Three problems related to manual transmission have been reported for the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Problem with manual transmission not shifting into reverse; difficult to shift into and out of reverse and second gear,forcing you to double clutch to enable shifting. Ticking sound when in reverse. This resulted in chipped and pitted reverse idle gear and gear teeth missing. Also, shifter lever vibrating, becoming loose and eventually breaking off. Vehicle also recalled for a fire protective shield in the right rear wheel housing. Vehicle in shop for over a month due to litigation with penn warranty corp. Refusing to repair, stating damage was due to driver misuse.
The transmission pops out of 5th gear unexpectedly ussually at speeds over 50 mph. This leads to a sudden loss of acceleration and could lead to panic and a loss of control.
I have had this serviced before, and still having problems.