We were traveling 70 MPH on a highway in our 2002 volkswagen jetta wagon (gls 1.8t) when, without warning, an loud "poof" sound was heard, the car lost all power, and we smelled burning plastic. The car regained power, then a second "poof" sound was heard, and the power flickered in the car, at which point the car began filling with smoke. We rolled down the windows, pulled over to the shoulder, and evacuated the vehicle. We pulled out what belongings we could, but retreated from the car once flames appeared on the driver's side interior. Approximately 1 minute later, the entire car was engulfed in flames and was a total loss. We are thankful to have escaped with our lives. Here are the specifics of our vehicle: model:jetta trim:gls body style:4 door wagon engine:1.8l i4 20v mpfi dohc turbo transmission:automatic.
2002 Volkswagen Jetta engine complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 110, newest first, as owners wrote them.
First issue, the engine is burning oil. I've noticed that my car engine started burning oil when it had about 50,000 miles on it. It took me almost two years to prove to the vw dealership mechanics that the engine is burning oil. At 73,000 miles the vw dealership mechanics rebuilt the engine. My oil consumption normalized. Now, at around 115,000 miles, I've noticed that the engine started burning oil again. 1,800 miles after an oil change, jiffy lube mechanic had to add 2.5qt of oil. Shouldn't the engine last at least 100,000 miles after rebuild? It seems that this engine only lasts 45,000 miles. This feels like a major defect and vw has to recall the engine. Second issue, my car is only 8 years old but it's on its third transmission. I had to replace transmission at 32,000 miles and again at 73,000 miles. I'm at 115,000 and I'm getting very worried because I'm starting to feel little jerks. This looks to be a 40,000 miles transmission. How can vw do this to consumers? It would seem reasonable to me if this transmission gets recalled. I'm not even mentioning many other malfunctions. One of which includes getting flooded during rainy season. I can't believe my car, 2002 vw jetta 2.0l gls was allowed to be on the market.
Was driving while it was raining when all of a sudden my car started jerking and wouldn't let me go faster than 15mph. The asr and check engine lights went on. I was lucky enough to be driving at 6am with no one on the streets. I have had problems with this happenings in the past but I read online you just turn off the car and restart it. I tried it this morning and the lights were still on. This was at 6 am it is now 9:49 pm and still no luck. I also heard it might be due to engine coils but I had mine replaced less than a month ago.
My 2002 vw jetta has smelled of melted crayons since the day that I bought it. I am not alone...just doing a google search brings up a lot of posts. Vw of america is aware of the problem and is not doing anything to help those of us with this problem. The smell is so bad that it gives me a headache if I can't have the windows down. Turning on the heat makes the smell even worse, so I am dreading the cold winter. I don't know what breathing in these fumes is doing to my health.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen jetta. While driving between 15-20 MPH, the engine completely stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle as it resumed normal operation. The failure occurred twenty times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on ten times for the same failure. The crank position sensor was replaced with no additional repairs performed on the vehicle. The failure continued after the repair. The contact stated that there was a voluntary manufacturer recall associated with the catalytic converter. The dealer was notified and they informed the contact that the recall defect could possibly be related to the engine failure. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive and planned to sell the vehicle. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Loss of power on freeway, without warning. Vehicle lost power, then, while attempting to restore power by 'pumping' the accelerator, shifted into second gear, resulting in a very rapid deceleration from 70 MPH to 45 MPH. This occurred twice in one hour, at both times requiring following motorists to swerve severely to avoid.
Abs warning light and check engine light lit up in 2002 jetta.
I recently purchased a 2002 vw jetta and just found out that the catalytic converter needs replacement. I was very surprised when my mechanic informed me he has seen many 2002 jettas with this problem. He said it was related to a problem with a bad coil that was part of a recall and caused the catalytic converters to fail abnormally fast. I am very disappointed that it appears vw knows about this issue and is ignoring the issue. The repair costs more than $1000 and I am unable to pass state inspection without getting it done.
