2001 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 1%of 668 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,821miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta, 1% of the 668 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,821 miles.
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.
“The change in gears feels rough. It seems as if the gears are skipping or being forced. I was driving the vehicle and I went to accelerate the gas pedal pressed down but the car did not accelerate and the check engine light came on and started flashing. When accelerating the cars feels as if it is struggling.”
NHTSA complaint #11183338, filed 2019-03, 73,000 miles“The car dies while driving. It has happened at different speeds both on the freeway and on the streets. The gas pedal suddenly stops working, engine shuts off. When I pull to the side and turn the ignition off and then on again, the car starts working again. I took the car to the auto shop, but the issue wasn't identified after the inspection, test driving and code reading.”
NHTSA complaint #10734378, filed 2015-07, 139,500 miles“On my way to an appointment 1 day last yr, I had my air conditioner on then my car starts overheating. I was panicking, I had no idea what to do, especially since this was my first car. I barely got her in 2011 and I've had endless problems with her. When she runs good, she runs great but ohh when she has problems, she brings you absolute hell. It began as a slow leak & oddly enough only leaking sometimes. We took my Jetta to a shop in valencia and got the hoses and thermostat replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10631561, filed 2014-09, 95,000 miles“Beware of this used car - it needs serious mechanical work. I test drove it and realized that the transmission slips, the timing chain rattles, and the A/C did not work.”
NHTSA complaint #10560748, filed 2014-01, 86,642 miles“My ABS light has been on and I don't know how to get it to turn off. My traction control light has been on and don't know how to get it off. I have bought a new coil pack and spark plugs and spark plug wires and now my check engine has came back on.please help me with this car.thanks.god bless u.”
NHTSA complaint #11063377, filed 2018-01Related 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 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
117 complaintsEngine cooling
109 complaintsAir bags
97 complaintsExterior lighting
80 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
71 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
62 complaintsBody and structure
43 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsSeats
27 complaintsEquipment
19 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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