Three problems related to engine turbo-charger 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.
While driving from PA to boston my car's engine broke down in what appears to be a common issue with the vw 1. 8 liter turbo engines. The passat (from '98-'04) had an extended warranty on the issue because of this defect. I drive a '03 Jetta with vw's 1. 8 turbo engine, but because it's not a passat the warranty was not extended. I still have several months of payments on this car and it only has 70,000. All vw can/wants to do to help me is offer $1,500 in repairs or trade in. I'm looking at $7,200 and owe $1,600 on the car.
There was a large amount of smoke from the tailpipe right after the 75,000 mile cpo warranty ended. The smoke was caused by a faulty turbo. The turbo had been replaced at 49,000 miles and vw and an independent verified that the turbo was faulty. The dealership was asked to check the engine (under warranty) five times throughout the time after the first turbo was installed, they reported that all was fine. As soon as the warranty ended, they said that the turbo needed to be replaced. Vw has shifted all responsibility to me. Even though the car is burning oil, and affecting the catalytic converter, no warranties apply. The turbo needs to be replaced again, however, no one (including vw) can explain why it keeps failing, despite perfect maintenance.
Vehicle being driven on a highway and motor "blew up". Towed to dealership and told that it was faulty turbo due to sludge in the turbo. Dealership denied any responsibility claiming it was owner's problem because synthetic oil was not used.