2003 Volkswagen Jetta: engine failure

Filed Dec 26, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 89,235 miles · IL

One of the two large cooling fans in the front of the engine failed. The part must be replaced to prevent engine overheating. The part number is 6x0-959-445-f.

Filed Apr 26, 2011 · Engine · 61,190 miles · KS

Rattling noise in the engine, oil pump was not pumping oil and camshaft chain tensioner (timing belt) rattling from lack of oil. I was informed I needed to replace engine due to metal particles and carbon in the oil pan.

Filed May 10, 2010 · Engine · 67,491 miles · FL

After taking my 2003 vw jetta 1.8l turbo to the vw dealership for a broken dipstick and ignition recall, I was told there was sludge in the engine in which the car had under 68,000 miles. The dealership stated it was not under the manufactures warranty and would cost at least $900 to clean out the engine. Upon deciding to take it to a mechanic for a 2nd opinion, the car seized up and ceased to work while driving. The mechanic informed me that the entire engine was blown from the sludge build up when oil changes had been performed at 3,000 mile intervals though the manufactures owners manual stated it only had to be changed every 5,000 miles. The dealership stated there was nothing they could do about it other than for me to purchase a new engine or a rebuilt engine. After having a used engine installed from a salvage yard, I discovered from the car pouring smoke and making a high pitched whining noise. Apparently when the original engine went it also damaged the turbo as a result of sludge build up. I've further discovered after doing some research that this is a common problem to vw cars with 1.8 liter turbo engines from models following 2000. Unfortunately because the turbo is considered an accessory to the engine, the turbo was not covered under the salvage yards engine warranty I just had installed and would require the turbo being replaced as well. The vw dealership informed me that a rebuilt turbo would cost $1700 alone not including small parts and labor after I had already spent $2800 on a used 1.8l turbo engine and small parts and labor. The used engine had 46,000 miles on it so it is highly likely that it will also go due to engine sludge.

Filed Apr 3, 2010 · Engine · 61,000 miles · ID

We purchased an 03 vw jetta wagon approx. 2.5 years ago. We changed the oil at the dealer every 5000 miles. We missed one oil changed and the engine stalled on the road. It was towed to a vw mechanic. We were told it a had total engine failure do to sludge-which they said was lack of maintenance. We paid 16,000 for the car, it had 40,000 miles on it, we put 20,000 miles on it. We contacted a lawyer and we were told there isn't anything we can do-it was sold as is. We contacted vw america and they told us jettas' don't have the sludge problem, it's the passat with the 1.8t engine that has the problem. My research shows it's the 1.8t engine that is the problem regardless of the car it's in. We have no recourse. The car now sits in our drive way with new tires and a broken engine. A new motor plus installation would cost more than the car is worth. Once again the working people get screwed.

Filed Sep 21, 2009 · Engine · 84,342 miles · IN

2003 volkswagen jetta 1.8 turbo, engine failure due to sludge formation.

Filed Jan 6, 2009 · Engine · 23,726 miles · MD

I am complaining about failure of the ignition coils on a 2003 volkswagen jetta ( ) with the 1.8 liter turbo engine. Vw has already recalled a number of jettas of this vintage and with this engine for replacement of defective ignition coils. However, they have refused to pay for replacement of the coils on this car. One failed causing the engine to run poorly. The dealer recommended replacing all four coils at a cost of $384.48. The car only had 23,726 miles at the time of the failure. This defect can cause immediate engine failure. Clearly, the vw dealer believed that the coils are subject to unexpected failure at low mileage even though vw of america refuses to recall the particular vehicle.

Filed Aug 6, 2006 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · NC

My wife's 2003 vw jetta tdi brakes will aggressively lock-up when lightly depressed for slowing down or coming to a slow stop. The problem is intermittent and will occur without warning. When the brakes lock up they can only be released after placing your foot under the pedal and forcing the pedal backwards. In the event another diver follows too close, the failure will result in a rear end collision potentially causing serious injuries to both parties. After experiencing the defect the car was immediately taken to the vw dealer for service and we received a "no fault found report". Now the problem has become severe and is a major safety concern for my wife and I. Earlier this year, the alternator pulley bearings seized and the pulley was ejected from the alternator causing damage to other engine components in the serpentine system.

Filed Jul 8, 2005 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · NC

Dt: 2003 volkswagen jetta diesel tdi. The engine died at 70 MPH. The consumer knew it was not the timing belt and believed it to be an electrical problem. The car has an electrical problem with the computer sensor that controls the signals. Lights to flash, flashers also with power windows. The consumer took the vehicle to a mechanic and he could find no reason for this to happen. The timing belt is in place and in good condition. *tt *sc

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

Check engine light illuminated and there was no power to the vehicle. At highway speeds there was a severe vibration in the steering wheel. *mr this resulted in a complete lost of power and a replacement of the injector system. The consumer was told that there was muddy diesel fuel but couldn't produce the fuel filter to back up the claim. There was another incident where there was a puff of smoke and a lost of power down to 25 MPH on the road. The engine had a #3 valve go through the piston and run up and down the crankshaft. The engine was replaced along with another injector system and fuel pump was added. Several weeks later, a high pressure oil line broke from the weld and spewed oil everywhere. The axle assembly and the transmission slave cylinder were replaced as well. *sc

Filed Dec 24, 2003 · Electrical, Tires · 8,067 miles · DE

Vehicle experienced hesitation, keyless key battery does not work, epc light illuminated due to lost of power, jack fell while car was on it, and problems shifting the car out of park.*mr when the epc light illuminated for the second time, the dealer replaced the engine control module. The vehicle experienced two flat due to the tires being overinflated.

Filed Dec 2, 2003 · Transmission · 8,067 miles · DE

On december 14th of 2002 I purchased a 2003 vw jetta from smith vw on kirkwood highway delaware. Although they handled all my transactions and vehicle delivery poorly, I chose to overlook in thinking I will not be dealing with them again. *ak since then, I have had the following problems with my car: in two separate incidents I had a flat tire. In one case the jack fell over while the car was on it due to high wind. These incidents took place in the winter when we had heavy snow. Later I discovered that my tires were overinflated. I did not touch them since I bought my car and have been for an oil change a month prior at vw. I stopped going to smith vw and started using garnet vw after this. On the night of august 6th at 9:30pm I got into my car and I could not switch out of park. This was a scary situation because some frick was standing at my window asking me for money. He finally left, but I was stranded waiting for a tow truck. Roadside will tow your car, but they do not drive you home. In mid august my keyless key battery did not work. I was in va at the time. On august 25th during rush hour my epc light came on resulting in sudden loss in vehicle power. Luckily I was in an area that I could pull over. Vw found nothing wrong with the car. On september 8th during rush hour again my epc light came on resulting in sudden loss in power. This time vw replaced the engine control module. At this time I also filed a formal complaint to vw corporation and also spoke to gm at garnet vw. On november 22nd I took my car in because of hesitation while increasing speed from 20 MPH to 40 MPH. A vw technician took a ride with me and agreed of the problem. I am schedule for service in december. This is delayed mainly due to my work schedule, but I have been experiencing this problem since my last visit. I will be sending you a follow up note with more information later this week.