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.
Structure, May 2, 2007
I OWN A 2004 VW JETTA GLS. MY MOM OPENED THE DOOR TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, AND THE CORNER OF THE DOOR HIT HER IN THE CHEEKBONE, JUST BELOW HER EYE. IT BRUISED & SWELLED IMMEDIATELY, AND HAS STAYED THAT WAY FOR ALMOST A WEEK NOW. SHE WENT TO THE DOCTOR TO GET HER EYE CHECKED JUST IN CASE, AND HE FOUND A PAINT CHIP IN HER EYE! VW SHOULD EITHER ROUND THE EDGES OF THE DOOR, OR PUT RUBBER STRIPS ON IT, LIKE LEXUS AND HONDA DO. I HAVE ALSO HIT MYSELF WITH THE DOOR TWICE, BUT DID NOT GET BRUISES. MAYBE WE ARE UNCOORDINATED OR ACCIDENT PRONE, BUT WE ARE ALSO 5FT 1 IN, WHICH MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE LOCATION OF THE INJURY. THANK YOU. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, May 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. THE CONTACT SMELLED DIESEL FUEL INSIDE THE CAB AND FOUND DIESEL FUEL LEAKING UNDER THE FUEL PUMP. THE DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. HOWEVER, RECALL #04V586000 WAS RELATED TO THIS FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 70,000. *AK
Air bags, Apr 4, 2007, crash
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 38,000. THE CONTAACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND DID NOT REMEMBER IF HE WAS BELTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CONTACT HAD PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE, AND SUBMITTED PICTURES TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT AFTER REVIEWING THE PICTURES THE AIR BAGS PERFORMED PROPERLY.*AK
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
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Fuel system, Other, Equipment, Feb 23, 2007
ON 1/25/2007 OUR VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR REPAIR OF AN ENGINE VIBRATION. INITIAL DIAGNOSIS WAS THE TIMING BELT AND IT WAS ADJUSTED APPROXIMATELY 4 DEGREES AND PROMISED TO BE READY ON 1/27/07. BELT ADJUSTMENT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND CAR WAS NOT PICKED UP. ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS WAS PERFORMED, INCLUDING COMPRESSION TEST OF ENGINE, AND TECHNICIAN CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN FOR ASSISTANCE. AFTER WEEKS OF DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING WE WERE TOLD THAT THE IN TANK FUEL PUMP THAT WAS REPLACED AT A DIFFERENT VW DEALERSHIP ON 9/11/06 HAD FAILED. RESEARCHING NHTSA I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS A RECALLED PUMP. BECAUSE THE MILEAGE WAS ALMOST 3K OVER THE WARRANTY OF THE PART AND VW ALREADY SATISFIED THE RECALL VW WOULD NOT COVER A REPLACEMENT. THE NEW FUEL PUMP ALSO DID NOT FIX THE VIBRATION PROBLEM. DEALERS DIAGNOSIS WITH VOLKSWAGEN'S ASSISTANCE CONTINUED UNTIL 2/8/07 WHEN WE WERE TOLD THAT A VALVE LIFTER IN THE CAM ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED CAUSING THE VIBRATION. