Three problems related to engine failure 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.
We purchased an 03 vw Jetta wagon approx. 2. 5 years ago. We changed the oil at the dealer every 5000 miles. We missed one oil changed and the engine stalled on the road. It was towed to a vw mechanic. We were told it a had total engine failure do to sludge-which they said was lack of maintenance. We paid 16,000 for the car, it had 40,000 miles on it, we put 20,000 miles on it. We contacted a lawyer and we were told there isn't anything we can do-it was sold as is. We contacted vw America and they told us Jettas' don't have the sludge problem, it's the passat with the 1. 8t engine that has the problem. My research shows it's the 1. 8t engine that is the problem regardless of the car it's in. We have no recourse. The car now sits in our drive way with new tires and a broken engine. A new motor plus installation would cost more than the car is worth. Once again the working people get screwed.
2003 Volkswagen Jetta 1. 8 turbo, engine failure due to sludge formation.
I am complaining about failure of the ignition coils on a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta ( ) with the 1. 8 liter turbo engine. Vw has already recalled a number of Jettas of this vintage and with this engine for replacement of defective ignition coils. However, they have refused to pay for replacement of the coils on this car. One failed causing the engine to run poorly. The dealer recommended replacing all four coils at a cost of $384. 48. The car only had 23,726 miles at the time of the failure. This defect can cause immediate engine failure. Clearly, the vw dealer believed that the coils are subject to unexpected failure at low mileage even though vw of America refuses to recall the particular vehicle.