Seems to be a few general problems with the A4-body-type VW's and VW's in general in North America; namely, window actuator assemblies, relatively poor instrumentation reliability, a dealership network considered to be of lower quality, and a few other engine-specific issues such as intake clogging/EGR clogging (TDI engines), oil consumption (2.0L engines), and coilpacks (1.8T engines, V6 engines to a lesser extent). The much malaligned window actuator assemblies were formerly constructed out failure-prone plastic, but these parts have been redesigned to use much stronger metal components. The fix has been fitted to later-production 2002's, and all 2003's, and is retrofittable, often free of charge, into earlier models. Instrumentation issues consist mainly of, but not entirely limited to, MAF's (Mass Airflow Sensors), and basically all the VW engine designs have issues. Do not know if this has been fixed yet; there are options for higher-reliabilty aftermarket replacements, however, these have not been sanctioned by the factory. Lots, and lots of other instruments wired into the ECU as well -- the sheer multitude used in VW's (as compared with other makes) makes them a target for failure. The dealership network, it seems, hasn't invested properly in technician training, and this is especially prevalent when dealing with some of the more lesser-sold engine types (ie: TDI, W8, etc, etc.). Also, there seems to be a reimbursement structure in place between VW Corporate and the dealership network which actively encourages the dealers to cut corners when performing warranty service, or to outright deny warranty service altogether on deficiencies that are deemed to be minor. VW shouldn't be obligated to replace wear and tear items that have been abused....but an old grandma shouldn't stand accused of being abusive to her VW with 20k miles on it because the brake pads were defective to begin with, hence their premature failure. The other issues I've mentioned are...

Yah, i could do that. But i am not conerned with other manufacturers,i am concerned with VW.Troll??? you are RPG nerd or soemthing? hahaha

Re: how come new VW's appear to be junk?

Jul 05, 2003 23 Replies

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WindsorFo 13 years ago

I have to say I've never seen (noticed?) a Jetta wagon here. I do see Golfs and GTIs though. I actually like the looks of the Golf a lot especially for a 4 door it's just a little smaller than I wanted. I've driven a truck for most of my life and after getting my Mustang and a Murano for 6 or 7 years I was jonesing for a truck. But when I was spending $30 - $45 every WEEK on gas that was the limit. Now I have to say for what it is a *really* like this Jetta I average over 44 and I drive it like it's the Mustang, basically because it accelerates as well or better than the Titan and handles like the Mustang. BUT if Nissan puts a Titan on the market with the proposed 2.7L Cummins clean Diesel that has been getting 38-40 over all on the prototype, I'm afraid I'm there. Unless VW starts selling that little Diesel truck they have down South. Many of us were disappointed when Mahindra gave up on certifying a small Diesel.

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Peter Huebner 13 years ago

MMmmh, the Amarock is getting fairly good reviews here in the farming press. IIRC it was rated in the top 3 pickup trucks last year. I've seen one in the dealer's yard and it looks bigger than a Toyota Hilux.

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PeterD 13 years ago

Ah, but that's a VW thing! (the old Beetles were the same...)

I'll have to admit, I've got 52,000 miles on my 88, and I've replaced just about everything that one could expect. Struts, shocks, rack, engine upper end, two exhaust systems, brakes, brakes, top, tires (they last about 10K miles!) and a bunch of smaller stuff. Reliable? Once you get it running, it never stops, but starting it can be an adventure!

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WindsorFo 13 years ago

Sorry, hit the wrong button

Yeah I could drive that, I'd rather have a back seat, but for the amount of time i use one I'd rather have the bed. And I can barrow a 4 door if I need to.

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