Two problems related to starter 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.
No events lead to this problem. The original battery in the vehicle was changed out due its age. Over the past 4 months I have changed out the battery twice. On more than at least 20 different times, I would go to my vehicle in the morning to start it up and the battery would be completely dead. No lights, radio or any other devices were left on in the vehicle, to drain the entire battery to nothing within the span of 10-12 hours. I have taken it the auto shop on several occasions to have a voltage test done on the battery, alternator and starter with negative results every time for a parasitic drain of the battery. The alternator is in perfect working order and does not need replacing. So far the has been nothing that can be done other than jump start the vehicle. During the 10 or so hours I am work and leave for the day, I have had absolutely no issues. If the vehicle is not driven over the weekend, come Monday morning it is dead. I have just recently changed out the battery and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it but yet its dead if left for more than 12 hours.
On 30 October 2006, I had to have my 2002 Volkswagen that was purchased brand new towed into the dealership. My car wouldn't start. Thought it was the battery, replaced the battery and it still wouldn't start. I had to have the power wire to the starter replaced. I'm being told by the dealership that it is very uncommon for this wire to be replaced. I just would like to know from Volkswagen have they received in other complaints. I think this is something of a manufacture defect.