Automatic Transmission problems of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta

2002 Volkswagen Jetta. Consumer writes to express discontent regarding repairs at local dealer the consumer stated three days after retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, for maintenance work, the vehicle broke down on the highway. The problem was determined to be the alternator. The consumer stated he was involved in a hit-and run accident in which the rear end impact caused damage to the transmission. The consumer stated even though the vehicle was repaired, he continued to experience problems with the transmission. Updated 12/08/11.

Vehicle lost power at highway speed. Further application of the throttle caused the transmission to second from fourth, causing the vehicle to rapidly decelerate from 70 to 40 mph, at which point the engine resumed normal operation. This happened several times in the span of an hour, and is entirely intermittent. Three vw dealers are at a complete loss for an explanation. The ecu does not return a fault code. This problem occurs completely at random, regardless of fuel level, incline, or throttle position. The only consistency is that it has never happened at a speed over 50 mph.

First issue, the engine is burning oil. I've noticed that my car engine started burning oil when it had about 50,000 miles on it. It took me almost two years to prove to the vw dealership mechanics that the engine is burning oil. At 73,000 miles the vw dealership mechanics rebuilt the engine. My oil consumption normalized. Now, at around 115,000 miles, I've noticed that the engine started burning oil again. 1,800 miles after an oil change, jiffy lube mechanic had to add 2. 5qt of oil. Shouldn't the engine last at least 100,000 miles after rebuild? it seems that this engine only lasts 45,000 miles. This feels like a major defect and vw has to recall the engine. Second issue, my car is only 8 years old but it's on its third transmission. I had to replace transmission at 32,000 miles and again at 73,000 miles. I'm at 115,000 and I'm getting very worried because I'm starting to feel little jerks. This looks to be a 40,000 miles transmission. How can vw do this to consumers? it would seem reasonable to me if this transmission gets recalled. I'm not even mentioning many other malfunctions. One of which includes getting flooded during rainy season. I can't believe my car, 2002 vw Jetta 2. 0l GLS was allowed to be on the market.

According to carfax report, maintenance has been regular. I maintained car appropriately. All of sudden major sporadic shifting issues began occurring around 140,000k with 3rd gear causing the car to jerk and lose power each time it attempts 3rd gear. This has occurred with me at numerous stop lights in city causing traffic behind me to slam on brakes to avoid a collision.

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle would experience problems shifting from first to second gear. The vehicle would not move forward as well. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were approximately 105,000. Updated 1/25/11 updated 02/07/11.

Loss of power on freeway, without warning. Vehicle lost power, then, while attempting to restore power by 'pumping' the accelerator, shifted into second gear, resulting in a very rapid deceleration from 70 mph to 45 mph. This occurred twice in one hour, at both times requiring following motorists to swerve severely to avoid.

I have spent over 9000. 00 since 2004 on repairs on my vw Jetta. I complained to the authorized repair shop that my car had to warm up when it was 90 degrees outside for it run without slowing down and almost stopping. I took my car in had bushings replaced and they said my temperature sensor needed replacing. When I got the car back I was having the same problem. I took the car back now they are saying that I need a valve body replaced to the tune of $1600. 00. Even then there is no guarantee the problem will be fixed. The other option is to get a new transmission replaced for $3500. 00. I honestly think all of these cars are lemons and I would never buy another Volkswagen product in my life.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1. 8t transmission shifts irregular transmission problems.

Our 2002 Jetta suddenly developed transmission problems even before completing 57,000 miles. The car jerks while changing gears during acceleration in the speed range of 15 30 miles. From the information found on the internet, and from opinions obtained informally from independent garages, we believe that the 2002 Jetta has a history of similar transmission problems in the 55k 65k mile range. The repair entails replacing the automatic transmission for a cost of around 6000 dollars. Though the car has not even run 57,000 miles, vw has refused to take responsibility of fixing it for free because the 6-year warranty period has expired. Vw refused to provide us with any information of the number of reports they had about this issue. Vw offered us 1000 dollars toward the purchase of another vw vehicle but refused to pay us if we repaired our car for a lower price at an independent garage. We interpreted their offer as a marketing strategy to make us give them more business. The car problems have disrupted our lives because we did not anticipate having to invest more money after making a large investment of 25,000 dollars just a few years ago. 31 complaints have been already filed with the NHTSA on transmission issues for the 2002 Jetta, prior to this one. What will it take for the NHTSA to start an investigation into the problem? is there any way to make vw release data regarding customer complaints about the transmission, knowing that the repairs are so expensive? it is unfair that vw denies responsibility for what could be a known problem with their cars. We owned three other japanese cars previously that were far cheaper than the Jetta, and gave us far superior service. Buying a Jetta was obviously a mistake.

