Problems with 1999 Volkswagen Jetta ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The transmission on my jetta takes long to shift ## vin passed ## volkswagen,jetta,1999 ## *kb

Coolant system external leak was fixed, hoses replaced and connector that attaches to engine was replaced also. leak comes back , replaced another hose., then the worse starts, the heater core started leaking and the car started to smell like antifreeze. got heater core replaced, but the inside of the car smells horrible,.every time i drive my 1999 jetta, i get this metallic taste in my mouth and throat. the stuff is definitely toxic, and the af container reads poisonous. becomes a torture to drive my jetta i hate the metallic taste in my mouth. the design off some of the heating system includes plastic components that may not take the heat well specially at the point of contact with the engine. did some online research and found similar cases with internal antifreeze leaks on vw jettas. this fumes can really ruin your driving experience not to mention the possible detriment on your health due to breathing in a contaminated atmosphere thanks for looking into this complaint. *tr

Leak in cooling system causing migration to water pump, heater core, and engine wiring harness. having to replace all 3. car stalls at random times in busy traffic, posing potential accident problem. caused toxic fumes to come through heat vents in car. *tr

About every 2,000 miles, the engine in my 1999 mk iv volkswagen jetta starts ticking, and i check my oil, and im a quart low. everytime. the engine quality is steadily declining. i have not done anything to repair this because i do not have the money, nor do i trust mechanics with the car. *tr

Coolant leaking from coolant reservoir bottle wiring connector contaminates the wiring harness. *nm

1999 jetta's oil pan threads were stripped and drain plug needed to be replaced. *ts *nm

Began oil consumption study may 2006 but has been an ongoing issue prior and present. this is a copy of some information i sent to vwoa a. i went through the attorney general too. vwa continues to deny this is a problem, it is in specifications but do not tell me what is abnormal oil usage. i had a recall so went to the dealer for the service with my editorial sign on the jetta, that i had sent to mr. witter - vwa- the dealer has now refused any further service of my vehicle there. the problem continues, and they have shut the door with the vague "within specifications" rhetoric. i am told that my vehicle to burn a quart of oil in 1000-3000 miles not even register on the dip stick, is with in the manufacturer specifications. it has 85,000 miles and has the extended 120,000 mile / 10 year warranty. i am the original owner. continued on new complaint *jb

This is my scenario: each 3,000-4,000 mile oil change, often there was no register on the dip stick of my jetta. jetta manual states oil change recommended every 10,000 miles item 2 there are no drips under the vehicle or smoking ever. there is no oil splashed upon the underside of the hood to indicate gasket problemmy sister who owns the same car in california had made me aware of the same situation with her jetta and told me her dealer approached her and she confirmed their questions of loosing oil. they initiated and completed satisfying her as a customer by resolving the situation. i have included the invoice of her repair to her jetta. item 3realizing my vehicle was in the same mileage range, and concerned that further and worse damage could be done, i perused the issue with my local dealer "day apollo" in moon township, pa. relevant contact information is on invoices from them. apollo did an oil change and followed up with "oil consumption watch" for the next 3000 miles that took from may 12, 2006- august 28, 2006 to complete though irregular intervals from 82,856 miles to 84,920 miles = 2,064 miles it was down quart of oil. at 85,860 miles- 3002 miles from the start, and only another 904 miles from the previous check, the oil was low a full quart of oil.= 1 qt in 1610 mi. oitem set 4 - are copies of the study. oitem 5 letter from vw customer service indicates .85 qt. oil loss in 1000 miles = 2.55 qt. oil loss in 3000 miles. ??consulting several professional mechanics i was vehemently told that is an unacceptable oil loss in that amount of miles. apollo vw dealer, however, in their rhetoric, and taking advantage of a lady alone, stated that it is within their standards. the standards are low enough to cover their backs that a bicycle could be with in the "specifications". *jb

