Two problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta based on all problems reported for the 2002 Jetta.
While driving the engine began to make a loud noise. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer who found that the motor mounts were broken and caused the engine to fall to the ground. The dealer replaced the engine, engine block, timing belt and the lower shield. Also at 59,000 the manual transmission had to be replaced because the consumer could not shift into reverse.
Beginning three years ago the owner noticed that when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, the car would jerk and jolt. After 2nd gear the shifting was fine. When shifting into reverse there was also a jerk and jolt. The first time the owner noticed it was in town on a main road. The problem is intermittent but frequent. Dealer evaluated the vehicle and they test drove it and found the condition normal. Then last Thursday July 7 2005 the vehicle made a loud mechanical noise like a grinding sound when shifting from 1st to 2nd, also when shifting into reverse. Then the owner contacted a mechanic and they test drove it, and then they reported it is a seriuos problem with transmission. Then the dealer instructed owner to bring it back to dealership. It is now 2000 miles past warranty. Dealer advises that there is a broken part in the transmission that has become lodged. The transmission needs to be replaced according to dealer at a cost of $4,500. Onwer contacted vw of America and they reported since it is past warranty, there is nothing they can do to help with the repair cost. Owner sent a fax to dealer stating that he needs documentation of what is exactly wrong with the vehicle. The return fax stated that there is no way to determine what the exact problem unless the transmission is taken apart. So owner wonders what did dealership tell the Volkswagen company . The vehicle is being taken to a mechanic. The dealer left a message that there is a tow truck there to pick up the vehicle but the dealership has dented the underside of the vehicle and it needs to be returned to dealership. The vehicle is now at the transmission shop.