Three problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Past year: auto door locks failed, could not open either front door; transmission failed, exhaust system rusted out, headlights out, signals out, wheel bearings need replaced, air bag light stays on, have not been able to drive car in nearly 1 year, required nearly $5000 worth of damage.
Vehicle's transmission failed. The transmission had gone out when it was under warranty. It had taken three weeks to get the vehicle back at that time. The following year, the vehicle started to jerk. The vehicle was out of warranty. It wasn't until the vehicle stopped again, the consumer was told the transmission had leaked. There were numerous repairs. The vehicle was placed in the shop for the timing belt and the cylinder head. The vehicle also had to be taken in for a protective shield in the right rear wheel housing. The distributor cap, ignition rotor, and the spark plugs were replaced. Repair was also made to the wire for the ignition coil/cam shaft. The ignition switch was replaced and the engine control modules.
When attempting to accelerate from a stop light vehicle was very sluggish and moved slowly. Dealer performed diagnostic testing and determined that the transmission had failed.