Three problems related to automatic transmission control module have been reported for the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta based on all problems reported for the 2003 Jetta.
Having worked in vw dealerships my transmission control module is failing at only 130,000 miles on it which has been an ongoing issue and complaint by many. When it acts up it won't upshift or will drop down into low gear and one has to worry about being rear ended when this condition occurs.
2003 vw Jetta at 40k miles trans had to be replaced in Feb 06, June 06 same symptoms, told by dealer not to be concerned that the sensors take time to adjust to new trans, emissions light on dealer says not to worry if it does not stay on, continue to call,with same response. Dec 06 car loses power on interstate takes two wks to make an appt to get into dealer, told it is now the transmission control module, vw will not warranty although this part was not chkd when trans replaced, told this part is the brain to trans it tells trans when to shift. Dealer and vw of no help. Looked at consumer affairs on the internet noticed huge amount of people having same problems as I same year same model. The ecm light stays on and is not emitting smoke.
On December 14th of 2002 I purchased a 2003 vw Jetta from smith vw on kirkwood highway delaware. Although they handled all my transactions and vehicle delivery poorly, I chose to overlook in thinking I will not be dealing with them again. Since then, I have had the following problems with my car: ⷠin two separate incidents I had a flat tire. In one case the jack fell over while the car was on it due to high wind. These incidents took place in the winter when we had heavy snow. Later I discovered that my tires were overinflated. I did not touch them since I bought my car and have been for an oil change a month prior at vw. I stopped going to smith vw and started using garnet vw after this. · on the night of August 6th at 9:30pm I got into my car and I could not switch out of park. This was a scary situation because some frick was standing at my window asking me for money. He finally left, but I was stranded waiting for a tow truck. Roadside will tow your car, but they do not drive you home. · in mid August my keyless key battery did not work. I was in va at the time. · on August 25th during rush hour my epc light came on resulting in sudden loss in vehicle power. Luckily I was in an area that I could pull over. Vw found nothing wrong with the car. · on September 8th during rush hour again my epc light came on resulting in sudden loss in power. This time vw replaced the engine control module. At this time I also filed a formal complaint to vw corporation and also spoke to gm at garnet vw. · on November 22nd I took my car in because of hesitation while increasing speed from 20 mph to 40 mph. A vw technician took a ride with me and agreed of the problem. I am schedule for service in December. This is delayed mainly due to my work schedule, but I have been experiencing this problem since my last visit. I will be sending you a follow up note with more information later this week.