My 2005 VW Jetta gli stalled suddenly while I was driving @ 35-mph. After pulling over and opening the hood to assess damage, I turned the ignition key but all I heard was the starter being engaged. Once the car was towed to an independent repair shop, the technician informed me the timing belt broke/snapped. I was skeptical because my owner's manual says timing belts should be replaced at 110,000 miles according to VW's recommended maintenance schedule. During repairs, the technician said that my valves were bent because the 1.8T is an interference engine which means that cams, rockers and lifters must be removed in order for the cylinder head to be sent to a machine shop for additional repairs. Total costs = $3,865.66. There was a class action lawsuit against VW timing belts but I was denied reimbursement by the administer/custodian claims were no longer accepted after 2009. I spoke with [xxx] at VW customer service 1-800-822-8987 who said there are no timing belt recalls for my vehicle. Please investigate this concern and see other identical complaints at www.topix.com/forum/autos/Volkswagen/T33rhdpdvbrpo8D2P/P3 for more information. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Houston, TX, USA

Hi, so my 2005.5 2.5L Volkswagen Jetta started making noises upon acceleration and the engine would shift quite heavily during idling. The check engine light went on and I took the car to dealership. Apparently, there is an issue with the timing chains of the engine. Never missed a maintenance, after only 68,000 miles it doesn't seem okay that timing chains are already affected. After looking at a few forums online, it seems that this is a very common problem for Volkswagen Jettas from that time. Please investigate! thank you.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

Check engine light came on in the morning. Noticed rough idle and poor acceleration on my morning commute. Check engine light was on for misfires on cylinders 2 - 5. took the car into the dealership that evening. Dealership performed $900 of repairs on the car and then declared that the timing chain had stretched, causing the misfires). This issue occurred suddenly and would have been very dangerous had it occurred on a highway, instead of surface streets. This appears to be a common issue with 2005/2006 Jettas (documented at: forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5457990-class-action-against-VW-for-timing-chain-problem as well as many other forums). I strongly believe that this should be recalled. Volkswagen customer care offered no assistance since the vehicle is 16,000 miles out of warranty. A timing chain failing at 76,000 miles is completely unacceptable and is not listed with a service interval per the owners manual (later added at 105K miles on newer cars). Vehicle failed just under 76,000 miles.

- Gahanna, OH, USA

I tried to pull across a busy intersection and the engine died. It was bucking and kept stalling out when I tried to move the car across to get out of on coming traffic.

- Brick, NJ, USA

At roughly 7500 miles my check engine light came on. Brought it to dealership to check out. Found out that the timing chain had jumped, or stretched, resulting in poor idle and a $2700 estimate to repair. Looked if other people had this issue. Timing chain should last 2-3 times longer. Since I'm out of warranty period I am out of luck. Timing chain should last the lifetime of the engine not to fail around 75000 and I checked the other complaint and it looked like alot of other 05 to 06 owners has the same issue.

- Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA

Car has thrown a cel of P0016. Timing chain tensioner is shot and needs to be replaced along with chains, guides, and possible valves. This is a problem with 2005.5 and 2006 Jetta 2.5 engines.

- Towson, MD, USA

2005.5 new Jetta tdi diesel.cam shaft defect. Worn lobes and cylinder head damage. Replaced timing belt as well.

- Spring Lake, NJ, USA