2000 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 2%of 439 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 166,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, 2% of the 439 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 166,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving in traffic around 35 MPH. Saw smoke in my rearview mirror so immediately pulled off to side of road. The car wasnt overheating, and no warning lights came on until after I began slowing down to pull over. As I stopped and turned off the car, I realized the engine compartment was on fire, I grabbed my phone and called 911 as I got away from the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10947693, filed 2017-01, 192,000 miles“I own a 2000 vw Jetta 2.0 gls automatic. I was coasting down a hill and coming to a stop. I started using my brakes and all of a sudden with out any warnings chimes or indication my car completely shut off, brakes and steering wheel felt locked up and I almost crashed if not for my friend helping me move my steering wheel towards a side street to figure out what happen. Car would not restart. Only after an hour or so of waiting for a tow truck did my car start but was different. This happened to me 4 more times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10608272, filed 2014-07, 119,892 miles“One year after purchasing this vehicle from a private owner, today was the second incident I've had regarding the clutch and the fumes it emits. Six months ago I noticed the clutch slipping and immediately took it into a repair shop. On top of the slipping clutch, the coolant and emissions workshop and electrical became a problem. Stop coolant low would always appear on my dash, however the coolant would be filled. The engine light also stayed on. The mechanic did all he could to fix it. Six months later, today, I'm having the same issue with this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10520011, filed 2013-06, 127,000 miles“Was driving down the road, when my Jetta lost complete power. I managed to steer of the road, put vehicle in park an turned the key off, then smoke started pouring out from under my hood. Raised the hood to only see flames! Thank god a gentleman stopped an had gallon of water. Had the vehicle towed to my house(3 miles) an there it sits! Most the damage is contained to the top of the motor on the drivers side. The car wasn't even over heating!! The only issue iv had in the year iv owned it is the transmission seemed to not go past third gear, which caused the RPM to rise, of course... …”
NHTSA complaint #10596046, filed 2014-06, 141,000 miles“The contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder of the road and towed back to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 245,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10873602, filed 2016-06, 245,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10159016Mar 12, 2019Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 10150856Sep 28, 2018Engine replacement tip
- 10126870Oct 20, 2016Update to include additional model year applicability.
- 10241340Sep 2, 2014Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10120329Sep 2, 2014Technical Bulletin (Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard): This document informs of a sample list of products generally available in the North American market…
- 10241339Aug 22, 2014Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10124471Aug 22, 2014Technical Bulletin (Oil Consumption Measurement): Customer states oil consumption is higher than the Volkswagen oil consumption standard of up to 0.5 quarts per 600 miles, or 0.5…
- 10124418May 9, 2014Tech Tips (Models with 1.8T Engine - Pressure Loss issues): Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then…
- 10124302Mar 26, 2014Technical Bulletin The use of contaminated gasoline, seasonal fuel changes (summer/winter fuel) or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or…
- 10242375Nov 25, 2013VW Elsa Newsletter
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 | 12 | 26% |
| 2023 | 11 | 26% |
| 2022 | 12 | 28% |
| 2021 | 5 | 7% |
| 2020 | 12 | 22% |
| 2019 | 147 | 27% |
| 2018 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 33 | 21% |
| 2016 | 43 | 27% |
| 2015 | 43 | 22% |
| 2014 | 108 | 28% |
| 2013 | 112 | 22% |
| 2012 | 84 | 17% |
| 2011 | 90 | 15% |
| 2010 | 117 | 14% |
| 2009 | 96 | 11% |
| 2008 | 20 | 11% |
| 2007 | 16 | 8% |
| 2006 | 39 | 7% |
| 2005 | 27 | 11% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 16 | 4% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
121 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
77 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsBrakes
45 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsExterior lighting
34 complaintsEquipment
22 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsSeats
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology