Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2 days after we purchase the car a brake shoe braket came off and was rubbing the rear rotor. July, 3 windows went bad, 2 were the wiring and 1 was the motor. October the front wheel bearing needed replaced plus wheel alignment. September the exhuast broke off behind the catalytic converter I had it fixed myself. The exhuast had also broke off 6 months earlier in front of the muffler but I fixed it. One window that they fixed in July 2002 went bad again in June of 2003 and needed fixed. The rear brake on the same wheel that they fixed in January of 2001 has gone bad now. I'm done with this car. It's been in the shop more then I have ever had any car combined. Thanks
I own a 1999.5 Volkswagen Jetta iv gls. There is a major problem with the window regulators and Volkswagen refuses to recall them. They know there is a problem as they have issued a 7-year extended warranty on the part. I have had to get the regulator replaced on my front passenger side window twice, due to window falling into door. This was under extended warranty. However my front driver side window (which I hardly ever use) has fallen into the door. I am now outside of the extended warranty period and the dealership is trying to charge me $500 to replace the regulator. I should not have to spend $500 I do not have on a part that is known and well documented to be faulty. This defective part poses several dangerous possibilities. For example I am currently driving with plastic where the window should be to secure the car from weather and intruders. …
Right rear window fell into door when powering it down and then back up. Power motor sounds as if it is still working, therefore suspect the mechanical clips holding the window to the power motor must have failed. Research shows that window clips have been a problem for this make and model. In fact, on November 5, 2002 vw.com website was showing a press release explaining that window clips were failing, and vw would be sending letters out to 1999-2002 vw owners about repairing/replacing the window clips with redesigned clips (note: this is not a part recall, but only a letter to owners). In addition, my front right window occasionally does not power itself from open to fully closed (it stops half way). …
Multiple problems: main complaint 1. Failure of window regulator, driver and passenger side - several times on each side 2. The car is a 1999 and I have replaced the battery twice once in 2000 (blew up) and once recently (8/2003) and now starter motor and alternator are failing. Sometimes the gas gauge works and sometimes it doesn't, sometimes the key lock/alarm works sometimes it doesn't and horn works intermittently - all problems since 2000. The car is known to lock/unlock itself. The fender liner and front grills fell off in 2000. The sunroof cover and the sunroof have both failed once. The gas tank cover failed twice. The front clutch dropped off the engine while driving at 24500 miles and the dealership did not work with me on expenses ($600 to fix). The vw symbol on all 4 tires have fallen off (only in place with adhesive).
1999, Volkswagen, Jetta wolfsburg edition. Front and back passenger side power windows will not go down; back driver's side window fell down into door. Passenger's side windows was stuck in the up position could represent a hazard should there be a wreck and the windows could not be let down. Driver's side rear window fell down into the door was a security risk, not only for being able to secure the car, but from someone being able to enter the car while driving. Volkswagen had a service order to repair the known defective mechanism in the late model 1999 cars and later, but it did not cover the early 1999 models, even though it was the same problem and defective parts. Neither the dealer on lorain avenue in north olmsted cleveland, ohio nor Volkswagen of America will repair the defect without charge to the consumer.
I was driving home from work. It was a nice day so I had the front windows open part way. When I hit the expressway, I decided to put the windows up. When I hit the switch for the passenger window, I heard the sound of plastic breaking. I looked over and saw the passenger window fall into the door. I drove home and removed the panel to find a couple of broken plastic clips in the bottom of the door. I have not contacted volkwagen yet, buy apparently this is an ongoing problem that Volkswagen refuses to recall.
The auto up feature of my 1999 Volkswagen Jetta driver side window has not functioned properly since I purchased the vehicle. Over 50 percent of the time, the window does not stay closed. Instead, it automatically retracts. I complained about this several times to the dealer in fargo nd during the two year warranty period on the car. They were never able to duplicate the problem while the car was in for scheduled maintenance. The problem continues to this day.
Drivers window fell to the bottom of the door while the local dealership had the car changing oil, filter, etc. They will not fix it even though inspection of the failed part clearly indicates inadequate design......plastic clips failed releasing the channel guides and allowing the window glass to fall to the bottom of the door.
Power window on drivers side will not go down due to bad regulator and possible motor. This is the 4th window to have this problem on this car. Inoperable window, compromise the safety of any person(s) in vehicle. Example:in case of fire they May not get out, example : in case of assault they May not be able to roll window up.
Window regulator going bad. Researched your site and found numerous complaints about this issue. Just purchased car used and was unaware of problem and of course it is too late for any extended warranties. This problem should be reconciled regardless of timeframe.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 80 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, 23% of the model year's 349 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (59 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Volkswagen Jetta window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Volkswagen Jetta window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.