Engine Turbo-charger Problems of Volkswagen Jetta

While driving from PA to boston my car's engine broke down in what appears to be a common issue with the vw 1. 8 liter turbo engines. The passat (from '98-'04) had an extended warranty on the issue because of this defect. I drive a '03 Jetta with vw's 1. 8 turbo engine, but because it's not a passat the warranty was not extended. I still have several months of payments on this car and it only has 70,000. All vw can/wants to do to help me is offer $1,500 in repairs or trade in. I'm looking at $7,200 and owe $1,600 on the car.

See all problems of the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

There was a large amount of smoke from the tailpipe right after the 75,000 mile cpo warranty ended. The smoke was caused by a faulty turbo. The turbo had been replaced at 49,000 miles and vw and an independent verified that the turbo was faulty. The dealership was asked to check the engine (under warranty) five times throughout the time after the first turbo was installed, they reported that all was fine. As soon as the warranty ended, they said that the turbo needed to be replaced. Vw has shifted all responsibility to me. Even though the car is burning oil, and affecting the catalytic converter, no warranties apply. The turbo needs to be replaced again, however, no one (including vw) can explain why it keeps failing, despite perfect maintenance.

September 2002 - leased 2002 vw Jetta 1. 8t. July 2003 - check engine light came on, ignition coils had to be replaced per recall. November 2003 - plumes of black smoke came out of tailpipe - they determined the oxygen sensor needed replacing. November 2003 - (a day later) smoke still coming out of tailpipe, they determined there was oil in the turbo, they had to remove and install new turbo charger and there was an oil leak, they had to remove and install oil line. November 2003- car making whoosing noise, had to rescure loose intake hose. May 2004 - replace breaklight switch per recall. July 2004 - drivers side window fell - had to have both windows and clamps replaced per recall. (if this had happened after hours, my car could have easily been vandilized, fortunately it was during the day and I was near the dealer so they were able to get them wedged shut before they could get the car in to be fixed. ) July 2004 (a day later) - battery died, got jumped and was towed to shop, it was determined I needed a new battery. No problems for almost a year, thought I was homefree. . . May 2005 - clacking noise in engine, sludge on dipstick and in oil fill cap. No oil light or check engine light ever came on. Had to also have hazard switch replaced per recall. I am currently waiting to see if they will cover the repairs under my warranty. My car needs to have the oil pan removed to see if there is any further damage. I was never told to you use synethic oil in my car and that apparently is the cause of the sludge problem. From looking online, it seems many more people than just myself have had this problem. Vw needs to recall this.

See all problems of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

Vehicle being driven on a highway and motor "blew up". Towed to dealership and told that it was faulty turbo due to sludge in the turbo. Dealership denied any responsibility claiming it was owner's problem because synthetic oil was not used.

Turbo has been having problems since Dec 2001 - volksw failed to diagnose problem correctly after $1100 worth of repairs. Turbo went out on vehicle, causing oil to not be circulated through the engine, and instead flowed straight into the exhaust. Volkswagen arranged to replace the engine in my vehicle per my warranty, but later changed their diagnosis and only replaced the turbo.

See all problems of the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

Engine check light has come on three (3) different times. First time was oxygen sensor, 2nd time was a valve on the turbo, and the 3rd time was the mass air flow sensor.