2004 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 233 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 15 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderSep 23, 2020
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Campaign 20E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 7, 2014
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Campaign 14E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 07V063000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, dieselDec 15, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL PUMPS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPER FASTENER, WHICH COULD ALLOW DIESEL FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE PUMP.
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL PUMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 04V586000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
36 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 7, 2011
BOUGHT NEW IN 2004. STARTING AT 60K MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME-ON SAYING MISS FIRE ON #1 CYL WHEN ITS WET OUTSIDE; RAINING OR SNOW. SPARK PLUG AND WIRE REPLACED REGULARLY AND CHECKED WITHIN SPECS. THE ACCELERATION STARTED TO DETERIORATE AND FLAT SPOT IN THE ACCELERATION CAN BE DANGEROUS IN DRIVING CONDITIONS. 86K THE ORIGINAL VW COIL WAS REPLACED; #1 TERMINAL WAS CORRODED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 28, 2011
MY 2004 VW JETTA 1.8 TURBO WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IS HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. MY CAT HAS ONLY 66,000 MILES IN IT AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. IN THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, BATTERY, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NUMEROUS VACUUM LEAKS ECT...BUT A TRANSMISSION???? VOLKSWAGEN NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL AS THIS IS WAY TO COMMON!! PLEASE HELP! *TR
Electrical system, Dec 8, 2009, fire
ELECTRICAL FIRE IN IGNITION HARNESS MELTED HARNESS (INCLUDING COILS) WHICH RESULTED IN STALL-OUT. IGNITION FUSE TO COMPUTER WAS DISABLED PREVENTING RE-START OF AUTOMOBILE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2008
THE LATEST INCIDENT WITH THIS 2004 VW JETTA IS ONE IN WHICH EVERYTHING ELECTRIC STOPS WORKING. NO A/C, NOT LIGHTS, NO BLINKERS, NO WINDOWS, NO HORN - AND THERE IS A SMELL OF SMOKE IN THE CAR. THIS FIRST HAPPENED IN JANUARY/08 AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS WIRING. NOW IT HAPPENED AGAIN! OCCURS JUST WHILE DRIVING ALONG. CAR SMELLS LIKE SMOKE AND EVERYTHING STOPS WORKING. I GET THE RUNAROUND FROM THE DEALER, VISTA VW IN POMPANO BEACH, FL. THEY ALWAYS SEEM TO FIND SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR NOW THAT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS - THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE JETTA'S! I HAVE FOUND 100'S OF COMPLAINTS ON CONSUMER SITES ABOUT THIS CAR. I AM TIRED OF PAYING MY HARD EARNED DOLLARS TO THE DEALER WHEN THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS CAR. I ADVISED THE DEALER OF THIS WHEN I TOOK IT IN IN JANUARY; HIS RESPONSE WAS, TOO BAD, YOU DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE CAR LEMON LAW SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANT AND PURCHASED IT IN DEC/05. PLEASE DO SOMETHING FOR US CONSUMERS THAT ARE TIRED OF BEING MANIPULATED AND OVERCHARGED FOR ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURER. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYONE OTHER AGENCY I CAN CONTACT. I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON THIS AND HOPE YOU CAN ASSIST ME. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, May 28, 2007
FUSES TO THE HEADLIGHTS MELTED TO THE FUSE PANEL,CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS NOT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2007
THERE WAS SOME NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THEN THE DIRECTION LIGHTS DID NOT WORK, NOR DID THE INTERIOR FAN WORK. THEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING UP FROM UNDER THE HOOD (ENGINE HOOD). I PULLED OVER AND STOP THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. SMOKE CONTINUED TO COME OUT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE SMELL WAS AWFUL. THERE WERE NO FLAMES TO BE SEEN. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD THERE WAS LOTS OF SMOKE. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME TODAY THAT THE IGNITION GOT STUCK IN THE ON MODE AND THIS BURNT OUT THE STARTER. THE FIRE WAS FROM THE STARTER BEING IN THE ON MODE AND BURNING ITSELF OUT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ORDERED THE PARTS AND WILL REPLACE THEM. THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2007, fire
