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: power train
35 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Aug 10, 2005
WHEN STARTING ENGINE THEN GOING FROM PARK AND SHIFTING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE, THERE IS A LONG DELAY TO ENGAGE THE GEAR. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS IF THE VEHICLE IS ON ANY INCLINE, AS IT WILL ROLL AS IF IN NEUTRAL BEFORE ENGAGING THE DESIRED GEAR, ALMOST LIKE USING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER YOU HAVE NO CONTROL SINCE YOU TOOK YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND ONTO THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED AND THEN IT STARTS ROLLING. THIS IS NOT SAFE, NOR ACCEPTABLE! WHEN WE FIRST BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALER (FLADEBOE, IRVINE, CA) THEY VERBALLY SAID IT'S MADE THAT WAY - IT'S NORMAL. THEN TODAY AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER STATES THAT THE " VEHICLE OPERATES TO MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS". ARE THE QUOTED "SPECIFICATIONS" CONSISTENT WITH U.S. SAFETY STANDARDS OR FLAWED? OUR VEHICLE IS UNDER THE NEW CAR WARRANTY AND WE HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. I OWN A VW 2001 PASSAT AND IT DOES NOT HAVE THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM - THIS APPEARS TO BE A JETTA TRANSMISSION DEFECT AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED AT MANUFACTURER'S SOLE COST. WE FEAR THAT WE WILL HIT OTHER VEHICLES, PROPERTY OR PEOPLE - UNFORTUNATELY WE FEEL IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME WITH THIS UNSAFE CONDITION. *NM
Power train, Jul 11, 2005
(1) MANUFACTURER DEFECT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. (2) THERE IS A LONG DELAY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE GEAR (AFTER CAR HAS BEEN PARKED FOR AWHILE) VEHICLE ROLLS AS IF IN NEUTRAL. I HAVE: HIT MANY WHEEL STOPS, NEARLY HIT OTHER PARKED CARS AND ALMOST PINNED A PEDISTRIAN BETWEEN A PARKED CAR AND MINE. (3) DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATES THE TRANSMISSION IS OPERATING PER SPECIFICATIONS HOWEVER NONE OF THEIR OTHER PRODUCTS HAS THIS FAILURE. MANUFUACTURER REFUSES TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, VEHICLE IS UNDER NEW CAR WARRANTY.
Suspension, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2005
AUTO: 2004 JETTA GLS 1.8T ON 4/20/2005, THE DEALERSHIP "RIVERBANK MOTORS" IN STAMFORD CT HAD TO RETORQUE TURBO TO EXH MANIFOLD BOLTS. CAR WAS RETURNED FIXED. AFTER ROAD TEST. ON 7/1 2005 THE FRONT END EXHAUST DICONNECTED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECUASE IT WAS UNDRIVABLE. ALL WARRANTIED. AFTER BEING TOLD NUMEROUS STORIES AND MISSCOMMUNICATIONS THE SERVICE DEPT INFORMED US THAT THIS TIME THE BOLTS WERE STRIPPED AND THE ENTIRE TURBO UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BROUGHT THE CAR BACK FOR THE 2ND TIME SINCE THE BOLTS WERE ONLY TEMPORARILY TIGHTENED. THE DEALER IS REPLACING THE TURBO UNIT UNDER WARRANTY BUT CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY OR HOW THE BOLTS WERE STRIPPED. "YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE" WAS THE ANSWER I RECEIVED FROM THE SERVICE DIRECTOR. FORTUNATELY FOR ME ALL WARRANTY!!!! CAR IS 1 YEAR OLD
Power train, May 23, 2005
THE CLUTCH IS SLIPPING. WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND GEAR AND UP THE RPM REVVS UP BUT THE VEHICLE FAILS TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO TAKE THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY APART TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE BEFORE REPAIRS WERE DONE. *JB *BF *NM
Power train, May 18, 2005
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH OUR 2004 VW JETTA WAGON. BOTH TIMES THE CAR HAS SUDDENLY, WITH NO WARNING, HAD A CLUTCH FAILURE. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS WITH 16,000 MILES, NOW A 2ND OCCURENCE WITH JUST 29,000 MILES. VW TRIES TO PASS BLAME AS DRIVER ERROR, BUT SINCE I DRIVE TRACTOR/TRAILERS FOR A LIVING, AND IN MY 15 YEARS OF DRIVING, HAVE NEVER HAD A CLUTCH FAILURE PRIOR TO THIS CAR, I DO NOT THINK THAT MY DRIVING IS TO BLAME. IT IS APPARENT FROM THE NUMEROUS EXPERIENCES I HAVE READ ABOUT THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THE QUALITY OR BUILD OF THE VW CLUTCH SYSTEM IN NEWER MODELS. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THIS OCCURENCE, BUT SINCE THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED SHIFTING IN TRAFFIC, THERE COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN ACCIDENTS INVOLVED. THIS MATTER NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO FURTHER.
Power train, Apr 19, 2005
CAR JERKS DURING A COLD START. JERKS HARD WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR.*AK
Power train, Oct 2, 2004
I BOUGHT A 2004 VW JETTA GLS ON MARCH 15, 2004 AND IT HAS NOW BEEN TO THE SHOP, OH, ABOUT 4 OR 5 TIMES! THE FIRST TIME, THE CLUTCH WAS CHATTERING - SO, THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE CLUTCH KIT, THEN THE CLUTCH CABLE HAD TO BE ADJUSTED BECAUSE IT WASN'T SHIFTING RIGHT, THEN THE SECONDARY AIR PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED, NOW THE BRAKE PEDAL MAKES A POPPING SOUND EVERYTIME I PRESS AND DEPRESS IT... THEN TO TOP IT ALL OFF - - I WENT TO GOTO WORK THE OTHER DAY, AND IT WOULDN'T START!!! - FINALLY GOT IT STARTED AFTER THINKING IT WAS THE BATTERY (BUT, BATTERY WASN'T DEAD), AND TWO DAYS LATER, IT BARELY STARTS AND IS RELEASING A HORRIBLE SMELL - THE INSIDE SMELLED LIKE ROTTEN EGGS.. IF THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE EMISSIONS, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO DO! I REALLY THING VW SHOULD REPLACE MY CAR WITH A NEW ONE AND COVER IT FOR LIFE!*AK
Power train, Aug 24, 2004
WHEN SHIFTING GEARS TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GEARS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Jul 14, 2004
TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH. TRANSMISSION WAS FOUND TO BE LOCKED IN REVERSE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED BY VW OF AMERICA $6500 UNDER WARRANTY. INJURY RESULTED FROM INCIDENT
Power train, Jun 23, 2004
WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IN COLD WEATHER VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD/BACKWARDS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK