2002 Volkswagen Jetta Latches, locks and linkages Problems

“My 2002 vw Jetta tdi has many electrical problems. The one that might be a safety factor is the micro switches in the door latches. The doors with faulty switches don't know if there open or closed. When open the safety light on the door does not come on to alert oncoming vehicles that a door is open. If the switch stays on when the door is closed, the dome lights stay on until the battery is dead. The vw dealer just jerked me around until the warranty had expired. (fredericton vw). …”

“The driver's side door came loose while driving and even though it was seemingly shut properly when at a stop. Aside from the loud road noise, the door's ajar ding would startle me, particularly when at high speed on the (relatively smooth) highways. I have to slam the door several times in order to get the dinging to stop. Whenever the door rattled loose on the highway (which was unpredictable), I was worried that it was going to fly open. I had to pull over to attempt to close it. …”

“Way to many to list here. I have had problems from the start. More than $7000 worth of repair (plus more that was covered by warr) the final item that caused me to say I would never consider another vw product was the engine damage caused by a timing belt failure. All services were performed at the dealership. The users manual states inspection of the belt at services (that I paid for) and replacement at 120,000 miles. I only had 92,000 miles. It will cost $5,000 to repair the engine. It is not cost effective to repair this car. It was a great car to drive but quality control is poor at best.”

“Purchased used 2002 vw Jetta 1.8 turbo (5 speed) with 34,000 miles still under warranty. Taken to dealership for blown fuses (cigarette lighter), trunk latch, center console, and transmission repairs. Fuse problem was ongoing. Within a few months, a local mechanic installed a small boost gauge on the dash, which was wired into a 10 amp fuse. Within five days, the car was being backed out of the driveway when smoke began pouring from all the dash vents. The wire harness, fuse block, and controller components located behind the dash were destroyed by fire. …”