Door Latch problems of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta

Six problems related to door latch have been reported for the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Door Latch problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2006

Replaced ignition coil for the third time in as many years!! electric water pump replaced. Eater core exploded a couple months later while I was on the highway at 65 mph with my child in the car! couldn't see anything as car filled with antifreeze cloud. Belt driven water pump went a week later. Entire power steering rack needed to be replaced. Window regulator needed to be replaced twice. Door handle broke twice!.

2 Door Latch problem

Failure Date: 07/24/2005

I feel like my Jetta is a deathtrap. In the four years that I have owned it, I have had four of the power window mechanisms malfunction. Currently, the front passenger window is stuck shut, and the driver's side back window is stuck open! this is especially concerning because throughout the cold season, at least one, if not all of the doors will not open. People think my boyfriend is being a gentleman, but really, he has to walk around and let me out. This is not the frozen lock phenomenon common to many vehicles- the actual latch mechanism malfunctions. We have been repeatedly trapped in our car and had to climb out the window! the failures are so consistent, so expensive to repair (and the repairs do not last) that we drive around like this because cost of the repairs exceeds the value of the car. Help!.

3 Door Latch problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2003

Front driver and passenger doors will not open from inside or outside when it is too cold outside. Dealer says that the vaccuum actuators (whatever those are) are the problem and need to be replaced, at significant cost. Lso, driver's door lock came out completely with the key. Dealer replaced the lock. Also, coolant light flashes red when car is first started in cold weather. Coolant levels and fuse are ok. Also, side trim on front passenger door is coming loose from the door.

4 Door Latch problem

Failure Date: 02/12/1999

Door latches freeze and doors will not open from the inside or outside of the car - recurring design problem.

5 Door Latch problem

Failure Date: 04/21/1997

Driver's door would not open from inside. Feel free to provide any further information.

6 Door Latch problem

During cold weather both front door and trunk locks freeze up and consumer is unable to enter the car. Nlm.

Other Latches/locks/linkage related problems of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta

Door Latch problems	6
Hatchback/liftgate Lock problems	1
Latches/locks/linkage problems	1

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