Two problems related to transmission 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.
I have a 2003 vw Jetta tdi. I have always had it serviced on time and have kept it well maintained, I have 78,000 miles on it. The speed sensor in the transmission has failed and Volkswagen refuses to fix it. I worry because the doors not lock correctly because of this and I am not aware at the speed I travel because the gauges have failed. My biggest worry is that if I were to have an accident the airbags would not work because the car does not know how fast it is going. If this were a normal item like breaks, tires or something that has normal wear and tear I would understand but its not. It is a mechanical problem what I vital function of the car. I really feel that vw should cover the cost or at least split it with me. What do I need to do?.
This is in regard to tiptronic transmission failure at 77,000 miles. After the vehicle was fully paid off and 17k miles after warranty had expired. While I was driving vehicle would stay in 1st and 2nd gear and give a big jolt when going into 3rd and 4th while still cold, only after engine would heat up without any stops would it perform sub par. Previous to this I had have no complaints. Dealer quoted $5600 to rebuild transmission and independent shop $2500. I was informed I had a worn clutch and in 2008 I rebuild the transmission and continued having the same issue. After thousands of dollars spent on this vehicle on April 12 of 2012 I sent it the junkyard. I will follow up and send more hard copies documents to NHTSA as I have my entire service records from 2003 - 2012 to submitt. There are 100's of other american car owners with tiptronic transmission experiencing same issues and its apparent that it is faulty manufacturing. I'm attaching several pdf documents with articles and other similar costumer complaints. I have all my service records and will submit hard copies separately however wanted to get the complaint started here. The year of my vehicle was never included but its obvious this issue has been happening longer then previous recalls.