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
233 reports, newest first.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 1, 2013
A LITTLE UNDER 3 YEARS AGO (OCT. 2010) I STARTED NOTICING A FAINT GAS SMELL COMING FROM MY CAR. OVER A 2 WEEK PERIOD THE SMELL GRADUALLY GOT STRONGER AND MY MPG SLOWLY DECREASED. AFTER TAKING MY CAR INTO A SHOP IT WAS DETERMINED THERE WAS A CRACK NEAR THE FUEL PUMP GASKET AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NOW 2 WEEKS AGO (MAY 2013) THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS STARTED UP AGAIN AND AFTER TAKING MY CAR BACK TO THE SHOP THEY TOLD ME THE EXACT SAME THING. THERE WAS A SMALL CRACK NEAR THE GASKET ON MY FUEL PUMP AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW TO CAUSE ME TO REPLACE 2 FUEL PUMPS IN A 3 YEAR SPAN. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, HE NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,177.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2013
WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF A 2004 JETTA WITH 2.0 ENGINE WITH 98K AS OF APR 2013. WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR CLUES FROM VW DEALER OR AUTO SHOP, THE CAR WOULD NOT START; CAR WOULD TURN OVER THE ENGINE BUT NO FUEL PRESSURE. DEPENDING ON SEASON (WINTER) AND LOCATION (MIDDLE OF NO WHERE) THIS CAN CAUSE A HAZARD FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. THE CAR WOULD START AFTER LEAVING IT ALONE FOR 2-3 HRS AND TRY RESTARTING. THE WARNING SEEMS TO BE WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHICH MEANS THE SWITCH IS ACTING UP; THE FUEL SYSTEM IS AT A LOW PRESSURE WILL CAUSE A NO START. UNDER VW NEW CAR AND INDEPENDENT SHOPS CAN NOT DUPLICATE; MANY ON-LINE OWNERS HAS HAVE POINTED THE FINGER AT A DOOR LATCH/PRIMING CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CONTROLS THE FUEL PUMP PRIME WHEN THE DRIVER DOOR IS OPENED. GOOD PICS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD FAILED/CRACKED SOLDER JOINT. THIS DOOR LATCH PRIMING IS USED ON MANY VW GROUP CARS; WE OWN A CAYENNE AND I CAN HEAR THE PRIMING. PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL OF THIS VW PART OR TELLING VW TO STOP PLACING THE FUEL PUMP PRIMING CIRCUIT IN THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH. THE IGNITION KEY SEEM TO BE WHAT OTHER CAR MAKERS USE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 2, 2013
ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, OVER 2 1/2 YEARS, WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO FREEWAY STEERING, BRAKES, POWER WENT OUT. IN FIRST INSTANCE, ACCELERATION OCCURRED. VIRTUALLY LOST CONTROL OF CAR FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE SYSTEM "KICKED IN" AGAIN. REPORTED TO DUBLIN VW (CA) 3 INCIDENTS. UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE. REFERRED TO VW OF AMERICA WHO TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED - NOTHING WRONG. WHILE IN DEALERSHIP, SPOKE TO ANOTHER OWNER WHO EXPERIENCED SAME. OTHER OWNER WAS ALSO TOLD BY VW THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NOTHING WAS WRONG. SOLD CAR TO OAKLAND VW IN 2013. ADVISED THEM THAT DUBLIN VW HAD COMPLETE SERVICE RECORDS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL ODOR WAS BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING AROUND THE AREA OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DIESEL FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND ALTHOUGH THE PART NUMBER FOR THE FAILED COMPONENT WAS THE SAME AS IN THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 172,000.
