brake failed, and the rear driver side door had issues opening. The contact also stated that the vehicle leaked fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the main coolant fan, engine valve cover gasket, both rear shock and mounts, both front strut mounts, front lower control arm bushing, and both outer tie rods needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 137,354.

Filed Sep 8, 2014 · Engine · 95,000 miles · CA · 2 injuries

On my way to an appointment 1 day last yr, I had my air conditioner on then my car starts overheating. I was panicking, I had no idea what to do, especially since this was my first car. I barely got her in 2011 and I've had endless problems with her. When she runs good, she runs great but ohh when she has problems, she brings you absolute hell. It began as a slow leak & oddly enough only leaking sometimes. We took my jetta to a shop in valencia and got the hoses and thermostat replaced. Whatever reason the mechanics did not notice it, or noticed it & were trying to squeeze more money out of me while they did a temporary fix. Barely this year I discovered thanks to my handy mechanics savvy boyfriend - that it was my water pump which is defective. 2 injuries occurred to my boyfriend thanks to this overheating problem. Driving on the fwy we stopped to put water (religiously carrying 4 gallons of water in the car at all times) in 100* weather w/ no A/C & me being severely heat intolerant, my boyfriend took off the cap to the radiator. That's when boiling hot water exploded all over him. Luckily I'm first aid certified and had my first aid kit handy & tended to him. He began to blister instantaneously. That same incident occurred again but with my temp. Gauge reading at regular temp. Still exploding all over him. I was left traumatized seeing my boyfriend get burnt and so severely in pain, as well as my own experience when I was alone: my car shut off on me at a red light, when the light turned green the traffic coming from behind me had a slow reflex to my emergency flashers: I almost got hit 5 times: lucky for me, my horn works. Well, now the water leaks out just as quickly as we pour it in. My car is a major safety hazard and she's all I have. I'm jobless & homeless right now & if I were to lose my car, I'd be left completely hopeless having to start from scratch again.

Filed Aug 7, 2008 · Body, Engine · CA

I own a 2001 vw jetta. I bought it 3 years ago, used from the volkswagen dealership. The automobile was sold as a "certified" auto, which I found out later does not mean much. My trunk is locked shut and does not open manually or with remote, I've had to replace cv boots, catalytic converter, transmission and numerous headlight, taillight and blinker bulbs. And today one of my headlights is so dim, it doesn't really provide any light when it is dark. I have replaced it and replaced it. It stays fine for about 2 days and then just dims out again. I can't afford to keep taking it to volkswagen. It's a rip off and they don't even fix anything right anyway. My engine fan went out all of the sudden the other day, causing the car to overheat. I had to get it towed. That isn't the first time I have had to pay to have it towed. The interior plastic coating on armrests and all plastic inside is peeling and looks terrible. When I push unlock all doors, the driver's side back seat door will not open unless I reach inside and pull the lock open manually. There is so much more, but I don't want to waste my time. I know nothing will happen, even though it is so obvious that these cars are complete lemons, and they need to stop selling them to people.

Filed Jun 9, 2006 · Engine, Lights · 52,675 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated upon inspection, it was noticed the brake light switch was inoperable. The dealership replaced the brake light switch and determined there was a the federal safety agency recall, # 06v183000, regarding the exterior lighting brake light switch. The VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 6/27/2006 - the switch was replaced by the original owner under recall on 4/26/05 with 44653 miles. The replacement switch failed one year later at 52675 miles. The coolant pump failed and caused the vehicle to overheat. The front woofer in the door failed internally causing the sound to be distorted.

Filed May 17, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 67,000 miles · LA

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle coolant leaked into the electrical wiring harness. An independent repair shop performed a diagnostic test, but no failure codes displayed. Upon further inspection, the mechanic determined there was a coolant migration problem. The electrical wiring harness was corroded due to the coolant leak. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer to await repair.

Filed Apr 5, 2005 · Engine · 84,900 miles · TX

My jetta has been in the shop more times than not. The latest incident began with my car overheating. After 1300 dollars later, the repair shop told me that this year of the jetta has a plastic part that sits on water pump. That part has had to be replaced by many jetta owner's after the replacing of the water pump.

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Seats · CA

The heating element for the heated seat became so hot it melted the leather seat of the consumer's 2001 volkswagen jetta. *nm the dealer stated that liquid appeared to be split on the leather seats causing the device to short out and overheat which caused the device to short out and overheat which caused the damage. The consumer inquired about compensation. *sc