I own a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1. 8t at 56000 miles the transmission went out of it and at 56000 this shouldn't happen I have it at a transmission shop and they found metal shavings in the pan has their been a recall on this problem and if not can I get some assistance getting this problem fixed because at 56000 miles this should have never happened sense I've owned this car it has been nothing but trouble very unhappy with the way the Volkswagen dealer byers in columbus ohio and the Volkswagen of amercia is handling this problem the code we get is po730 I would truly appreciate some help with getting this fixed thank you tom.

I purchased the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta in August of 2006. The first set of repairs was on 3/2007 at 64,332 mi check engine light mulitple misfires: p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304 replaced ignition coils cost: $200. 11 second repair took place in April of 2007 took car in for recall - replacement of brake light switch check engline light was back on - replaced temp. Sensor cost: $199. 33 car was jerking into gear, downshifting hard and sluggish. Brought car into dealserhsip in April 2008 worn strut brushings needs rear pads needs rotors check engline light on again needs new coils again spark plugs temp sensor again new t-stat fans not working hoses under intake broken needs new transmission diagnosis cost: $149. 21 estimated cost of repair: $6,500. 00.

At about 65,000 miles my car would sometimes get stuck in park. It felt like I was trying to drive with the parking brake on. Then it stopped going in reverse. The shops in my area don't work on vw's due to their complicated trans. The dealer told me they don't repair any transmissions, that they can only replace it at a cost of $4500. I took a loan from my 401k, paid it thinking it would last, and sure enough this one is going too! it only had a warranty of 12000 miles. . . Seems fishy since it's new. Never will I buy a vw again.

Related to htsa 10024548. 2002 Jetta stalls and has transmission issues between 2nd and 3rd gears which makes controlling the car difficult when trying to accelerate from a stopped position. Took this issue to dealer but they recommended other service which is not needed. The sudden loss of power and then the fast gear shift from 2nd to 3rd can be a real issue in stop and go traffic as it is hard to control the car. Lucky no accidents but a few close calls including merging into highway traffic. Have to use very low speeds to avoid this hard shifting issue.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1. 8turbo automatic transmission. Transmission shifts hard from 3rd to 4th gear. Needs new transmission. $4500.

2002 vw Jetta vr6 2. 8 ever since we purchased the car in sept. 07 we have a recurring problem with the car completely dying in intersection or idling with a/c on or just when running. When this occurs the dash resets and car shuts off and locks up. You have to turn to car off and put in park to restart. Very dangerous for my children and I to travel anywhere when I drive a hour to work each day. I also know a previous owner of the same year car the had the same exact problems and had to sell because after thousands of $ it was never able to be repaired. Also the car feels like to transmission is going out. This car was promised to be safe dependable and had been nothing but problems. We luckily have not had a accident yet but several very close calls. The vw deal cant seem to find the problem they insist they don't know what is causing it. They replace things and nothing works. Incident still occurring.

I have a 2002 vw Jetta gl 2. 0. It only has 83,000 miles on it and the transmission is acting up on it already. When I took it to the dealership the only suggestion they could give me is to replace the transmission($3k - $6k) I have read that there have been multiple problems with the 2002 model years pertaining to the transmission. Mine won't shift from park into reverse, I have to go from park to drive, let it shift, then from drive to reverse, and that sometimes takes three or four tries. While driving if I am at a stop light, when I begin to accelerate, there is a pause between when I press the accelerator and the giant lunge forward the car makes as it shifts into gear. It also shifts very hard between all gears while driving.

I purchased my daughter a brand new 2002 vw Jetta, and most recently she has had some major problems with her vehicle. This was her1st vehicle and I taught her the importance of regular maint of her vehicle. But as I stated above it appears that her efforts have been for not. In the past 3 months the vehicle has been taken to the vw dealership 3 xs, and it is currently at the dealer, all for the same problem, the vehcile hard jerking when attempting to accelerate, the vehcile turning off at a stop sign or light and when she is topped in a turning lane - which is of course the most dangerous concern of mine especially if it dies out with oncoming traffic. The 1st two visits the dealer stated they found no problem. This visit (the 3rd) to dealer my daughter drove the service mgr in the vehicle & he witnessed the problem. We recieved a call saying they needed to look at a diagnostic of the transmission which of course would be at a cost of $330 regardless of what was found! ( a vw rip off ) & as I suspected the diagonistic came back requiring the replacement of the transmission at a cost of $3800 (warranty exp oct 06), she has 60k+ miles . I am in shock I have owned over10 brand new autos in my lifetime, & have never had a transmission replaced all exceeding 85k miles. I began educating myself which led me to your web site to review either recalls or other compaints & to my surprise I found a large number of the same complaint . But it appears that if there has been no injuries yet or deaths the number does not make a diff. I am registering this complaint because my next action will be to an attorney, the idea that I would have to wait until my child is injured or possibly killed before the NHTSA will consider this as a problem is amazing to me.