Air bags, Jan 3, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND AND CRASH INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO HIS ARMS, LEGS AND FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 28, 2012
HEADLIGHTS DIMMING- TO POINT WHERE YOU CAN NOT TELL THEY ARE ON. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON DESPITE ALL DIAGNOSTICS STATING ALL IS OK WITH CAR. PERIODICALLY FAILS TO START-DESPITE DIAGNOSTICS THAT STATE STARTER, BATTERY, DRAIN ALTENATOR ALL GOOD AND FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. CAR JUMPS EASILY WITH "BOOST". *TR
Structure, Oct 12, 2012
THE INTERIOR OF MY 2004 VW JETTA EMITS A VERY STRONG "CRAYON LIKE" ODOR. BREATHING THIS ODOR FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME MAKES MY THROAT HURT AND CAUSES DISCOMFORT WHEN I INHALE. I WORRY THAT REPEATEDLY INHALING WHATEVER CHEMICAL CAUSES THIS WILL CAUSE PERMANENT RESPIRATORY DAMAGE. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Seats, Sep 18, 2012, fire
LAST YEAR I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL ONE NIGHT IT WAS COLD OUT SO I TURNED ON MY HEATED SEAT. MY SEAT STARTED TO GET VERY HOT IN AN ISOLATED AREA SO I TURNED IT REMEMBERING THE RECALL I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE HEATING ELEMENT IN THE SEAT COULD BE FAULTY AND THE SEAT COULD CATCH FIRE. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY EXPRESSED TO ME THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED! WHAT HOW COULD SOME THING THAT COULD CAUSE INJURY HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE? WELL AFTER THAT I NO LONGER USED THE SEAT BUT ONE DAY MY SON WHO WANTED THE CAR TO BE WARM FOR HIS MOTHER STARTED IT AND TURNED ON BOTH HEATED SEATS BY THE TIME I WENT OUT TO THE CAR IT WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND A HOLE BURNED THROUGH MY SEAT. ANOTHER ISSUE I HAVE IS I GOT A RECALL ON MY SUN ROOF SAYING IT CAUSES THE DRIVERS SIDE BACK AND FRONT FLOOR TO FLOOD. WHEN IT DID I TOOK IT IN TO MY DEALER THEY "FIXED IT", WELL LAST WEEK IT POURED TERRIBLE THE NEXT DAY I WENT OUT TO MY VEHICLE TO FIND 4 INCHES OF WATER ON THE FLOOR OF MY DRIVERS SIDE BACK SEAT. TODAY 09/18/2012 I TOOK IT IN TO MY DEALER TO BE REPAIRED AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME $100 FOR DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS I HAVE A CHILD AND TO HAVE WATER SIT IN BETWEEN THE METAL OF THE CAR FLOOR AND THE CARPET I AM DISGUSTED!!! IT SMELLS SO BAD I HAD TO SPRINKLE BAKING SODA ON THE FLOOR TO KEEP THE SMELL AT BAY. THE WATER IS STILL SQUISHING BETWEEN THE CARPET AND THE METAL AND IT IS SUPPOSED TO STORM AGAIN TODAY!!! I AM COMPLETELY FED UP WITH VOLKSWAGEN! *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR, THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE SUPPLY LINE CRACKED AND AS A RESULT, THE FUEL NECK TO SPILL OVER TOP OF THE TANK AND GROUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V154000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP) THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 13, 2012
2004 VW JETTA GLS TDI OPERATING AT 75MPH ON INTERSTATE ON CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTOFF COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE STILL HAD ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENGINE WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT START. I ROLLED THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO RE-START THE ENGINE AND IT FINALLY CRANKED AND DROVE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES BEFORE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR ISSUE. SINCE THAT TIME VEHICLE HAS HAD SAME ISSUE OVER 10 TIMES. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE THREE TIMES AND HAS NOT DISCOVERED ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE LIGHTING AND INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE PRIVATE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,000.
