DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 195 – From Charles F. from Orlando, FL
Dear Suzanne,
When budget constraints crushed my dreams of a more expensive ride, I settled for the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta. It was meant to be a compromise, but even then, I had high hopes. The Jetta seemed like a reasonable choice, boasting a solid reputation, sporty features, and a sleek design.
However, as weeks turned into months, I quickly realized my decision wasn’t all that great. A year into owning this vehicle, I’m facing several issues that have left me frustrated and frightened. If anyone out there is thinking of buying the 2023 Jetta GLI, you may want to think twice. Here’s my recap.
A Dangerous Braking Issue
The most alarming issue I’ve encountered is the braking system. The car has an annoying tendency to slam on the brakes as if I were driving into a brick wall. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow I’m driving; the car gets overly eager to stop.
The first time this happened, I was driving down the highway at about 60 mph when someone suddenly merged into my lane. I reacted quickly but not aggressively. I tapped the brake to slow down, but the car locked up, tires screeching as the ABS failed to kick in, and the Jetta came to a jarring stop. Thankfully, there was no vehicle behind me, or this could have turned into a disaster. Even worse, if the roads had been slippery, I don’t doubt that I would’ve caused multiple collisions.
Can’t Replicate The Issue
Ever since that incident, I’ve been able to replicate the issue easily. Driving at 30-40 mph, if I take my foot off the gas and tap the brake lightly, the car jerks to a stop as though I slammed on the brakes. It’s as if the vehicle always thinks there’s an emergency.
I’ve taken it to the Volkswagen dealership multiple times, but they insist this is “normal behavior” for the car. They even found another vehicle doing the same thing. The service manager tried to reassure me, saying this is how Volkswagen designed the system to work, but I wasn’t convinced.
What if someone rear-ends me because of this braking issue? The dealership won’t be the one paying my insurance. I was very frustrated because it seemed like the dealership didn’t understand the gravity of this brake issue.
Next Stop: Battery Failures
It’s not only the brakes that gave me trouble. I soon started dealing with weird electrical issues, and a few weeks ago, I had a moment of panic when the car completely failed to start.
I had been driving around for about an hour and stopped to drop off some things at a friend’s place. When I returned to the car, the wireless key didn’t work, and the car didn’t start. The dashboard was also completely dead. For a moment, I thought the battery might have died, but after waiting for a few seconds, the Jetta suddenly came back to life. The date and time on the dashboard had reset, but everything else seemed fine.
Airbag Warning Light
However, as soon as I resumed the drive home, I got an airbag warning light on the dashboard, which went off shortly after. Since then, I’ve gotten this airbag warning every time I drive.
The dealer told me this was happening because my battery had temporarily died. According to them, it wouldn’t be long before the warning light stopped popping up. This sounded ridiculous to me and made me uneasy, but I had no choice but to wait and see.
Fortunately, the dealer was correct, and the light soon stopped popping up.
No Start, No Power
The battery problems didn’t stop there. Another time, I tried to start the car, but everything was silent. The engine didn’t even try to turn over, even though the dash lit up as usual. It was as if the car had finally given up.
I checked the battery, and the voltage reading should have been more than enough to start the engine. Just to be safe, my father-in-law brought over a jumpstarter, but no luck.
Once again, I went back to the dealership, and they said there was an issue with the ignition circuit. It was at this point I began to wonder if there wasn’t a deeper electrical issue tied to the same problem with the battery.
What Are My Next Steps?
I still believe this Jetta has some serious potential, but I’m beginning to lose confidence in its reliability. The frustration is mounting, and I’m running out of patience. What can I do? Do I request a trade-in, or is there some other solution I don’t know about? Will the Florida Lemon Law protect me? Should I consult a lawyer for guidance? I am all ears if you have any suggestions.
Charles F. from Orlando, FL
2023 VW Jetta GLI Problems: How Florida Lemon Law Can Be Your Solution
Dear Charles,
I can only imagine how frustrating and nerve-wracking your experience with the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta must have been. From dangerous brake malfunctions to unexplained battery issues, your vehicle isn’t living up to expectations.
It’s clear that you’ve been through a lot with your Jetta, and your patience must be running thin. I’m here to help you understand your rights and options under the Florida Lemon Law.
What Can I Do?
If your vehicle has persistent issues that the manufacturer can’t seem to fix despite repeated attempts, it’s crucial to start the process of filing a Lemon Law claim. The Florida Lemon Law, officially known as the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act under Chapter 681 of the Florida Statutes, is designed to protect consumers like you who purchase or lease new vehicles with significant defects. If your Jetta’s ongoing problems affect its use, value, or safety, you are entitled to certain remedies under the law.
Do I Request a Trade-In?
While requesting a trade-in is an option, it’s important to consider that the benefits or compensation you receive will likely be significantly less than the purchase price of your Jetta. Additionally, the compensation from a trade-in will not match the potential benefits of a repurchase settlement through a Lemon Law claim. If your Jetta meets the criteria for the Florida Lemon Law, pursuing a Lemon Law claim may provide you with a more favorable resolution, such as a full refund or a replacement vehicle.
Is There Some Other Solution I Don’t Know About?
Apart from requesting a trade-in, another solution is to file a Lemon Law claim. The law considers a reasonable number of repair attempts if the vehicle has been back to the service agent for the same problem at least three times or if it has been out of service for a total of 30 days due to repairs. If your Jetta meets these criteria, you can file a claim to seek remedies such as a replacement, repurchase, or repair at no cost.
Will the Florida Lemon Law Protect Me?
Yes, the Florida Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers like you who are facing significant vehicle defects. If your Jetta’s issues qualify under the law, you are entitled to certain remedies. It’s important to notify the car dealer or manufacturer about the defects and allow them a final opportunity to repair the vehicle. If the problem persists, you can file a Lemon Law claim with the help of the Florida Attorney General’s office or a qualified attorney.
Should I Consult a Lawyer for Guidance?
Given the complexity and seriousness of your situation, consulting with a knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney is an important next step. An experienced attorney can guide you through the claims process, ensure all necessary documentation is submitted correctly, and increase your chances of a favorable resolution.
Charles, you deserve a vehicle that is both safe and reliable. You shouldn’t have to endure these frustrations silently. The Florida Lemon Law offers you a risk-free avenue to seek fair compensation for the problems you’ve faced. Now, it’s up to you to pursue your rights under the law and take the necessary steps toward a resolution.
Suzanne
Say Goodbye to Your 2023 VW Jetta Issues Lemon Car Troubles!
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.
DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about Florida Lemon Lawyer or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.
Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a Florida Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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- Brake Failures And Oil Leaks Are Ruining My 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
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- Know Your Rights: Common Defects Covered by Florida Lemon Law
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- 2023 VW Jetta Issues ©User3204 (CC BY-SA 4.0)