Our volkswagen jetta developed transmission issues just after the warranty period ran out. The transmission jerks at low speeds, when you hit the accelerator. Mechanics have said there is no saying when this will conk out. The water pump also conked out recently. Replacing the tranny is about $6000. Replacing the water pump cost us around $900. I hear dealerships charge a lot more for this service. The volkswagen jetta is too expensive a car, for it to have such poor quality. Hope someone can help make them pay for ripping customers off in this way. This outrageous.
2002 vw jetta 2.0 stopped and sputtered on main highway because of ignition coil failure. The car has 7500 miles and vw acknowledges the problem for 1.8 liter engines but not for 2.0 liter. They are recalling 90000 1.8 cars but are charging $600 for the 2.0 fixes. Surely, they bought them from the same supplier.
I bought a 2002 volkswagen jetta gls from a used car dealer last april. I have had a couple problems that I thought was unique to my specific car, however, after hours of research I've found that numerous other jetta owners are having some of the same problems. 1. The vehicle smells like crayons 2. The heater stops working and only blows out hot air. 3. The engine eats oil and has a problem with sludge. This is inappropriate and no one is taking any responsibility or has a remedy for these problems. I'm afraid the fumes from the vehicle may be toxic and am unable to get rid of the car.
2002 vw jetta vr6 with cylinder no. 5 misfiring, rough idle and check engine stays on. Vehicle taken to the dealer where it was purchased, they replaced the coil pack injectors and the car has been tuned, however, the tech's at the dealer can not pinpoint the problem and the car will not pass the state inspection.
I own vw jetta 1.8 turbo 2002, at 2005 had a coolant bottle leaking into connection,cluster, coolant found at connector. Since my car was under extended warranty by masterguard they just did a patch work overlaying horns to cluster and replacing the coolant bottle and cap leaving all major work which need to be done at this case to prevent following damage of entire wiring system causing complete failure of the car. So I would pay from my wallet $ 6000 or more when warranty expires. My car now started having all this problem due to that coolant migration left there. It's a manufacturer defect and needs to be repaired by manufacture. So,who is going to pay now for that? Class action need to be taking against vw!!!
Volkswagen jetta 2002 cooling fan failure/ inoperative I've been trying to locate the problem for about 2 months with no luck and I also did research on the web and there are quite a few people that have this same exact issue someone please help.
My driver's side window suddenly stopped working. I took it to a repair shop and the mechanic said that piece that holds the window in place was stretched and about to break. When I spoke with a friend who used to own a jetta of the same year, make, and model as mine, he said that the same thing had happened to his vehicle. He said that there had been a recall on this part. When I checked the federal safety agency's web site, however, I could not find this recall. *tr the consumer had problems with the engine and the sterring column was defective. The engine light illuminated right after the vehicle was purchased. Updated 06/01/09.
I have two problems, one with temperature coolant sign. Many jetta's have this problem, it occurs every time I turn on the car, sign always comes on. This causes signals and computer programs in the car to be confused, and is always a dangerous light because I never know if there is something wrong with my car's coolant or radiator. I have replaced this part about two times through a mechanic shop with a vw part twice. Still is a failure, and I read most jettas have this problem and it is ridiculous that vw can not fix this expensive part for its customers. Also I had a problem with my alternator one day ago. My vehicle was forced to stall on the middle of the highway causing me almost to get into an accident. For some reason my car lost all its power, battery was only one or two weeks old, and now my alternator died. My car has only 71,400 miles on it, it is not very old, it is a major concern to see an alternator die that early in the car, makes me wonder what other major problems I have in the future, let alone what I had in the past. Now I have to fix this car, and will take one week to fix and get the part ready, costing me almost $600 in repair. Not only did my car break down on the highway but the car smelt like it was burning, very dangerous!!this a vw defect, and should be addressed to all vw owners about their alternators, it doesn't feel safe if this car keeps breaking down, tired of this car.other recalls about this vehicle make me want to question whether to drive it not, if it has a country wide brake problem in this car.