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED A COMPLETE "CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT" AT A COST OF ABOUT $4,500. MY HUSBAND ASKED TO SPEAK WITH THE MECHANIC AND DETERMINED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS ONLY TO ONE VALVE LIFTER. MY HUSBAND AND I DECIDED TO FIX WHAT WAS BROKEN AND ONLY FIXED THE DAMAGED LIFTER WHICH WAS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $500. THE DEALER AGREED TO PERFORM THIS REPAIR, BUT WOULD NOT WARRANTY THE WORK BECAUSE THEY WERE CONCERNED THAT CYLINDER HEAD MIGHT BE FAULTY. OUR VEHICLE WAS FINALLY REPAIRED AND ABLE TO BE PICKED UP ON 2/19/07. COST OF REPAIRS WAS NEGOTIATED WITHIN OUR SATISFACTION, HOWEVER, THE SERVICE WAS NOT TIMELY AND FEEL THAT THE PARTS IN THE VEHICLE ARE BELOW STANDARD. NOW WE HAVE AN ADDITIONAL PROBLEM WE DID NOT HAVE BEFORE TAKING IT IN FOR REPAIR. TWO DAYS AFTER WE RECEIVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP WE FIGURED OUT THE FUEL GAUGE IS NO LONGER WORKING PROPERLY AND HAS A FALSE READING OF APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TANK WHEN THE TANK IS EMPTY. *JB
Fuel system, Other, Feb 17, 2007
FUEL PUMP LEAK. THE FUEL PUMP WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHERE THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM OTHER THEN SAYING 'THE FUEL PUMP', THEY COULD NOT SAY IF THE PUMP PART WAS COVERED UNDER THE PREVIOUS RECALL IN 2005, THEY COULD NOT SAY IF THE PUMP WAS REPLACED UNDER THAT RECALL OR GIVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE PREVIOUS RECALL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 8, 2007
2004 VW JETTA WITH BASE 4 CYLINDER ENGINE WITH 28K AS OF 2/1/07. CAR IS USING 4-QTS OF 5W-40 SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL EVERY OIL CHANGE (EVERY 5000 MILES). VW CLAIMS THAT 1-QT PER 1000 MILES IS NORMAL, REFUSE TO FIX THE ENGINE. *JB
Power train, Jan 31, 2007
I PURCHASED MY 2004 VW JETTA GLI 1.8T LAST AUGUST. IT HAD 21,000 MILES WHEN I PURCHASED IT. AT ABOUT 23,000 TO 24,000 MILES I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND WITH NO PRIOR WARNINGS THE CLUTCH POPPED. THINKING THAT IT WAS THE PREVIOUS OWNER THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A NON VOLKSWAGENS DEALER THINKING THAT IT WAS NOT STILL UNDER WARRANTY( WHICH IT WASN'T). THE REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THAT IT WAS "DRIVER ERROR" THAT CAUSE THE PROBLEM AND I ASSUMED THAT IT WAS THE PREVIOUS OWNER. I PAID THE $1500 FOR THE REPAIRS AND ABOUT 25,000 TO 26,000 MILES LATER IT WENT OUT AGAIN. I ONCE AGAIN HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS ONCE AGAIN TOLD THAT IT WAS "DRIVER ERROR" THAT CAUSE THE PROBLEM. I PAID THE $1500 AGAIN AND KEPT DRIVING. THEN ABOUT 200 OR 300 MILES LATER THE CLUTCH WENT OUT AGAIN. THIS TIME I SENT IT TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER AND HAD THEM LOOK AT IT. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF WITHOUT A CAR THEY FINALLY FIXED THE PROBLEM AND ONCE AGAIN BLAMED IT ON "DRIVER ERROR." BY THIS TIME I WAS SURE THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT BOTH DEALERS WERE MISSING SO I CALLED THE FIRST REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SENT THE SERVICE MANAGER TO TALK TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE VW DEALERSHIP. BOTH HAD REPLACED THE EXACT SAME THREE PARTS AND BOTH THINK THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF "DRIVER ERROR." IF IT WAS DRIVER ERROR THEN WHY IS THE TIME BETWEEN EACH CLUTCH GETTING SHORTER BUT ITS THE SAME PROBLEM EVERY TIME? SO I PAID MY $2000 AND LEFT AND NOW HAVE SPENT $5000 ON A CAR I EXPECTED TO LAST ME OVER 100,000 MILES. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VW CLUTCH.