''part 3 of original complaint--i phoned the customer service division in michigan, margaret there told me that their position is to support the dealer. they would record my complaint. i asked for a document in print- a manual- that gives me this particular "specification". she had me on hold for 15 minutes and could not find such documentation, i asked her to locate it and include it in my letter of record they are sending me. ''i spoke to a different vw dealer, he said to speak to the "factory field representative" the apollo dealership would not give me his name or phone number and told me to call customer service,-- they said the factory field rep would support the dealer and had no contact number for him either. they are all in bed together. ''why then is it not within the "specifications" of the same manufacturer but a different dealer in california that assisted my sister? ''group of documentation (item set 6) enclosed is my brief internet research of 4 sites that include 39 entries on message board, letters, complaints to the same as mine with very poignant and disturbing responses from the experienced mechanics that monitored the web site. "consider class action suit" among others i have highlighted for your ease of recognition. my carstats2, autorepair, auto tech repair 2 google groups vw drinks oil 6 pages- 13 cases vw burns oil 8 pages, 21 messages 2+1+2+13+21= 39 incidents in 4 web sites ''plus edmunds.com 1 consumer full documentation of issue, reference to suggesting avoid the jetta to a potential consumer and reference to a class action suit. '' volkswagen is hiding this major issue under the skirt of their sub standard "specifications." ''i am also driving with a sign in my jetta about this issue and part it and leave a sign on the dashboard about the same thing. *jb

Fitzgerald of annapolis failed to replace the stretch bolts when they changed the timing belt at 40k miles. at 130k miles, the bolts gave and the engine fell out of the car. i repaired this and continued to drive the car. at 140k the mounting bracket on the engine block snapped and the engine fell out again. the car now needs a new

Check engine light came on and stayed on while driving. dealership has serviced the vehicle twice in which they have cleaned the throttle . this provided a temporary solution, but the light came back on within an hour. a mechanic indicated that this was an intermittent problem that could not be repaired.*ak

The checking engine light illuminated and the engine began to hesitate. *nm the mechanic found service code stored for fuel trim. *sc the mechanic replaced a defective mass air flow sensor. the signal light bulb was replaced, because it blinked very fast. *jb

Check engine light repeatedly comes on due to malfunction of o2, mass air flow sensors. *ak

Upon starting vehicle the consumer noticed that the engine ran for a few seconds then stalled. *ak the consumer was told that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. the problem was ongoing. a "too rich code," and the purge valve was replaced. the repair attempts for the vacuum leaks, oxygen sensors, the rich running of the engine, mass air flow sensor and connector. the consumer was informed that the part was out of stock. there was a vacuum leak and the intake boot had come off, the door hinges were loose, and noise had come from the starter motor due to an internal short. *sc

O2 sensor & mass air flow sensors were replaced as part of a compaign after they went bad. less than 2 years later, o2 sensor has gone bad again. vw refuses to replace saying it's out of warranty. complained that sensors were replaced at the very start of the compaign long before letters were ever sent out and that i could have received the old sensor. vw was unable to provide any proof that the replacement sensors were the updated sensors and they refused to cover the additional repair. new sensor lasted less than 2 years/40000miles.*ak

I have a new 1999 vw jetta tdi and i keep having problems with breaking oil pans. there is a problem with the groung clearance with the car. i am on mt 3rd oil pan and going on the 4th. *ak

The thermostat housing needed to be replaced due to coolant leakage. this part had to be replaced to prevent coolant loss. i had to purchase the part and pay to have it replaced.*ak

Vehicle experienced several recalls/ and several problems: dome light, vanity mirrors, emissions problems, etc... *mr the consumer experienced the following problems with: the interior dome lights, interior trim had come loose on the passenger side, the passenger vanity mirror light did not shut off, the cup holder was jammed and had broken, the driver window sounded as if air was coming in the vehicle, the glove compartment hinges had broken, the air bag light would come on when the radio was turned off, the sensors never seemed to work, the oil dipstick had given abnormal readings(showing low when oil was just changed), the lean oxygen sensor was replaced, the check engine light was intermittent but stayed on, and the catalytic converter was replaced due to noise which ended after the repair(the check engine light had come back on). *scc *jb

Car burns at least a quart of oil between every oil change - service dept claims this is normal - oil filler cap is full of yellow "foam" - oil pressure light recently came - check oil level and found it needed 2 1/2 quarts of oil - service department claims this is normal

2 days after we purchase the car a brake shoe braket came off and was rubbing the rear rotor. july, 3 windows went bad, 2 were the wiring and 1 was the motor. october the front wheel bearing needed replaced plus wheel alignment. september the exhuast broke off behind the catalytic converter i had it fixed myself. the exhuast had also broke off 6 months earlier in front of the muffler but i fixed it. one window that they fixed in july 2002 went bad again in june of 2003 and needed fixed. the rear brake on the same wheel that they fixed in january of 2001 has gone bad now. i'm done with this car. it's been in the shop more then i have ever had any car combined. thanks

