VW Volkswagen Volkswagen Of America VW lemon 2003 Jetta Wichita Kansas

Purchased a brand new 2003 Jetta in October of 2002. In the first week, found out the speedo was off by three mph. Dealership won't fix because "its within Volkswagen's tolerance."

Then, the coil failed and was later recalled. The window fell in the door during the winter while driving. I had to drive in 30 degree weather for 35 miles to take it in.

Check engine light came on with "fun" sounds coming from the engine. Took to the dealership and they said the bolts came loose on the turbo gasket (at 15K miles!). They replaced it "as a favor."

The sun roof wouldn't close at one point, the arm rest broke, one of the remotes failed and the drivers seat started to fall apart. All within two months in 2004.

Then, the dealership started yanking my chain (Mike Steven VW in Wichita, KS). I spent all morning waiting for service that was supposed to start at 8:30. They finally told me it won't be done that day (I live 35 miles from the dealership, so this is a pretty big deal). The service manager corrected the issue by having someone come get the vehicle, maintain it and bring it back. However, they didn't bother to re-fasten the bolts on the dust panels under the engine and I lost one and drug another around. About this time the engine was making noises that the dealership said wasn't there.

I traded it in on a new Saturn and am much happier (found out the Saturn dealership sold it back to the VW dealership we got it from... serves them right).

Avoid (newer) VW's at all cost. Rethink any dealings with Mike Steven's "service" department, too. The sales department is very high pressure (just a "heads up").

Jeff
Newton, Kansas
U.S.A.