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
Air bags, Jan 4, 2007
TWO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED (DRIVER'S SIDE, CURTAIN AND SEAT) ON MY 2004 VW JETTA W/35,000KM WHILE DRIVING AT 15KM/H, NO BODY DAMAGE, NO FLAT TIRE. VW WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS, SAID TO CALL INSURANCE, NOT A "SENSOR" ISSUE, CRASH DATA RECORDED OF COURSE SINCE THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED - AND WHAT IS DISTURBING IS THAT THIS COULD EASILY HAPPEN AGAIN IN A POT HOLE, FLAT TIRE, SPEED BUMP AND VW DOES NOT SEEM BE BOTHERED BY THAT FACT... BUT I SHOULD PAY FOR THIS OVER AND OVER AND/OR MAKE CLAIMS WITH MY INSURANCE... TOLD THEM THAT IF THEIR AIR BAGS WERE SO SENSITIVE, THEY SHOULD POST WARNINGS IN THE VEHICLE. VERY DISGUSTED WITH VW AND THE CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP AND I AM SURE THEY ARE ANXIOUS TO HAVE IT REMOVED FROM THEIR LOT BECAUSE THEY KEEP CALLING TO SEE IF I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE... *NM
Power train, Dec 27, 2006
ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO I PURCHASED A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T WITH THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION (4 YEARS/48,000 MILE WARRANTY). A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, I NOTICED THAT I HAD LESS AND LESS POWER TO DRIVE THE CAR WHEN IT WAS IN GEAR. ON DECEMBER 7, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CLUTCH HAD WORN OUT AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THUS, THE COST OF THE REPAIR ON THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO BE $1,800! MY CAR HAS 30,700 MILES ON IT, I AM 34 YEARS OLD AND THERE ARE CERTAIN DAYS WHEN I DRIVE IT LESS THAN 5 MILES A DAY! OF COURSE, I WAS TOLD BY MY CAR-SALESMAN, THE SERVICE MANAGER, THE TELEPHONE OPERATORS AT VOLKSWAGEN AND THE GENERAL MANGER AT THE PLACE WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THAT I (THROUGH POOR DRIVING HABITS AND LITTLE EXPERIENCE DRIVING A CLUTCH) WORE IT OUT. I REQUESTED TO PERSONALLY SPEAK TO THE AREA SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE FROM VOLKSWAGEN YET, I WAS NEVER GIVEN HIS/HER CONTACT INFORMATION. IN ADDITION, I GAVE MY CONTACT INFORMATION TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM REACH THE VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TO HAVE THEM CONTACT ME. OVERALL, I WAS NEVER ABLE TO SPEAK TO THIS INDIVIDUAL. I HAD 6 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE ON A FORD WITH NO CLUTCH PROBLEMS. I ALSO DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND AN INTERESTING WEB SITE HTTP://WWW.MYVWLEMON.COM/UBB/FORUM1/HTML/000155.HTML IT WAS INTERESTING TO READ OTHER INDIVIDUALS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE (SOME DIFFERENT YEAR DATES THAN MY CAR)! *NM
Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 5, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AND THE REAR LEFT PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING, PUSHING THE CONTACT TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND DAMAGING THE SEAT BELT. A POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A WELT ON THE LEFT HIP FROM THE AIRBAG. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A RESIDENCE. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE NEXT MORNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Fuel system, Diesel, Nov 29, 2006
2004 JETTA DIESEL - FUEL PUMP/GASKET LEAKING -FALLS W/IN VIN RECALL #'S. FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. DEALER/MANUFACTURE STATES RECALL NOT FOR MY VIN#. HAS THE VERY PROBLEM THE RECALL FOR FUEL PUMP/GASKET LEAKING THERE FOR REPLACEMENT DESCRIBES. DEALER STATES NEED TO REPLACE PUMP/GASKET. RECALL STATES REPLACEMENT OF PUMP/GASKET. VW OF AMERICA CAN NOT TELL ME THE PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL, JUST THAT MY CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THIS SITUATION. PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2006