Manifold and oil cooler plug with carbon. dealer indicates that volkswagen, knows about the problem, and has yet to offer any remedies. this problem leads to a very costly cleaning.*ak

The transmission failed and was replaced. *yh *cb

Rear brakes were sqeualing for months. took into dealership 5 times and they could not duplicate noise. finally rear brakes went all together and had them replaced at another dealership. dealer said they should not have gone after just over 30,000 miles so volkswagen covered half of costs. one week later picked up car as i was driving home malfunction indication light came on. took into dealership again. all three oxygen sensors had blown. day after picking up from dealership passenger window fell into door and is currently back in being fixed. i know these are all common problems with 1999 jetta. vw was somewhat helpful on cost but will do nothing now because they "have already been too kind". this car is dangerous and i do not feel comfortable driving it anymore. now i have to cover the cost of an early lease termination for fear of injury or more $ for damage repairs.*ak

I have a 1999 jetta. the oxygen sensor was replaced and based on the volkswagen customer team, my car (based on the vin #) does not fall in the ones that they recalled with the safety alerts issued by the epa and the volkswagen company. i believed that they most re-considered the way that they selected the affected vehicles. since i know people who has been dealing with the same oxygen sensor problem, and their vehicle identification number does not fall in the ones that the company has identified for the recalled.*ak

Check engine light, power failure on door locks and alarm. *nlm

Consumer on behalf of daughter. in may, the left front window fell down inside the door and the regulator had to be replaced. they were informed that the window regulator was a common problem with this vehicle. *jg

For the second time the consumer had to replace cracked and broken engine mount on vehicle. the consumer is unaware of way it keeps occurring. dealer notified. *mr *cb

Loss of power while accelerating. vehicle taken to dealer shop and informed that problem was due to a faulty mass air flow sensor. feel free to provide any further information.*ak

This is the fourth failure of the oxygen sensor since i purchased the car (new) in 1999. the dealer had worked with vw on the last failure to try to find a solution for the problem; however, less than six months later the sensor has failed again. clearly, there is a problem with the model since the dealer has advised that many others have experienced similar failure. the last time it failed, there was about a one month delay in having the sensor replaced because they were on back order.*ak

Failed part after car had been in dealer several times this summer failed on freeway, could have been killed volkswagen should cover this, then ripped off by dealer in chicago wher car just died on the dan ryan without any warning.*ak

March 16, 2000 malfunction indicator light on- needed a new oxygen sensor. had to wait until october of 2000 (7 months) to get sensor replaced after numerous calls to volkswagen customer service. then in february of 2001 (4 months later) the malfunction indicator light is back on. had diagnosed through a local mechanic it was oxygen sensor again and have same symptoms as before. also major consumption of fuel after the indicator light came on. several problems have occured in the car and volkswagen will not even consider covering to get fixed. i have an extended warranty which also will not help cost of fixing the numerous problems with this new vehicle. have tried to speak with several managers through volkswagen and no one seems to want to help. the problems occuring will cause safety issues if they are not fixed soon. i am a single female, age 24, am living on my own and am very concerned about my transportation and the fact that no one from volkswagen or the extended warranty (easy care) want to assist the problems. i would greatly appreciate your help with this matter. thank you for your time.*ak

Engine checklight came on with engine running rough. dealer diagnosed broken mass air flow sensor and replaced. manufacturer refused to extend warranty to this part. many other owners report this part failing at 20k to 40k miles.*ak

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Map failure. but also "coolant migration problem." wherein, due to faulty coolant reservoir sensor seal, coolant migrated out of coolant reservoir and into wiring harness causing speedo and cruise control failures. was repaired at no cost, as was maf. however numerous tdi and gasser owners are constantly reporting maf failures.

