Help Please: continuous problems with my 2002 VW Jetta?
I have been to the dealer 26 times in 1 1/2 years with all sorts of problems. I got my car at Boardwalk auto center in Redwood City, CA. The car is falling apart, so to speak. leaks, power steering pump, rack in pinion, electrical, lights on dash always flashing for all kinds of stuff. I can never go to long without problems. Has anyone else experienced problems with VW or Jettas. ? If so, what kind of problems? Do I have any rights? Warranty is expired, and Boardwalk says "to bad for me" we sold you a lemon now go make lemonade. HELP PLEASE.
I spent 25 years on/off in Bay Area VW dealerships; I surprised that Boardwalk with just simply write you off. Since I don't know whether you bought the vehicle new or used (it makes a huge difference as does if it is used, certified car?) you have limited powers at this point.
Assuming that its more than 5years 50,000 miles, puts you in a tough spot. I would contact the VW district office and speak with the consumer affairs people or try and get an appointment with the district service manager at VW. Since I no longer work in the industry, I don't know who the DSM is the No.California region.
Its generally best that you write to VW in Aurburn Hills, MI where they are headquartered. Include all of the documentation to support any claims that you make; explain the current situation and what you want VW to do.
Have you spoken to the GM or the owner at Boardwalk VW; I realize that you may have spoken to the Service Manager, but perhaps its time to move up the ladder, so to speak.
The Jettas prior to 2005 were prone to electrical issues especially; the power steering issues mainly seem to happen if the fluid suffers from intermixing with the wrong fluids; check engine lights are fairly common, sometimes they can be "self correcting" depending on what actually has set them off; a lot of the time there is no correction needed, as the system is often overly sensitive to outside issues.
You may want to write to the state vehice licensing board if the dealership has failed to correct the same concern over and over again; in addition, you should contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair to see if they can help, once again explaining your situation and including whatever documentation you have.
I don't know if any of this will get you any assistance or resolve any of the concerns you have. I spent on/off nearly a quarter of century working with VW's and I'm always disappointed at how some dealerships simply don't get it.
I hope this helps, a car nut.