Electrical system, Jan 30, 2012
I HAVE A 2004 VW JETTA. IT HAS ABOUT 48,000 MILES ON IT. A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO, IT DEVELOPED AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. IT PROGRESSES FROM THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKERING INITIALLY & THE TRIP MILEAGE GOING AWAY, TO BEEPING 3 TIMES, AND EVENTUALLY TO STALLING WHEN I STOP. IT'S PROGRESSIVE, THE LONGER IT HAPPENS THE MORE FREQUENTLY IT HAPPENS. THIS MAKES THE CAR UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES. THE FIRST 2 TIMES, THEY SAID IT WAS A SHORT. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE SERVICE. THE NEXT TIME THEY SAID IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. I PAID FOR THE PART BUT NOT THE LABOR. THE LAST TIME, THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP RELAY SWITCH. I WASN'T CHARGED. I GOT THE CAR BACK THURSDAY. THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED SATURDAY. I SPOKE TO VW CORP. PRIOR TO THE THIRD & FOURTH TIMES I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THE FOURTH TIME, I ASKED FOR OTHER OPTIONS, BUT ALL THEY WOULD DO IS TELL ME TO TAKE IT IN FOR REPAIRS. I SPOKE TO THEM AGAIN TODAY. THEY SAID TO TAKE IT IN TO THE DEALER ONCE MORE. I POINTED OUT THAT I HAD JUST DONE THAT LAST WEEK. THEY STILL INSISTED I RETURN IT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID EVENTUALLY, THEY MIGHT GIVE ME CREDIT FOR THE CAR TOWARDS A NEW CAR. THEY WOULDN'T SPECIFY HOW MANY MORE TIMES I'LL HAVE TO TAKE IT IN TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE CREDIT. THEY DIDN'T SAY HOW MUCH CREDIT THEY WOULD OFFER. I DON'T WANT ANOTHER VW. I ASKED THAT, AS THE CAR WAS UNRELIABLE & THEY COULDN'T FIX IT, THAT THEY BUY IT BACK FROM ME AT THE BLUE BOOK PRICE. THEY SAID THAT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN. DO YOU HAVE REPORTS OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH 2004 VW JETTAS? DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO WHAT MY RIGHTS ARE RELATIVE TO THIS SITUATION? *TT
Power train, Jan 19, 2012
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SOMEWHAT FREQUENT ROUGH OR HARD SHIFTS BETWEEN GEARS, AND REVERSE GEAR HAS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING MOST OF THE TIME - WILL NOT ENGAGE REVERSE, BUT INSTEAD ACTS AS IF CAR IS IN NEUTRAL (MAKES A SLIGHT ELECTRONIC SOUND WHEN SHIFTED). RENDERS CAR HIGHLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO DRIVE IN REVERSE. CAR HAS ONLY 83,000 MILES, AND THIS IS CONSIDERED A "SEALED" TRANSMISSION BY VOLKSWAGEN; ONLY MAINTENANCE REQUIRED TO THIS POINT IS CHECKING FOR LEAKS (PER MULTIPLE DEALERS AND OWNER'S MANUAL). VERY SIMILAR TO PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN MANY OTHER AUTOMATICS W/ THE TIPTRONIC FEATURE IN VOLKSWAGEN (SEE NEW BEETLES OF SIMILAR MODEL YEARS, WHERE VW ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE VALVE BODY). HAVE BEEN TOLD BY NUMEROUS VW-COMPETENT TECHS THAT THE MOST LIKELY CULPRIT IS THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY, AND THAT VW AUTOMATICS ARE WIDELY KNOWN FOR HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. *TT
Seats, Jan 14, 2012, fire