Timing belt was replaced at 89,000 miles per my request at vw dealership motor mount bolts failed at 136,000, motor dropped onto crossmember and steering components. Only one of two horizontal bolts was present at failure, remaining one bolt sheared off at block.
Check engine light continuously comes on, completed recall for brake switch, epc light continues to come on, car stalls while waiting for a light to change very dangerous. After a night of rain, leak in passenger side floor mold growing car will have a very hard start or no start at all in the morning, replaced battery 3 times. Changed o2 sensor 2x, car burns oil continuously, interior lights go out when they feel like it, brake lights die out fast, changed brake lights and signal lights at least 5x.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen jetta. While driving less than 10 MPH in the driveway, the vehicle drove very roughly and felt as if it would shut off. Minutes later, the engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and was informed that the engine coil failed. The vehicle was repaired and worked fine for a month before the failure recurred. She took the vehicle back to the local mechanic and had the vehicle repaired for a second time. The vehicle worked normally temporarily, but three weeks later, the engine light illuminated again. The mechanic stated that the engine coil failed again and they replaced it with a different part. Since the most recent repair, the vehicle has been working properly. The contact researched the failure and discovered numerous consumers with the same vehicle, who also experienced this same failure. The failure mileage was 121,000 and current mileage was 122,000.
I purchased the 2002 volkswagen jetta in august of 2006. The first set of repairs was on 3/2007 at 64,332 mi check engine light mulitple misfires: p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304 replaced ignition coils cost: $200.11 second repair took place in april of 2007 took car in for recall - replacement of brake light switch check engline light was back on - replaced temp. Sensor cost: $199.33 car was jerking into gear, downshifting hard and sluggish. Brought car into dealserhsip in april 2008 worn strut brushings needs rear pads needs rotors check engline light on again needs new coils again spark plugs temp sensor again new t-stat fans not working hoses under intake broken needs new transmission diagnosis cost: $149.21 estimated cost of repair: $6,500.00.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen jetta. While driving 45 MPH, the contact heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle near the exhaust pipe. The mechanic stated that the failure was electrical and caused the catalytic converter to malfunction. The manufacturer stated that it was the contact's responsibility to repair the vehicle. The current mileage was 80,260 and failure mileage was 79,000.
The coolant temperature sensor warning light comes on during cool and cold weather and stays on till the engine is warmed up. At which time, if the engine is turned off and then restarted, the warning light will remain out. There are no codes listed in the ecu. This issue has occurred continuously since the car was purchased in june 2005.
2002 tdi vw jetta . Had for 1.5 years engine blew at 70k on it .. Took to seacoast vw in nh first said might be sludge later said was a chain that slipped caused engine to blow and metal pieces to be throughout. Called vw first said I would have to pay for it and then send them receipts. When not able to afford the thousands it would cost talked to them again spoke to alicia at vw and she called seacoast vw in nh then called and state it would be covered. Went about having it towed to vw dealership to get fixed. When called again was told wouldn't cover it but would give me 1000 dollars off the price of the repair valid for 30 days .. Engine still blown car still sitting in garage been trying to get fixed since april of 2007 .seems to be a common thing with vw that have major engine problems without lots of mileage.
I have a 2002 jetta gls tdi. I am constantly replacing glow plugs. Have a coolant temp code reading for quite some time and also fuel injection pump, which is probably what is causing glow plugs to go bad.