3 oxygen sensors blew up at different times less thn 1 month apart. vehicle was unable to run move or start. when vehicle was started, it had a burning smell as though it was going to blow up. it was $500.00 for the 3 oxygen sensors to be replaced. dealer stated oxygen sensors were sensitive.`*ak

Car dies while driving at any speeds no power-brakes or steering. *ak

Both the mass air flow sensor and the oxygen sensor have failed in my car after the initial warantee expired. symptoms of each failure was a hesitation when accelerating similiar to stalling the engine, being possibly hazardous when turning into traffic.talking to the dealership, they stated that it was a "common problem" for both items. if this is a common problem this leads me to believe that these two components are defect in design. i've talked to other volkswagen owners, service representatives and some independent repair shops and they have said that they have had/seen the same problems repeatedly. repairs to this vehicle have become expensive at $750+ for each occurance. if you could provide any information i might be able to use i would be grateful.

Vehicle runs out of oil every 1500 miles, and the transmission is very jerky. *ak windshield wipers were streaking because wipers were separating. instrument panel cup holder loose on tight side. the stick shift vibrates in 3rd gear due to selector shaft failure. *yh

Engine consumes about 1+ quart of oil every 1,500 miles. front rotors need to be replaced at 30,000 miles, while brake pads are less than 50% used. refrigerant in air conditioner gone at around 30,000 miles with normal use in mild climate.

Engine light was on. driver took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that engine valves and hoses needed to be replaced. please provide any further information.*ak

O2 sensor(s) went bad immediately following warranty period. *ak

Ceased water pump, sheared timing belt, and damaged valves caused vehicle to stall on interstate, consumer wants reimbursement. *slc

While driving 60mph heard a clicking noise. then ater pump seized & caused vehicle to stall out. pulled over. had vehicle towed to dealer. informed by mechanic it was the water pump which sheared off the timing belt & damaged the valve head. problem was repaired except for the clicking noise that was still there. *ak

At about 26,000 miles, which was about two and a half months ago, i checked the oil and had to add three quarts. i took it to the dealer and they told me to look for black smoke and oil spots on the driveway. no black smoke or oil is visibly escaping from the engine. i checked the oil again on june 15, and had to add another quart and a half. i reported it to the dealer and made another appointment for them to check it out. today, july 11, 2000, the dealer checked the oil (which was down a half quart), told me that they don't know what to look for and have to wait for the volkswagen district service manager to point them in the right direction. so "we" are now waiting for a call from the district manager. the oil and filter have been changed regularly, but the oil appears very gritty and also appears to be burnt onto cap of the filler-hole. the dealer seems reluctant, at best, to deal with the situation.*ak

First: coin holder broke, next, the fuel pump. after that, the catalytic converter went. the heat gauge goes on the "i will work when i want to, and i won't when i don't" attitude. speaking of front end bumpers, i've had mine replaced and fixed 3 times, stupid me, shouldn't i know by now not to get so close to those parking curbs. next, it started using oil, every 1000 miles, 1 qt, went to dealer, gave me runaround, mechanic standing by listening, took my side, replaced rings, sorry, i didn't know about the site sooner so i could tell you all this.fixed. maybe, hope. now, car dies on highway for no apparent reason above speeds of 50+, momentarily, and then starts again. the drink holder has now broken, son has to put aa battery above cassette to have sound coming from all speakers. emergency flashers started making cracking noises, electrical problems?, not my vw. air conditioner quit working 1 month ago. went to mechanic today, he says compressor. have you priced a compressor? $840. dealer only part,go figure, aren't they all. wipers are not good, replaced 2 times. so glad i don't have power windows and auto trans. i read what someone wrote, "i love my car". it's a [xxx] shame isn't it ,that we put this much confidence into a car dealer to be this disappointed. all vw jetta's should read "made in mexico" emblazened - i don't know where. if class action suit filed, post here. i got a lemon. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Vehicle which is a 4 cylinder engine burned more oil than expected , a quart every 1000 mile. *ak the oil level was down at 1000-1500 miles after oil change. about this time check the engine light came on . the dealer states that this problem is common with 2.0l. 4 cylinder engine, when the check engine came on againe, the dealer replaced the oxyen sensor. since then no light came on. *yh

4 cylinder engine burned 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles, but this vehicle has been burning more oil. dealer could not determine the cause. please provide further information.*ak

I understand there has been numberous report oil pan punctures with the vw jetta. the combination of thin gauge steel and the low positon of the pan lead to high potential from road damage.*ak

Hit dip in road at low speed, chafed oil pan which caused a one inch split in oil pan. *ak

Oil pan cracked. *ak