IN APRIL OF 2005 VW INITIATED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS ISSUES CAUSED BY OVERHEATING SEAT HEATERS. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED ON JUNE 24TH 2006 BY COOK VOLKSWAGEN IN FALLSTON MARYLAND, AND PARTS FOR REPAIR WERE ORDERED (INVOICE [XXX]). ON JULY 8TH 2006 THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO HAVE THE SERVICE PERFORMED. THE INVOICE (268548) STATES: RECALLS COMPLETED, VV1 CHECKED SEAT HEATER ' NO REPAIRS REQUIRED. ON JANUARY 3RD 2011, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, WITH THE COMFORT SEAT HEATER TURNED ON AT LEVEL 2, THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED STRONG PAIN, FOLLOWED BY STRONG ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, A HOLE BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT WAS DISCOVERED. VW SUGGESTED THE OWNER PAYS $170.00 TO NORTHTOWN VW ON AMHERST NEW YORK TO DISASSEMBLE THE SEAT AND TAKE DETAILED PICTURES OF THE FAILURE BEFORE PERFORMING ANY WORK TO REPAIR THE SEAT HEATER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 11, 2012
THERE IS A TERRIBLE SMELL THAT MY CAR HAS ON THE INTERIOR NOW. IT SMELLS OF MELTING BURNT CRAYONS. IT IS WORSE IN THE SUMMER OR WHEN I RUN THE HEAT. THE SMELL STAYS ON MY CLOTHES AND OTHER PEOPLE SMELL IT ON ME. IT GIVES ME HEADACHES. (I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE). APPARENTLY IT IS FROM THE SOUND-PROOFING AND FIREWALL? I READ THIS IN A FORUM. THE SMELL IS SOMETHING THAT HAS DEVELOPED OVER TIME AND DID NOT EXIST WHEN I FIRST PURCHACED THE VEHICLE, USED (NOT NEW), IN 2006. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS IN FORUMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS AND IT SEEMS THAT VW SHOULD JUST FIX THE PROBLEM OR MAYBE NOT CREATE THE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. IF I HAD KNOWN THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN, THEN I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED THIS CAR. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VW AND I HAVE EVEN TALKED SOMEONE ELSE OUT OF BUYING A VW BECAUSE OF THIS. MAYBE IF VW CARED A LITTLE MORE ABOUT FIXING THE PROBLEMS AND LESS ABOUT FATTENING THEIR WALLETS! *TR
Seats, Jan 9, 2012, fire
WHILE DRIVING HOME ON FRIDAY JANUARY 6 AT AROUND 230PM, MY VW JETTA WAGON'S DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER, SET ON "4," OVERHEATED AND IGNITED THE SEAT MATERIAL, WHICH BURNED THROUGH AND BEGAN TO BURN MY PANTS. SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN; LUCKILY I WAS ONLY A FEW BLOCKS AWAY FROM HOME. WHEN THE SMOKE BEGAN, I SMELLED A PLASTIC BURNING SMELL, AND VEERED SHARPLY OFF THE ROAD, THINKING THE CAR MIGHT BURN. I SHUT OFF THE SEAT HEATER CONTROL, THEN DROVE TO MY HOME, ONE BLOCK AWAY. I SHUT OFF THE CAR, GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM INSIDE, THEN RETURNED TO THE CAR. THE SMOKE HAD JUST ABOUT STOPPED; A DIME-SIZED BURNED HOLE WAS IN MY SEAT, AS WELL AS A SLIGHT BROWNED AREA ON MY PANTS. I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, AND HAVE FILED A CASE WITH VW OF AMERICA CASE # [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Oct 24, 2011, crash
WE WERE STOPPED IN THE TRAFFIC AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THIS TRUCK [2001 CHEVY] REAR ENDED US AT THE SPEED OF 45 MILES PER HOUR AND OUR CAR GOT PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. IN OUR CAR, PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COVER CAME OUT BUT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE WE HAD GREAT TRUST IN VW [GERMAN CARS] IN MAKING STRONG AND RELIABLE CARS WHICH CAN SAVE LIVES WHICH COULD NOT BE PROVED IN THE ACCIDENT WE GOTTEN INTO. HAD THE IMPACT BEEN LITTLE HIGHER WE COULD HAVE DIED IN THE ACCIDENT. I'M SAD TO SAY THAT OUR TRUST IN VW HAS BEEN SHATTERED AFTER THE ACCIDENT. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 7, 2011