Volkswagens use of cheap plastics on the oil stick of my 2002 volkswagen jetta caused plastic from the oil stick to fall into my motor and cause motor damage including an oil leak and eurasian auto service in panama city already has a vw product that is broken down in their shop, and even volkswagens own service manager in panama city, mike boatwright, told vw they should authorize him to make the repairs but they refused, the ostensibly lowest bid plastics used for the 2002 vw's also caused mike boatwright to ask that vw replace my headlight lenses as they are creating a traffic hazard, and not only is this nationwide, but mallory horne of the florida dmv who referred me to you wrote to me that " your complaint has not fallen on deaf ears, I just got rid of my volkswagen jetta for the same headlight problem" and I will be happy to mail you a copy in support of my complaint, also walmart's service manager in callaway florida is the person who found that my car is now leaking oil due to volkswagen failing to repair the motor and he says that he saw the same volkswagen problem in new england at his previous job (scott). Also the cheap plastics used on my car that caused these safety traffic violations, were used on the glove box lock which is broken and the radio aerial which is broken. The first 2002 vw I was given broke down in traffic in the dark and was exchanged the following day. So there are more than enough witnesses that the 2002 volkswagen jettas should be recalled, me, jerry p carroll, mike boatwright, reggie at eurasian, mallory horne, and scott at walmart, in addition there are many students at my college with the same problem who are in hope that you will help them also. Breaking down in traffic with limited headlights is a national safety crisis, as far as deaths and injuries, entering zero only means that vw has managed so far to conceal any.
Vehicle is a 2002 tdi jetta gls 4 door sedan manual transmission. At about 29,000 miles the check engine light illuminated with and obd 2 code of (p0128 coolant thermostat-coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature). Took the vehicle to dealer which replaced the coolant temperature sensor and coolant fluid. This did not correct the problem which recurred. I then did research and found vw tech bulletin 4-04 which addresses this problem and is intended to guide technician troubleshooting. I feel this is either a parts design defect, engineering flaw, or vehicle wiring assembly defect. It is not a normal maintenance or wear and tear issue. Dealer is attempting second round of troubleshooting for this problem. Request the federal safety agency assess other vehicle owners similar complaints and pursue a recall for this vw known problem/defect as vehicle is no longer under warranty but this problem is known to occur for this vehicle.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed inspection due to the catalytic converter. He had an extended warranty, but was informed that the mileage exceeded the warranty. The mil light has been illuminated since may of 2007 due to the catalytic converter. The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed twice. The contact was informed both times that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 118,500. Updated 12/12/07
Car stalled without warning. Usually happened when slowing down for a stop or while at a stop. Sometimes stalled when starting up from a stop. This was very dangerous as car stalled and cars behind were beginning to speed up or when trying to cross a busy road and making a left turn. I had about $1000 of service at the local volkswagen dealer in the past 6 months.
2002 volkswagen jetta customer states that the catalytic converter warranty claim was denied for the second time and this is an appeal letter**cc the consumer stated the first denial lacked an actual reason and the second denial stated the repair to his vehicle was not considered an emergency. The catalytic converter and oxygen sensor were replaced.
On april 22, 2007 my son was returning to college in the 2002 volkswagen jetta 1.8t when the engine siezed without warning as he accelerated to enter a busy interstat 80. Fortunately, he was able to coast off to the side of the road. Interstate 80was heavily used by trucks, and had my son not been in a position to get off to the side the engine failure could have caused a very serious safety hazard not only to my son but to many other vehicles using this highway. *ak I understand that this is not an isolated instance of failure of the vw 1.8 t engine. From what I have seen on the internet it appears that is fairly common for these engines to fail and vw tends to blame the owners for improper maintenance. My jetta was purchased in april 2006 with 31,000 miles, in the year that we had the car we put approx. 10,000 miles on it and we had the oil changed at least two times. We purchased this car based on vw advertising about the quality and safety of these cars and I feel that vw should take responsibility for their poorly engineered engine and issue a recall to correct deficiencies with this engine. I order for me to correct this problem I have to replace the engine, I also have just been informed that when the engine suddenly froze the transmission was also damaged. The cost of to make this car usable again will be in excess of $7,000. While I don't feel that it is right that I am stuck with the cost of repairs that are the result of a serious design problem with this engine, I am much more concerned with putting lives in jeopardy when an engine stops without warning at high way speeds
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