2001 Volkswagen Jetta: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Jun 6, 2014 · Lights, Locks · 130,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that while traveling 25 MPH, the drivers side door indicator sounded throughout the vehicle and the drivers side door ajar warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact mentioned that when activating the headlights there would be an abnormal noise. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was diagnosed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 135,000.

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 Mar 9, 2008 · Electrical, Lights · NV

Numerous problems with 2001 vw jetta, purchased new in june, 2001.including : windows sporadically malfunctioning (when I called vw corporate as well as my local dealer, I was told that after the dealer evaluated problem I could be responsible for the labor charge depending on the outcome of their diagnosis!!); trunk latch has been replaced once (out of warranty) and now latch does not respond to remotes nor to the inside release on driver door; driver door lock does not respond to remotes nor to control on driver door (the other three door locks are presently functioning); interior coating on plastic door handles and center console began to peel within six months of delivery; center console latch broke long ago; check engine light comes on/off sporadically (brought car to certified mechanic but problem undiagnosed); a wax substance was constantly running into doorwells; vw dealer replaced coil, cables and buffer in response to rough engine idle complaint and I incurred all costs and inconvenience of car in shop , this at 72,000 miles,hazard lights malfunctioned; turn signals malfunctioned; now I hear of a brake light recall and an emergency light switch problem. I am just realizing recently that I am not alone with my jetta problems, that numerous jjetta owners are having the same problems ( I researched on internet) . Vw customer service not helpful at all in resolving these problems.

Filed Dec 5, 2006 · Locks · OR

Driver side power door lock malfunctions. It does not always lock as it is supposed to when done with remote or when car reaches speed for auto-lock feature. May lock when it shouldn't as well-- locking you in vehicle and/or setting off alarm.

Filed Jan 18, 2005 · Locks · 66,300 miles · WA

On our 2001 volkswagen jetta model, the driver door latch failed which is tied into the alarm, the cabin interior lights, open door warning chime, etc. On most automobiles, this is a simple switch built into the door jamb. But on this poorly engineered vehicle, it's built into the door latch in the door, resulting in the entire door having to be taken apart to get to this part, a $250-350 repair bill. I called 3 vw dealerships to get estimates, and all three service departments told me within the first minute on the phone what the problem was and that it was fairly common. Three year old vehicles should not have these kinds of problems, nor should this mechanism have ever been engineered into a part that gets slammed shut repeatedly day in and day out. Amazing! We are unsure if the latch itself is safe or not and have decided to park the vehicle. As I feel this is a serious safety issue, I called vw service reps about the problem but to no avail. Any help your agency can be in this matter would be helpful. This isn't my first unusual problem with this vehicle. Sincerely, todd & gwen whatley tri-cities, wa.

Filed Dec 30, 2004 · Engine · 70,000 miles · CA

Check engine light comes on while driving down the road. I have taken it to the dealer on 3 separate occasions for a total of 14 days in diagnostic. I have also taken it to a independant vw mechanic twice who tells me this is common. Nobody can find the problem. The diagnostic code is for glow plug malfunction. I have had replaced the temperature sensor, the glow plug relay, all 4 glow plugs as well as additional costs of diagnostic. The check engine light has come back on, it is still a glow plug malfunction. I have paid $800 for unnecesary repairs that the dealer tells me is the problem. This does not include the repairs on the door locks and wondow regulators, as well as the AC modulator, middle consul latch,glove box hinge, rear seat ash tray. This year of jetta is a true lemon! If vw is unable to fix the problem then legal action will be required to recover my losses.

Filed Nov 19, 2004 · Locks · 24,000 miles · PA

Driver's side door lock malfunctioned. It will open from the outside only. If you are in side the passenger can not exit the vehicle which is still under warranty but will not cover this defect, which was eligible up to 24,000 miles.

Filed Oct 7, 2004 · Electrical · 2,306 miles · OR

Epc light came on, could not get car out of park, ABS light came on, brake light came on, epc light came on again, mil light came on, window needed to be replaced-cable assembly failed & could not operate window, turn signals became inoperable, engine cover clamp loose, radio shorted out, epc light came on (again--3rd time!!) and again could not get car out of park, battery dies and drains car due to shortage in drivers door latch assembly, air-conditioning fails. Could not drive car. Had to have brake light switch replaced 3 times!! Note, car was only 2 1/2 months old upon first incident.

Filed Aug 31, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 19,000 miles · CO

I own a vw jetta 2001 vr6. I have had to replace my rear brake pads at only 20,000 miles to me a very premature wear problem. The dealer refused to repair them at no cost to me due to the premature wear of the brake pads. The repairs to the brake pads cost me $200.00. The check engine light has come on on the same vw jetta. To find out I know have to pay $292.20 to have the maf sensor replaced on a car that has only 22,500 miles. I am trying to seek reimbursement from vw of america for these expenses. In addition this year I also had to pay $300.00 to have the passenger door latch repaired as the spring broke that allowed me to open the door with the door handle. Regardless, my car is kept in pristine condition, and in no way should I be incurring these type of repairs on a vehicle that has only 20k miles on the odometer. Please help me.

Filed May 16, 2003 · Airbags · 17,000 miles · CA

While driving down a residential street, at approximately 25-30 MPH, both the driver and passenger side curtain airbags deployed for absolutely no reason. There were no holes or bumps in the road and the weather conditions were good. Approximately 7-10 minutes previous to this, while on the freeway, the inside light turned on and off, the door locks were going up and down and the control panel went berserk. It stopped as suddenly as it started. This had happened one time before and the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.

Filed Apr 18, 2002 · Body, Electrical · CA

Consumer states that when starting the vehicle the alarm sounds and horn goes off and lights flash on and off for about 10 minutes. This also happens when opening doors to exit the vehicle. Also the illuminated entry and the power door locks were not working. The dealer has replaced wiring and relay in the doors, the radio ignition switch, and door lock, however the problem still exists. The dealer now states that there is nothing further they can do. Nlm front bumer pulled loose. Bumper and lower facia reinstalled.