Because of issues with the glow plugs and/or the glow plug wiring harness from the control relay, the Check Engine Light may illuminate. Our technicians tell us there is a service bulletin, not a recall from Volkswagen regarding replacement of the glow plugs on 2004-2005 model years only.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Models:
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Problems
High Mileage Automatic Transmissions May Have Shifting Problems
Drive Train --
Verified
Shifting issues due to internal problems in high mileage automatic transmissions can be difficult to resolve without transmission replacement.
Power Window May Fail Due to Window Regulator
Miscellaneous --
Verified
One or more power windows may fail. Our technicians tell us this is commonly due to a failed window regulator which will require replacement.
Loss of Power Due to Oil and Carbon Build Up in Intake Manifold
Engine --
Verified
Oil and carbon tend to build up, creating restrictions in the intake manifold. Symptoms will be loss of power (sometimes severe) and poor fuel economy.
Reverse Gear Failures and/or Noise From Manual Transmission
Drive Train --
Verified
Reverse gear failures and noise in the manual transmission models are common.
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Recalls (Recent)
Automatic Transmission Shifts Into Neutral Without Warning
Drive Train, October 20, 2009
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Connectors for a temperature sensor inside the direct shift gearbox (DSG) transmission may have been insufficiently crimped. They could incorrectly read a high transmission oil temperature, and abruptly shift into neutral. The shift position indicator in the instrument panel would begin to flash and the "Depress Brake Pedal" indicator light will be illuminated to alert the driver to apply the brakes. The abrupt shift could lead to a crash. Volkswagen and Audi dealers will reprogram the transmission control module (TCM) with updated software. The recall began October 20, 2009. The Volkswagen recall number is 37E3/S7 and the Audi recall number is 37E5/J7.
Potential Diesel Fuel Leak
Engine, September 30, 2011
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On the 2.0L TDI common rail Diesel engine/clean Diesel engine, fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of injector line #2. This resonance creates additional stress on the fuel line. Small cracks could develop in the #2 injector line, resulting in a Diesel fuel leak. A fuel leak always increases the risk of a fire. Dealers will install an improved #2 fuel injector line and install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines to correct this concern. The Volkswagen/Audi recall number is 23J9/V5.
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Questions and Answers
lizbiz, 1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo, Hamburg, PA
I was told I need an ac coolant fan module. 1st, do you know where this is located on the car and next, is there anyway to test it myself to see if this is really the trouble
jimmy123, 1997 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo, Lynchburg, VA
Water is leaking heavily on the passenger floor during and after using AC...what is the best way to fix this...
richminaya, 1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo, Huntingdon, PA
How much should it cost to get a new timing belt put on? Thank you
cbon, 1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo, Calhan, CO
Was given a vw tdi in an estate. Need to know what type oil and how much.Also what type and how much transmission fluid? Thanks
Visitor, 1997 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo, Nampa, ID
how do you take the driver side door panel off?
Write a Review About Your Car
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Reviews
2005 130000 miles on it, and the camshaft and lifter are worn out. this will be about a $5000 repair. I thought diesels were to run forever. I change oil regularly with the VW syn. What you save on fuel you spend on repairs.
Bought my 2009 Jetta TDI wagon new, had 3 door lock actuators replaced and the exhaust flap, also had the tranny issues others have had. When I needed the exhaust flap and 3rd door actuator replaced I was out of warranty and they wanted $$$ for it, not gonna happen!! I eventually got them to cover 75% of the costs and I am now getting the other 25% back from the exhaust flap recall. Overall the VW BRAND is diminishing,the sunroof deflector is a STUPID design, mine is ripped on both sides now (100k miles)
The product is now assembled in MEXICO!!...Need I say more?!?!?!
Canadian car. using the 90210 code :)
Bought my 2009 Jetta TDI used. 1 month afterward, the engine light came on (but it still ran). It was under warranty, so they systematically replaced just about everything that had to do with the fuel injection and filtration. I thought they finally got it fixed after $6,000 of repairwork and 4 visits in a year, but it only lasted 6 months. engine light came back on again! replaced exhaust pressure sensor and it was fine ($385). one month later engine light was back on and the muffler light. diagnostics says it is the exhaust temperature sensor now. Also, just got a letter from VW this week saying the exhaust flap on these cars are no good and if you need it rrepaired, they will cover it, Obviously, these cars have a problem with the entire exhaust system and should be recalled! Oh yeah, also had to have the air fixed. My car now has 85,000 miles. as a diesal, it should just be getting broken in. VW 's looked good, but buy another brand if you don't want to always be repairing!
Bought a 2003 VW TDI (Diesel) brand new. Today, the car has 170,000 miles. All went well until it reached about 100,000 miles (which is just breaking in for a diesel). What happened next between 110,000 and today:
- Relays under dash start blowing (they ain't cheap either). they are also VERY difficult to get to. Should be a recall!!!
- Wiper motor will start stopping intermittently; don't replace the motor as most mechanics will tell you because it still does the same thing no matter what all you replace...relay, motor etc. Should be a recall!!!
- Glow plugs will send a false engine light every few months. Your glow plugs are fine; it is a money gimmick. Bypass the engine fault (there are several videos on how to do this one the I-net). Should be a Recall !!!!
- VERY DANGEROUS- Brake switch is JUNK! which will cause your brake lights to stay on going down the road. The switch is made of plastic and wears out in the "brake on" position. Should be a recall!!! Easy and rather cheap fix IF you know about it before someone rear ends you and kills your family!!!!
All in all, the body and engine are sound. The electrical SUCKS!!!! And for those of you who don't know electrical, it is the most expensive to repair.
I bought my 2005.5 Jetta TDI in June 2005. I now have over 150,000 miles on it. I just took it in for a timing belt replacement. Except for broken wire in the drivers door which caused the window to not work, the car has been perfect! It still looks and drives like new. I change the oil every 11,000 with Castrol Syntec and fuel filter every October. I am still on my 2nd set of tires and 20,000 miles left on them. I changed rear brakes only at 103,000. Original fronts still on car with half pads left. I just got 54.2 MPG hwy on 400+ mile trip 2 days ago. This is an exceptional car. Just keep clean oil in it.
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Model Years
Recent Volkswagen Repair Estimates