I own a 2002 1. 8t automatic Jetta with 75000 miles. Yesterday I was told it needed a new transmission. I use this car for basic transportation, and have maintained regular upkeep. I am appalled that I have to spend $5,000 to fix a faulty transmission. I have been doing research and it seems that a lot of Jettas have this problem, especially the turbos. How can Volkswagen get away with this? I would like to start a class action suit. Something needs to be done to correct this matter!.

I own a 2002 Jetta 1. 8t and started having some intermittent problems with shifting from park into reverse or 1st and 2nd gears, pausing or jerking into gear. The problem started a couple months ago when the car had about 52,000 miles on it and was out of warranty by about 5 months. The problem became increasingly frequent and I took it to the dealer yesterday and was told that I need a whole new transmission. They said the transmission fluid bunt and ha debris in it". I have always done the scheduled maintenance on the vehicle , at the dealership, no less, and have never abused the transmission in any way. The car only has 54,000 miles on it! the service representative at the dealership called Volkswagen and stated he really went to bat for me ,and that volkswsgen has agreed to cover 65% of the repair, which in the range of $5,000+. So I will still be paying at least $1750. 00 to replace a fairly young transmission. I feel vw must know there is a defect in the transmission to even offer to pay for part of the repair, and judging by the other complaints this is a serious problem. I have been reading other complaints and it seemed that the transmission was painted with a metallic paint that disintegrated with high heat/temperatures and that it broke down, flakes off and damaged the transmission. This has to be a manufacturer's defect.

Transmission problems. Car sputters and jumps. Dealer first worked on the gear shift. Then they replaced spark plugs and the battery to try to fix the problem. Recently said there was a leak and replaced the crankcase vent pipes. Still have the same problem.

I own a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1. 8t, since I bought the vehicle 2 years ago I used to get a minimal knock in the transmission from 2nd to 3rd gear, I asked the dealer to check it out and try to find out if this was normal. After the 1st year I noticed the knock a little harder but paid no mind to it because dealer said it was normal and vw said it was normal, until the day I brought it back to the vw dealership and told them about the problem I was having, moments later instead of just checking the transmission to its fullest they replaced a recalled brake switch and said that this was causing the knock in the transmission with a bill of almost 2,000 dollars I figured finally I get my transmission to work better because I was getting sick and tired of getting whiplashed by the knock that's how bad it is till this day. In approximate two days I get the same knock in the transmission and im like OH man I thought they fixed this problem, I spoke with a service manager who said "well bring it in again and if we missed anything we will take care of it at no extra charge". . Read more...

The transmission broke on my 2002 Jetta tdi (automatic) while I was driving home from the u. S. Marine corps base, barstow, California. It only has 66,500 miles on it. I believe the desert vw dealership is responsible because they did not check the transmission thoroughly as I requested two months ago. Vw America is not helping me at all with my request to have this reviewed by them. The dealers tell me to call vw America and vw America tells me to call the dealers.

I was driving to work when my 2002 voklswagen Jetta hit a bump in the road/pothole and the passenger airbag went off. I got out to inspect if I hit anything since I wasn't sure because of the airbag going off. I got out of the car and there was nothing in the road besides a pothole that everyone else hit as well on the off ramp. There was not a scratch of damage or any impact at all. I just bought this car a little over 2 months ago and it was already back to the dealer for a broken power window and twice for the transmission. I am fed up with this car. There is only 25,000 miles on the car and an airbag should not go off for a pothole. I went to a different vw dealer and they said it's not a warranty issue and it would cost $800 - $1,000 to fix. This is ridiculous that I will have to pay for something like this for normal use of the car.

Reported vehicle jumps when acelerating or changing gears. Manual transmission. Took on several occasions found nothing wrong. Now my cruise control will not stay at a steedy speed when turned on. Noticed on 95 when driving 70-75mph. Vehical accelerates by itself when using cruise control and then slows down. Dealership says they can't drive the vehical that fast. There's nothing they can do.

