2004 Volkswagen Jetta: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 24, 2014 · Engine · 80,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked, the epc warning indicator illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the mass air flow system failed. The dealer previously replaced the mass air flow system due to the check engine indicator illuminating, but the failure persisted. The technician stated that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Oct 6, 2010 · Engine, Transmission · 105,000 miles · TN

Catastrophic drive train failure of a vw jetta tdi 5-speed. While traveling at 65-70 MPH on relatively flat terrain on a clear roadway in 5th gear with no input to the clutch or the transmission, occupants felt & heard a single, muffled 'thump'. Originating drive train failure event occurred spontaneously and completely unexpectedly. After the anomaly, a low metallic rattle was heard. Once clear of surrounding traffic, in troubleshooting attempt the driver engaged clutch and shifted into neutral; immediately the rattling became more pronounced. Fifth gear immediately reengaged and noise abated. Driver navigated vehicle under power to right lane & subsequently exited expressway. Upon approach to side street traffic light, the clutch was reengaged resulting in a renewed rattling; transmission shifted into neutral. When clutch was let out, the constant rattling noise continued as engine idled. With signal change, clutch reengaged & transmission shifted to 1st gear. Clutch slowly, carefully released: noticeable noise increase followed by short series of loud, sharp noises. Vehicle lurched and stalled. Two attempts to restart engine failed; no engine response. Police notified & vehicle towed to dealer. Significant fluid leakage noticed. Subsequently notified by vw dealer that main shaft of transmission catastrophically failed pressing flywheel into motor damaging casing, bearings & crankshaft lobs resulting in immediate seizing of the diesel power plant. Total replacement of transmission and engine assembly required (est ~$11k). This vehicle had all maintenance service performed regularly at 5k intervals by vw dealer (documented) and had recently had full 100k service including timing belt replacement. No notification/concern for additional transmission inspection/service. Clutch recently seemed to be engaging a wee bit further but no bottoming of pedal or clutch slippage. Owner expected to schedule clutch inspection/work during next 5k service visit.

Filed Sep 15, 2005 · Transmission · 9,501 miles · VA

First occurrence 05/11/2005, when stopping auto-transmission was down shifting harsh. Dealer found open circuit for ignition and installed a ground wire. Problem not fixed. Second time, 06/03/05, transmission was down shifting harsh again, dealer found internal malfunction with transmission and replaced transmission. Third time, 06/08/05, when warmed up transmission would down shift harsh and jerk into gear, vw field rep. Will look at car. Also had the alignment fixed from when trans. Was replaced. Fourth time, 06/16/05, when accelerating car had jerked very hard into gear. Dealer found no problem, waiting for field rep. 06/25/05, field rep. Drove car and stated that car was within manufacture specs. Dealer also repaired dent in hood from previous visit. Service manager from dealer stated that he drove another vw jetta to see if car did same thing as mine and problem was not there with other car. He also stated that the 2003 passats had the same problem but worse and it ended up being a software issue. Car still has an issue. Currently have a lawyer for the lemon law.

Filed Apr 19, 2005 · Transmission · 3,000 miles · CA

Car jerks during a cold start. Jerks hard when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Transmission · 25,000 miles · FL

When starting the vehicle in cold weather vehicle would jerk forward/backwards. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.