CAR BEGAN MAKING LOUD POPPING NOISE. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP. AFTER THREE DAYS OF EVALUATION, THE DEALER HAD TO CONTACT VW TECHNICIAN FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VW TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE DEALER TO CHECK THE CAMSHAFT AS THEY HAVE BEEN NOTICING PROBLEMS IN THE FIELD IN VEHICLES WITH 80,000 - 150,000 MILES. THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE METAL BEING TOO THIN AND WEARING TOO QUICKLY. *JB
Power train, Oct 18, 2006
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. WAS RUNNING FINE AND I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH THE VEHICLE. DURING A ROUTINE STOP AT A STOP SIGN I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH, A LARGE CLUNKING NOISE OCCURRED AND THE CLUTCH PRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. VEHICLE HAD 62,000 MILES ON IT, THUS MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY EXPIRED. EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY (OBTAINED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW) COVERED TOWING AND INITIALLY INVESTIGATION UNTIL THEY DISCOVERED THE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO THE CLUTCH -- A 'WEARABLE' ITEM. APPARENTLY THE CLUTCH PLATE HAD BEEN RUBBING AGAINST THE TRANSMISSION, UNSEEABLE UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCES WITH A VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE CENTER AND THEY NEVER INSPECTED THE CLUTCH, NOR IS DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE CLUTCH OR THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY COVERED IN EITHER THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY OR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I BELIEVE IF IT IS A 'WEARABLE' ITEM IT SHOULD BE PART OF THE STANDARD SERVICE PROGRAM (WHICH IS QUITE EXPENSIVE FOR VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLES) OR IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
Exterior lighting, Visibility, Oct 5, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V183000, REGARDING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. ADDITIONALLY, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW GLASS STUCK WITHIN THE WINDOW RETAINER, AND WOULD NOT ROLL UP. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE WINDOW GLASS NEEDED RETAINER CLIPS INSTALLED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Air bags, Oct 3, 2006, crash, fire
I WAS TRAVELING 0 MPH AND WAS HIT HEAD ON AT 60 MPH. I WAS DRIVING A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Air bags, Sep 28, 2006
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, MY LEFT FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT THEN MY RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AND RIGHT SIDE SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED THUS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL OUT AND WOULD NOT START ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OFF TO THE SIDE WITHOUT GETTING HIT AND NOTIFIED POLICE. WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, I THOUGHT I WAS SHOT AT. OTHER THAN A FLAT TIRE AND A SCRATCH ON MY RIM, THERE WAS NO UNDERCARRIAGE OR BODY DAMAGE. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER IN PLEASANTVILLE, NY THINKING IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, SINCE IT IS A 2004 VW JETTA WITH APPROXIMATELY 34,000 MILES. THEY DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO HELP ME WITH MY PROBLEM. AFTER 2 1/2 WEEKS AT THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT VW WAS NOT AT FAULT AND THEY WERE NOT GOING TO REPAIR THE CAR UNDER WARRANTY. THEY SAID THEY FOUND CRASH DATA WHICH OF COURSE THEY ARE GOING TO FIND SINCE THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THEY SHOULD HAVE CHECKED THE SENSORS INSTEAD. THE REGIONAL COORDINATOR OF VW AMERICA CALLED ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT SINCE NOBODY WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THAT'S WHAT CAUSED THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I GUESS WE SHOULD ALL HAVE CRASH TEST DUMMIES SITTING IN OUR PASSENGER SEAT SO THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN TO US. THE AMOUNT WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $4,000 TO FIX. RIGHT NOW I HAVE IT AT AN AUTO BODY SHOP TO BE REPAIRED AND WILL SAVE THE PARTS. