Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System Problems of Volkswagen Jetta

The power assist for this tdi vehicle has failed multiple times under several different circumstances. Most often, it occurs when applying the cruise control at speeds of less than 70mph and also when having to rapidly decellerate or move along with city related traffic. Most often, the check engine light comes on, but by the time it does, I already know there is a problem. I have no passing gear, and to accelerate from a stop to 60 mph takes a minute or more. Typically, when the problem occurs, if I stop the vehicle, turn it off, and crank it again, the problem is resolved until the circumstances which bring about the problem are re-enacted. It will usually take several cycles of the engine being cranked and turned off before the check engine light will turn itself off. I purchased the vehicle used with about 35,000 miles on it and the problem occurred about 100 miles from the dealership. After having the vehicle in for repeated repairs, I've since come to learn that similar problems were occurring with the vehicle prior to my purchasing it (were not disclosed at purchase), according to service records.

See all problems of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

Engine shut off completely while driving about 40 mph with no warning. Lost power assisted steering.

See all problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

Engine shut off completely while driving about 45 mph with no warning. Lost power assisted steering.

Power steering began making a wheezing, strained noise after the 20000 mile service. Passenger side window regulator broke and window fell into the door; regulator was replaced by warranty.

See all problems of the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

Car dies while driving at any speeds no power-brakes or steering.

The rear passenger window regulator has broken (twicein the rear and once in front) where the plastic is molded to the metal. The hydraulic steering unit started leaking at the seals of the unit causing the rubber boot to disintergrate. Loss of power steering resulted. Volkswagen requires replacement of the whole unit including tie rod ends (not repairable). Fuel storage tank is leaking somewhere between the car and the tank.

See all problems of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

See all problems of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

If battery is overfilled or leaks and drips onto the power steering reservoir the resevoir will fail. This failure is catastrophic in nature and can cause the loss of power steering, vehicle control and extensive damage to the power steering pump. The loss of fluid occured on my vehicle with only 9 months of service. Fortunately the car was parked and the power steering pump was not impacted. The dealer support at randy hiley Volkswagen in arlington texas was immediate and thorough. After discussion, Volkswagen refunded all but the towing charges for this repair through randy hiley Volkswagen in arlington, texas. On the 1999 model the part has been moved from underneath the battery. Dealership service department personnel indicated that this was not the 1st time this failure had to be repaired at their franchise. My concern is that this repair cured the immediate symptom but what happens if acid contacts this component again during routine maintenance, later life battery changeout etc. The part is still located beneath the battery. The material of construction is unchanged. Can this part be replaced in a recall with a material that is better suited for contact by acid?.

1) when the steering failed it could hav e caused a fatal accident 2) when the brakes failed again it could have caused a fatal accident. 3) when the oil light indicated that there was no oil the motor could have locked up, causing a fatal accident. I find the above problems very serious. I bought the vw Jetta new 09/12/98 with 15 miles on the odometer. Thank you bill hamann.