What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2004 Volkswagen Jetta

Typical pattern

9.5% of complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2004 vehicle — around the middle of the 236 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 4.8 yr in service. The most-reported system is engine cooling (39 complaints), typically at 4.3 yr or about 63,000 miles.

Complaints
296
Median age at failure
4.8 yr
Median mileage
70,000 n=247
Crash / fire / tow
15.5% of reports
Safety recalls
5

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Engine cooling
39 reports · 63,000 mi
4.3 yr
2.6%
Electrical system
37 reports · 90,000 mi
9.8 yr
16.2%
Power train
36 reports · 29,000 mi
2.7 yr
2.8%
Air bags
23 reports · 46,920 mi
2.9 yr
56.5%
Seats
22 reports · 90,000 mi
8.0 yr
59.1%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

20E064000 2020-09-23
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder

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.

14E007000 2014-03-07
Engine and engine cooling:engine

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 af

A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

07E023000 2007-03-29
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder

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.

07V063000 2007-02-20
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

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.

04V586000 2004-12-15
Fuel system, diesel

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.

In owners’ own words

Engine cooling 2,500 mi 11 mo in service
VEHICLE STALLED WHEN BEING DRIVEN AT A CONSTANT SPEED. ALSO, SUN ROOF CLOSED HALF WAY. *AK
Engine cooling 9,000 mi 8 mo in service
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine cooling 60,000 mi 1.8 yr in service
THERE WAS FOUND TO BE A COOLANT LEAK CAUSED BY THE EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATOR?). COOLANT LEVEL DROPPED TO THE POINT THAT CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING. I HAVAE LOOKED ON VW WEB FORUMS AND MANY OWNERS HAVE HAD A SIMILAR INCIDENT. 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI
Electrical system 1,600 mi 6 mo in service
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

Other Jetta model years

20212020201920172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998

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