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE FLAT AND I REALLY THINK I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED BY VW. THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY NEED TO RECALL THE CARS. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET (VWVORTEX.COM), THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE IN MY SIMILAR SITUATION - SOME GETTING REIMBURSED AND OTHERS NOT. *JB
Power train, Sep 3, 2006
MY 2004 JETTA HAD TO HAVE THE FLYWHEEL, PRESSURE PLATE AND CLUTCH REPLACED AT 32,000 MILES. VW WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF THESE REPAIRS AS THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO DRIVER ERROR AND IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THEY ALSO STATED THAT I MUST BE DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH THE CLUTCH PUSHED IN. I HAVE DRIVEN MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS FOR 20 PLUS YEARS, HAVE NEVER DRIVEN THE WAY VW STATES AND HAVE NEVER HAD A CLUTCH GO OUT ON ME. *NM
Air bags, Aug 17, 2006
NO IMPACT, NO POT HOLES, NO SPEED BUMPS - DRIVING ON A PAVED ROAD THE PASSENGER SIDE (ROOF & SEAT) AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NO PASSENGERS WERE IN THE VEHICLE, DRIVER ONLY W/SEAT BELT - NO DRIVER SIDE OR FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. VW DEALER FOUND NO DAMAGE; VW REGIONAL CLAIMS BLACK BOX SAYS "SIGNIFICANT IMPACT" THUS NO DEFECT, REPORT IT TO INSURANCE CO. . INSURANCE CO FINDS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, DENIES CLAIM. VW SAYS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DUE TO PASSENGER NOT WEARING SEAT BELT (NO PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE); ALSO SAID NOT MANUFACTURED TO WITHSTAND POT HOLES OR SPEED BUMPS. INSURANCE CO SAYS AIRBAGS DEPLOY ONLY W/SEAT BELT FASTENED. EITHER WAY, THIS IS A DEFECT - AIR BAGS DEPLOYED W/NO ACCIDENT, NO PASSENGER; IF THERE WAS AN IMPACT, DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. NOBODY WILL PAY FOR THE DAMAGE THE AIRBAGS CREATED. I HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS - AIR BAGS DEPLOY IN VW JETTA'S WHILE DRIVING ON A ROADWAY, NO IMPACT, NO POT HOLES, NO SPEED BUMPS ... VW HAS A PROBLEM - THIS SHOULD BE A RE-CALL - MAKE THEM FIX IT! THANKS *NM
Equipment, Aug 15, 2006
THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE RADIO STARTING ONE YEAR AGO. ON THREE OCCASIONS THE CD WOULD NOT EJECT AND THE RADIO WOULD NOT PLAY EVEN THOUGH IT COULD BE TUNED AND ADJUSTED. THE CD EJECTED TWO OF THE THREE TIMES WHEN DRIVING FAST OVER A LARGE BUMP. THE THIRD TIME I HAD TO HIT THE SIDE OF THE RADIO THREE TIMES BEFORE IT EJECTED. ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION THE RADIO TURNED ON WITHOUT SOUND AND THE CD PLAYER WOULD NOT TAKE THE CD. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 10 MINUTES, THE STEREO ACCEPTED THE CD AND IT PLAYED. TODAY THE CD I PUT IN WAS BEING READ BUT NO SOUND WAS PRESENT. WHEN SWITCHING TO RADIO, WITH THE CD IN, NO SOUND WAS PRESENT FOR THE RADIO. ONLY AFTER THE CD WAS REMOVED AND THE STEREO WAS TURNED OFF THEN ON DID IT HAVE SOUND. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE STEREO THEY NEED TO SEE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, I CAN'T JUST STOP IN WHEN IT IS OCCURRING BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE APPOINTMENTS. BY THE TIME I HAVE THE APPOINTMENT, THE STEREO IS WORKING AND IN THEIR EYES IT IS NOT A PROBLEM. *JB
Service brakes, Electric, Jul 25, 2006
