Door Latch problems of the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta

The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while traveling 25 mph, the drivers side door indicator sounded throughout the vehicle and the drivers side door ajar warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact mentioned that when activating the headlights there would be an abnormal noise. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was diagnosed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 135,000.

Driver side power door lock malfunctions. It does not always lock as it is supposed to when done with remote or when car reaches speed for auto-lock feature. May lock when it shouldn't as well-- locking you in vehicle and/or setting off alarm.

Continuing problem-random occurrences: all doors will lock unexpectedly and alarm system arms itself. This has happened on numerous unexpected occasions without any activation by remote locking key fob. Doors will lock with driver or passenger(s) inside or outside the vehicle. Attempting to start the engine or open doors will trigger the alarm after the doors have automatically locked and armed. Starter is disabled when alarm is triggered. Safety concern from being locked out of car unexpectedly. Car has locked with keys in the car and driver outside of car, such as at gas station filling tank. Panic is induced when driver inadvertently triggers the alarm when trying to start the engine while unaware that the car has automatically locked itself and armed the alarm. Fear of small child being trapped inside car when auto locking/auto arming occurs.

On our 2001 Volkswagen Jetta model, the driver door latch failed which is tied into the alarm, the cabin interior lights, open door warning chime, etc. On most automobiles, this is a simple switch built into the door jamb. But on this poorly engineered vehicle, it's built into the door latch in the door, resulting in the entire door having to be taken apart to get to this part, a $250-350 repair bill. I called 3 vw dealerships to get estimates, and all three service departments told me within the first minute on the phone what the problem was and that it was fairly common. Three year old vehicles should not have these kinds of problems, nor should this mechanism have ever been engineered into a part that gets slammed shut repeatedly day in and day out. Amazing! we are unsure if the latch itself is safe or not and have decided to park the vehicle. As I feel this is a serious safety issue, I called vw service reps about the problem but to no avail. Any help your agency can be in this matter would be helpful. This isn't my first unusual problem with this vehicle. Sincerely, todd & gwen whatley tri-cities, wa.

This summer my left rear door became inoperable. In late October the turn signals began operating intermittently. On a cold and rainy day this November my 2001 Jetta with 37000 miles stalled while making a left turn. I restarted and completed my turn, thinking I had just let out the clutch too fast. The car was a bit sluggish and a 1/2 mile down the road the check engine light came on. I took the car to the dealer on November 30 and was shocked not only at the problems but that they were not coverered by any warranty. The total repair bill was over $1000 dollars. The ignition coil pack needs replaced for $740. The hazard light switch needs replaced for $77. Just to find out what is wrong with the door requires a charge of $188 dollars. These problems have been mentioned several times on your website. I guess I just hit the trifecta.

Driver's side door lock malfunctioned. It will open from the outside only. If you are in side the passenger can not exit the vehicle which is still under warranty but will not cover this defect, which was eligible up to 24,000 miles.

I own a vw Jetta 2001 vr6. I have had to replace my rear brake pads at only 20,000 miles to me a very premature wear problem. The dealer refused to repair them at no cost to me due to the premature wear of the brake pads. The repairs to the brake pads cost me $200. 00. The check engine light has come on on the same vw Jetta. To find out I know have to pay $292. 20 to have the maf sensor replaced on a car that has only 22,500 miles. I am trying to seek reimbursement from vw of America for these expenses. In addition this year I also had to pay $300. 00 to have the passenger door latch repaired as the spring broke that allowed me to open the door with the door handle. Regardless, my car is kept in pristine condition, and in no way should I be incurring these type of repairs on a vehicle that has only 20k miles on the odometer. Please help me.

Interior console paint peeling, fabric fading, engine rattle noise, window actuator failure and noise, thermastat, fuel door actuator, seat springs snap, brake pad excessive wear, a/c runs hot.

Numerous problems with 2001 vw Jetta, purchased new in June, 2001. Including : windows sporadically malfunctioning (when I called vw corporate as well as my local dealer, I was told that after the dealer evaluated problem I could be responsible for the labor charge depending on the outcome of their diagnosis!!); trunk latch has been replaced once (out of warranty) and now latch does not respond to remotes nor to the inside release on driver door; driver door lock does not respond to remotes nor to control on driver door (the other three door locks are presently functioning); interior coating on plastic door handles and center console began to peel within six months of delivery; center console latch broke long ago; check engine light comes on/off sporadically (brought car to certified mechanic but problem undiagnosed); a wax substance was constantly running into doorwells; vw dealer replaced coil, cables and buffer in response to rough engine idle complaint and I incurred all costs and inconvenience of car in shop , this at 72,000 miles,hazard lights malfunctioned; turn signals malfunctioned; now I hear of a brake light recall and an emergency light switch problem. I am just realizing recently that I am not alone with my Jetta problems, that numerous jjetta owners are having the same problems ( I researched on internet) . Vw customer service not helpful at all in resolving these problems.

The lock on the driver side door did not lock with the key or the automatic locking system. The consumer had to lock the vehicle on the passenger side.