OWNER WAS DRIVING VOLKSWAGEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES AND SMELLED A BURNING RUBBER ODOR. HE STARTED TO NOTICE WHISKS OF SMOKE COMING UP FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE AREA, AROUND THE GEAR SHIFT. FIRE BURNED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, THE CENTER FRONT OF THE DASH, AND THE CORNER OF THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. *NM
Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Nov 3, 2005
OUR 2004 VW JETTA 1.8T HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS FROM A CLICKING/POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END AT APPROXMIATELY 10,000 MILES, TO THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE. THE CLUTCH/DISC WENT COMPLETELY OUT AT 15,000 MILES. ALL THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT AS MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IN THE DARK ON A NON LIT BACK ROAD TO WORK, TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEARS, TRANSMISSION STILL SLIPPING, BACK DOOR LOCKS DO NOT UN-LOCK WHEN REMOTE IS ACTIVATED, SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS RE-TORQUED EVERYTHING ON VEHICLE BUT THIS HAS NOT MADE PROBLEMS GO AWAY. SINCE MAY 2005, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MY CAR FORA TOTAL OF 62 DAYS FOR SERVICE AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO MOUNT AND THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE MOST PART STATES "THAT THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM." THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THIS DID NOT STOP THE CLICKING/POPPING NOISE, THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCH DISC THIS DID NOT CLEAR UP THE PROBLEM, THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPLICATED PER DEALERSHIP, THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO HAVE A WHISTLING NOISE, TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP. THE DRIVER'S SIDE LEATHER SEAT HAS THE SEAMS POOPING LOOSE AND A PART OF THE FRAME IS PUSHING THROUGH THE LEATHER. TRUNK LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. DEALERSHIP STATES CAR IS SAFE TO OPERATE, I BEG TO DIFFER!
Electrical system, Visibility, Equipment, Sep 13, 2005
DT: THE CALLER HAD THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPLACED 5 TIMES. THE WINDOWS/THE ALARM SYSTEM/THE LIGHTS/THE GAUGES, AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FAILED. AS THE CALLER INDICATED EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONED. THE CALLER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND A FEW TIMES HE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. DEALER COULD NEVER GIVE HIM AN ANSWER WHY THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP HIM FOR FREE, AND SINCE THE PROBLEM INCLUDED DIFFERENT COMPONENTS IT DID NOT FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW. MANUFACTURER SAID THAT IF THE CALLER GOT A LOAN ON THE VEHICLE IT WOULD BE A DIFFERENT SITUATION. *AK
Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 24, 2005
ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT MY 2004 JETTA GL WAS STARTING TO RUN A LITTLE ROUGH. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEAL AND HAD A TEST DONE ON IT TO FIND OUT THE MY IGNITION COIL WAS BAD. AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS THE CHECK ENGINE LIKE CAME ON IT THE CAR AND I CALLED THE DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. AGAIN MY IGNITION COIL HAD GONE BAD. THEN YET ANOTHER TIME A WEEK AND A HALF LATER THE SAME ISSUE. THE IGNITION COIL HAD GONE BAD. THREE DAYS LATER AFTER THAT INCIDENT I WAS DRIVING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS WAS THE FORTH TIME THAT I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME THE DEALER CHANGED THE WIRING HARNESS AND SAID THAT THAT WAS THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE CURED. ALL OF THE TIMES THAT I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALER I NOTICED THAT THE IDLE IT THE CAR WAS STILL A LITTLE ROUGH AND NEEDLE FOR THE TACOMETER WAS MOVING SLIGHTLY. I AM STILL WEARY TO SAY THAT THE CAR IS FIXED AND FEAR SOMETHING MORE EXSTENSICE IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THE PARTS WERE REPLACED BUT CONSUMER SATISFACTION IS LOW.
Electrical system, Mar 11, 2004
ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTER FAILED RESULTING IN VERY HARD TO START OR NO START CONDITIONS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR 2 WEEKS WAITING ON PARTS. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 1600 MILES ON IT. WAS SUGGESTED TO BY THE DEALER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHILE WAITING FOR PARTS.*AK