THERE IS A FAILURE WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IN THE CAR CAUSING THE CAR TO BREAK EVEN THOUGH FOOT IS ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO LOOSE SPEED AND I AM UNABLE TO MAKE THE CAR ACCELERATE UNTIL THE CAR IS PLACED IN A LOWER GEAR. VERY HAZARDOUS IN ATLANTA TRAFFIC. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A VW DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY HAVE AGREED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT WAITED TO MAKE NHTSA AWARE OF THE ISSUE. *JB
Fuel system, Diesel, Jun 13, 2006
I BOUGHT A USED 2004 JETTA TDI AT D'ARCY VOLKSWAGEN OF JOLIET IL. ON FEBRUARY 2005. MY TANDEM PUMP HAS FAILED AND IS SIGNIFICANTLY LEAKING FUEL. I TOOK IT TO LOU BACKRODT VOLKSWAGEN OF ROCKFORD IL, AND I RECEIVED AN ESTIMATE ON THE TOTAL COST. I DID MY OWN RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS MY AUTOMOBILE AND PUMP IS COVERED UNDER A RECALL CAMPAIGN VY (04V-586) WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V586000 AND DOCUMENT NUMBER RCRIT-04V586-7306.PDF. I TALKED TO VW CUSTOMER SERVICE (TICKET NUMBER 60206323) AND THEY REFUSE TO COVER THE COST WHICH CAN BE PROVED WITH YOUR LETTER RCRIT-04V586-7306.PDF. I NEED FOR VW TO COVER THE OVERALL COST OF THIS REPAIR SINCE IT IS A DEFECT THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED BY VW. I NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER OF NOTIFICATION SINCE I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE VIN # IS 3VWSR69MX4090734, WHICH IS WITHIN THE RANGES COVERED IN LETTER RCRIT-04V586-7306 PAGE 1 OF 16, VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER RANGES. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS SITUATION. *NM
Power train, Jun 7, 2006
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2004 VW JETTA GLI (VR6), PURCHASED IN FALL '04. THE CAR WAS DELIVERED OFF THE TRUCK AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE (NEVER DRIVEN BY OTHER CUSTOMERS). IT CURRENTLY HAS 37,100 HIGHWAY MILES ON IT. I AM A PREVIOUS OWNER OF A '03 VW JETTA GLI AND TRADED IT IN (47K MI.) FOR MY CURRENT CAR. BOTH VEHICLES HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. ON 6/6/06, I EXPERIENCED SERIOUS PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS. THE CAR STARTED TO REV, EVEN THOUGH I WAS METHODICALLY LETTING THE CLUTCH OUT, SHIFTING ACCORDINGLY, TO SEE IF I COULD TROUBLESHOOT. UNFORTUNATELY AFTER 4 MI., EACH SUBSEQUENT GEAR STARTED BREAKING-I COULD NO LONGER SHIFT INTO 2ND, THEN 3RD, UP TO 6TH. THEN REVERSE FAILED. SMOKE ALSO CAME UP FROM UNDER THE HOOD WITH A FUEL SMELL. I TOOK MY CAR TO AN AUTHORIZED VW DEALER (STILL UNDER WARRANTY) & THE ORIGINAL DIAGNOSIS (WITHOUT REMOVING THE TRANSMISSION) WAS THE CLUTCH HAD COMPLETELY FAILED. IT IS CLEAR THERE IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE WITH THE VW CLUTCHES. THEY SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 37K MI. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT COULD BE FROM NORMAL WEAR-TEAR OR "USER ERROR". I'M NOT NEW TO DRIVING MANUAL; I HAVE BEEN DRIVING STICK SHIFT FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS. TO HAVE A CAR THAT IS DRIVEN PRIMARILY (80% OF TRAVEL) ON THE HIGHWAY HAVE CLUTCH FAILURE IS UNFATHOMABLE. ADDITIONALLY, I HAD THE 30K MAINTENANCE COMPLETED & THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF CLUTCH PROBLEMS. WHILE WAITING FOR FINAL DIAGNOSIS FOR THE FAILURE, I CONDUCTED RESEARCH & FOUND THIS IS NOT AN USUAL PROBLEM WITH VWS OR VW CORPORATION. ACCORDING TO VW OWNERS, THE CLUTCHES ARE FAILING STARTING AT 19K MI., EVEN AFTER NOT DRIVING THE CAR HARD. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE & FOR THE COMPANY TO KNOW THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE, COSTING OWNERS THOUSANDS IN REPAIRS & SUBSEQUENT BILLS, ENDANGERING PEOPLE WHO ARE DRIVING DURING FAILURE (WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS FROM THE CAR), TO NOT COVER SUCH ISSUES UNDER WARRANTY, & AUTOMATICALLY DEFAULT THE PROBLEM BEING "USER ERROR" IS UNETHICAL & UNSAFE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 1, 2006
ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL DROPS APPROXIMATELY 1 CUP EACH WEEK. DEALER REPLACED THE EGR COOLER. *NM