I own a Volkswagen Jetta 1. 8 turbo, 2002. It is at 29,000 miles currently. Since 14,000 miles it has had a shaking problem that occurs when the vehicle is started and put in gear. The brake must be pressed for the shaking to occur. The latest incident had the acr shaking so hard that it was impossible to drive. When the vehicle warms up, it stops. Different problems have been blamed for the problem, such as the faulty ignition coils recalled by vw, the engine timing, and now the transmission. This car has a history of failing transmissions and is unsafe. I am seeking a full refund plus license and registration fees. Volkswagen's customer care line is inefficient and does not follow up on problems, nor does it allow a customer to speak to one person regarding all of their issues. This major problem is accompanied by several other kinds of failures--radio, horn, several other fuses, and air intake. Vw does not take notice of its customers, and further action with larger entities must occur for any kind of resolution to be reached.

Automatic transmission on my vw Jetta tdi (2002) failed at ~71,000 miles with no warning. I drive in non-city, open highway conditions with no stress to the transmission. The transmission is sealed, so there has never been a way to check the transmission fluid. Dealer says since the unit is sealed, no repairs can be made. . . Only replace the whole unit for ~ $4,300. I'm 40 years old and have never heard of a trasmission failing so soon and when then vehicle has never been driven in conditions stressful to the transmission. This was my first try at a vw product and my last. The manufacturer has pathetic customer service as I called to see if this was normal for vw transmissions and to see if they would pay for a part of the cost and was told "nothing vw can do, the warranty ended at 60,000 miles. " this will be the last time I buy from a company that makes me pay thousands of dollars for a failed transmission that clearly was faulty. I don't know if the original transmission is still at the dealer as I have not yet picked up the vehicle. The car is still sitting there until I feel less angry over the fact of the cost and vw's poor customer service attitude. I would have thought vw would have rather paid for their defecticve transmission (e few thousand dollars is nothing to a large corporation) rather than all the negative publicity from me and my family to everyone we ever talk to about vw as a company and their product.

Everyday for the last couple of months, the transmission has been giving me problems. When the car goes to shift from 1st to 2nd, the car jerks. This happens again going from 3rd to 4th. Between gears it takes a long time for the next gear to catch and when it finally does, it jerks the whole car. The dealership told me this normal and that nothing could be done about it. I have done many searches and have found that lots of people have had the same problem. *.

Vehicle was equipped with an asr light and when driving on a smooth road the asr light will come on ,and the vehicle will down shift. Took vehicle to the dealer, and was told that after examining the vehicle there was nothing they could do. They were completely baffled, cleared out the codes, and replaced the brake light modules, but were unable to solve the transmission problem. Also, heated seats overheated. Consumer wa s furious.

Epc warning light came on while driving. When this occurred, tail lights and brake lights were not functioning. When I arrived at my destination I parked my car as usual. When I returned to my car, it started, but I could not shift out of park. I called the roadside assistance number. They instructed me to hit the brake with my foot as hard as possible. This allowed me to shift out of park. They also suggested that I take my car to the dealer as soon as possible for service.

At 70000 miles, Jetta GLS sedan with automatic transmission stopped being able to shift into reverse and started revving hard between 1st and 2nd. Dealership claims no knowledge of the problem, though these forums are full of reports of similar problems. After a series of expensive tests (400$ total) dealership recommends a new transmission to the tune of 5000$, which is approximately 70% of the car's blue book value. Despite the numerous complaints vw refuses to acknowledge the issue or compensate those who have experienced it.

I bought the car 3 days later the problem(s) started. And they have been going ever since. Shifting hard, display lights, would not start, wondows would not roll down, or iff they did, they made a loud thud.

I purchased this car for my daughter. The major problems are complaints of having trouble stopping. I was concerned so I drove it and immediately I heard a grinding noise and felt a vibration while applying the brakes. I took it to a local firestone tire and they felt the vibration and heard the grinding noise but the brake pads looked good so they advised me to take it to the dealer, as it was probably a warranty issue. I took it to the dealer and they charged me $37. 00 to tell me that the rotors were warped and it's not covered by warranty. I was advised vw is aware of this problem. (why charge me $37. 00 for a problem that (they know) they have?). How can this happen on a brand new car that doesn't even need it's first set of brake pads? I am still not sure what to make of the braking problem. The rotors were just discovered because I was complaining of a braking problem. Secondly,while driving, the car jerks back and forth and sometimes jolts. I am concerned as to what this could be. The dealer has no idea. I paid $27,000 for this car to insure my child's safety. I am now wondering just how safe it is.

While driving at 40 mph transmission locked up. As a result, driver sustained a cervical strain injury.