Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The plastic inside front fender liner on both sides of my 2000 vw Jetta gls tdi have come loose in the front and are rubbing against the front tires. I purchased this car less than 5 months ago, it was certified pre owned car from a vw dealer and was given a 110 point inspection. I have driven the car appx 10,000 miles since purchase without any accidents or incidents that May cause these items to come loose. When I brought the car to the dealer I was told that this is very common among these cars and is not a warranty item, furthermore, they advised me that this had to be driver induced damage, although they never inspected it. I called the vw customer care line and requested a factory service rep come and assess the problem only to be told when they called me back that the dealer told them that I had damaged the car, so they would not send a factory rep and the case has been closed. …
While parked, panels located under engine and side protectant pieces, became unattached. Dealership tried to blame on driver- which isn't true, as the car was not driven in three days - all panels show fatigue, and some odd-cracking damage. Second repair shop show demonstrated weak screws, cracking along mouting points, and the bumper becoming unattached. Including damage to the screws themselves, with premature rusting, and the screw's heads completley falling off. While being towed to dealership, all panels became detached. (3 pc system) this is a certified-used vehicle - org. From il sold in mn. Vehicle was in dealership that week for oil change, dealership reported no problems - however after the fact, the car was parked in a garage. Vw will not stand behind their product as they feel that it was not caused be the scews malfunctioning, but by "added and unknown stress increases.
Transmission failed. The dealer replaced the part. However, two weeks later the part failed again. The vehicle would not go into reverse. The transmission slipped and the vehicle had run into a pole at a gas station on the right front side. This problem remained the same. The engine light had come on along with the transmission problems. Other problems were: the tire pressure had to be reset on numerous occasions, rear pads, A/C was not cooling, glove box, power windows, console, power sunroof, interior trim, steering/suspension, driveability, trim electrical, sound system, and heating/cooling. The consumer did not report any damage to vehicle when she hit the pole.
I had just bought the car, got it satisfied and was driving on my way back to school on a back highway. The hood came completely undone and swung on top of my windshield. The whole hood is completely cracked and we could barely close it. I had checked everything to make sure it was closed before I had left because I was so paranoid that something would go wrong. I called the vw hotline and they basically told me that they aren't going to do anything about it and it was all on me to pay. The hood and closing latch both need to be replaced. I want to know if anyone else has had something like this happen or if it was just a fluke.
My car has 58,000 miles on it and like many others on this site it has suffered problem after problem with each one getting more serious. I have replaced a mass air flow sensor,glove box,turbo parts,and some plastic clips on the arm rest. But, when the air conditioner, fuel gauge started acting up, and the fact that this car has stalled on us three or more times recently (while out driving),then safety becomes an issue. The dealership could not fix the problem with the air conditioner coming and going or the stalling problem, as for the fuel gauge, we just fill up for every 280 miles put on the tripmeter.
I had recently bought this car from "skyline" dealer in colorado , I've owned it for,one year hit a speed bump and the engine fell forward(break-away engine) the engine had broke off the engine bolts(mounts) and the only thing to hold part of it up is the transmission arm. I have just now found someone to make the 8/15/06 repairs its a slow go,and still owe over 17,000 on it the insurance company wouldn't help they said that someone had weld the bolts back on incorrectly so this has happened before, I didn't notice, neither did the dealership for that matter in there many point inspection.
The drivers side window started making a whistling noise and when I tried to roll the window up it dropped down into the door and broke. I was on the freeway and I jumped when it happened. This is a hazard and needs to be recalled.
I purchased a 2000 vplkswagen Jetta in the year 2002, pre-owned. I have had nothing but problems with it since I bought it, and now am trading it in, and taking a $3000 loss. Here is a list of the problems I have had in the last 2 years listed from first problems to most recent: 1. Window tray broke, window fell into the door. $300 2. Trunk latch broke, had to get replaced $50 3. Sunroof broke, would not move and needed the entire thing replaced including the motor. $1800 4. Water pump leaked out all coolant, needed to be replaced $ 600 5. Strut coil snaped in half while driving, needed to replace both sides $500 6. Lastly, (this is the point when I decided to file a complaint and trade the car in for another brand) water leaking from the electrical panel on top of inside roof. Sunroof then malfunctioned, opening when the car was started and the knob was not touched. …
Date of first known problem provided. Have already been through bbb autoline regarding most of the defects listed and thought manufacturer had fixed them. Now vehicle has the same problems plus more. All work being done at dealership is at manufacturer's expense, however, this car is a major inconvenience due to unreliability. Electrical problems aren't solved with replaced wiring harnesses, unsafe door hinges and window regulators make for hazardous driving conditions, airbag sensor problems, and quick to wear out rear brakes are all very dangerous defects for a new car owner to suffer with. Dt
Consumer concerned with engine and wheel bearing issues. Wants to know who is going to reimburse for repairs. Oxygen sensor had to be replaced several times. The driver side inner door handle was difficult to operate. The left side axle shaft was replaced because it was making a whining noise. While driving the vehicle stalled. It was later determined that a small rodent had built a nest which clogged the air box. The vehicle stalled again and this time they replace the maf sensor. The cruise control was inoperative.
Body complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, 5% of the model year's 439 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Volkswagen Jetta body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, though it has 4 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 2000 Volkswagen Jetta body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure 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.