Two problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Every summer especially during 90 degree temperature, the temperature guage moves to highest setting and often times vehicle completely shut off to cool down. Vehicle will starts again after cooling down. This happens only during hot summers.
Electronic thermostatically controlled fan vibrations caused the electrical connection to become unreliable in vehicle. Eventually this connection was completely severed causing the fan to become inoperable leading to engine overheating. Before the connection failed completely, a spark would be created when the radiator temperature switch or the air conditioning switch would send power to the fan. I believe this is a safety problem that could have led to an engine fire.