AFTER SERVICE BY VW FOR WINDOW GLASS CLIP RECALL THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF. NO TRACTION CONTROL FOR THE VECHICLE. *TR
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
Tires, Jun 21, 2011
I BOUGHT A SET OF 215/50R-17 91V ZEXIUS XI-427 ALL SEASON RADIAL TIRES ON 07/26/2010 FROM LES SCHWAB TIRES IN CALIFORNIA. ON MEMORIAL DAY 5/30/2011 I HAD A BLOWOUT ON I-215 IN LAS VEGAS NV CALLED EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE AND THEY PUT ON SPARE. I CALLED LES SCHWAB TO TELL ABOUT INCIDENT THE NEXT DAY. I WAS TOLD IT WAS TIRE SEPARATION BY AN COMPETITOR TIRE SHOP. ON 6/11/2011 TWO WEEKS AND 282 MILES LATER I WOKE UP TO FIND I HAD A FLAT TIRE ON A DIFFERENT ZEXIUS TIRE, SO I PUT AIR IN THE TIRE AND DROVE THE CAR TO TIRE WORKS A TIRE SHOP A MILE DOWN THE ROAD. TIRE WORKS CHECKED THE TIRE FOR ANY OBJECTS IN THE TIRE BUT FOUND NONE. THEY FOUND THE SIDEWALL HAD A CRACK WHERE AIR WAS LEAKING THROUGH AND DETERMINE IT WAS TIRE SEPARATION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THEY FOUND CRACKS IN THE OTHER TWO ZEXIUS TIRES WHICH THE TIRE SPECIALIST SAID WAS CAUSED BY DRY ROT! I REPLACED THE ZEXIUS TIRE WITH ANOTHER SET OF TIRE'S DUE TO THE LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE SAFETY OF THESE TIRES. I AM IN CURRENT DISPUTE WITH LES SCHWAB TIRES FOR A REFUND FOR THE TOTAL COST OF TIRES. PARTIALLY THE DISPUTE IS WHOM WILL PAY FOR SHIPPING THE ZEXIUS TIRES BACK TO CALIFORNIA AS I LIVE IN HENDERSON,NV CURRENTLY. I NEED HELP TO SETTLE THIS DISPUTE AND EXPOSURE TO THESE FAULTY TIRES. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Jun 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME RESISTANT TO STARTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER REGARDING THE RECALL AND THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,500. UPDATED 06/24/11 *BF THE CONSUMER DISPUTED THE DEALERS RESPONSE SINCE HE BELEIVED HIS VIN FELL IN THE PUBLISHED VIN RANGE OF THE RECALL DESCRIBED IN VW'S DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED TO NHTSA. UPDATED 06/30/11
Power train, May 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE FAILURE WAS 88,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Exterior lighting, May 9, 2011
WE HAVE A 2004 VW JETTA, BUT THIS CONCERN IS WITH MOST 7 YEAR OLD AND OLDER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHT CONSTRUCTION IS INFERIOR TO VEHICLES EARLIER IN THE 1900S ' NEVER WITH CARS I HAVE OWNED FROM 1954 UNTIL THE LAST FEW HAVE I SEE HEADLIGHTS FOG- TURN OPAQUE OR YELLOW. THE PLASTIC USED IS INFERIOR TO THE GLASS USED ON OLDER VEHICLES AND AS SUCH IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO ALL DRIVERS. SINCE IT IS THE USE OF AN INFERIOR MATERIAL IT IS A DEFECT AND SHOULD BECOME SAFETY RECALLS BY THE MANUFACTURER RATHER THEN A BAND-AID BUFF OUT KIT THAT THE VEHICLE OWNER, MUST BEAR THE EXPENSE, AND TRY TO USE OR HAVE A REPAIR SHOP DO AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. HEADLIGHT SURFACES SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF A VEHICLES, BARRING DAMAGE IN ACCIDENTS THEY SHOULD PERFORM SAFELY THROUGHOUT A ONE'S OWNERSHIP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TENSIONER AND ENGINE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE RESULTS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,000.