Eight problems related to ignition have been reported for the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Each time it rains heavy enough for water to splash underneath the car when driving (ie a puddle; splash for another vehicle driving by; car wash) - the car stalls, has to be towed and ends up having the ignition wires replaced. This has averaged about 1-2x per year since I bought the car in August of 1996.
It seems that on a very rainy day or a damp day the car stalls or doesn't start at all. I get a "check engine" light that comes on as well. I brought the car in to koppell vw in nyc and they always blame the heated O2 sensor for the "check engine" light. They also have changed the ignition wires, rotor and rotor cap for the stall. It has been an on and off problem since then. The O2 sensor has been changed 4 times and the ignition wires, rotor and cap have been changed 6 times. I would like to have this problem solved. The car is still protected under the original manufacturer's warranty but it seems they (koppell vw in nyc or vw themselves) don't want to honor the warranty. Thank you.
Ignition was sticking. Driving at 55 going to turn headlights on,there are none. Pull over turn car off and keep restarting. Wipers the same. Brought in for repair. Told ignition sticking. Replace at my cost. Never tried while driving but experimented at a stop. If car is running and you lightly touched ignition. . . Car would shut off. This I assume would also happen when driving. I was quite a few customers were bringing in their car with this problem.
Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. When driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. This problem is intermittent. At times, will not function at all. Consumer has contacted the dealer . Also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. In addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. Engine check light comes on/off.
Driver's door drops when opened, problem with sheet metal inside door, told by dealer metal is not correct size to carry weight of door; drops 1/4 inch, rattles inside while driving; also, engine intermittently hesitates at all speeds.
Periodically vehicle stalls with no warning including at intersections. Area dealers have made several attempts for remedy failure. Please describe details.
The ignition switch would not allow key to turn all the way. The switch would wear out over time of usage. Ts.
Engine is misfiring and stalling when driving at any speed.