2004 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the diesel pump. the recall began on february 8, 2005. owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
231 complaints15 involved a crash20 involved a fire15 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed while it was raining, the windshield wipers were activated; however, the wipers failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the wipers failed to operate. In addition, the contact…
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed while it was raining, the windshield wipers were activated; however, the wipers failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the wipers failed to operate. In addition, the contact stated the brake lights failed to function as intended. The contact was informed that the brake lights failed to activate while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the front driver's side window was closed; however, the driver's front side window was independently lowered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical system failure. The contact stated that the battery, the alternator, the fuses, and the windshield wiper motor were all replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure became a persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
Unknown, very complex. Multiple issues. Have been addressed as well as parts been replaced however other issues arised that are definitely safety concerns between electrical issues engine motor etc
- Service brakes
A4 VW BEW TDI BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE updated part# 1J0 612 041 FD VW part numbers 1J0 612 041 N and 1J0 612 041 FD. These hose are known for cracking at the plastic tube causing low vacuum; poor / inconsistant braking performance. This could lead to crashes, injuries, and loss of life. These…
A4 VW BEW TDI BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE updated part# 1J0 612 041 FD VW part numbers 1J0 612 041 N and 1J0 612 041 FD. These hose are known for cracking at the plastic tube causing low vacuum; poor / inconsistant braking performance. This could lead to crashes, injuries, and loss of life. These hoses were recalled in the UK, but not in USA for unknown reasons. Vaico is the oem supplier of these hoses, and were most likely fitted to all bew TDI m/t mk4 VW vehicles sold world wide.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
My car IS currently staged at my home it's still drivable but I don't know gor how long! I recently bought this car from a dealer in california about 3 months ago, now all of a sudden I'm having issues with my transmission I caught the issue fast and took it to a multistate transmission shop and…
My car IS currently staged at my home it's still drivable but I don't know gor how long! I recently bought this car from a dealer in california about 3 months ago, now all of a sudden I'm having issues with my transmission I caught the issue fast and took it to a multistate transmission shop and they told me they would have to rebuild my transmission with the amount of money I already spent on fixing up this car I am extremely upset, I cannot afford such a insane amount everything with the car besides that IS perfect though.
- Steering
Loose steering chance of loss of control due to incorrect tie rod end from kit specific to vehicle. Resulting in ruined tires and alignment. Https://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/volkswagen/jetta/replacement/control_arm_kit/2004/tdi/4_cyl_1-dot-9l/repv281502.html . The kit I believe has a tie rod…
Loose steering chance of loss of control due to incorrect tie rod end from kit specific to vehicle. Resulting in ruined tires and alignment. Https://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/volkswagen/jetta/replacement/control_arm_kit/2004/tdi/4_cyl_1-dot-9l/repv281502.html . The kit I believe has a tie rod end meant for a preious generation volkswagon as it IS smaller in diameter and cannot taper lock. It took about a month of driving for it to loosen up. The physical problem IS the outer tir rod but the inner tie rod IS of a smaller diameter and adjustments were made installing so the dust boot would properly seal but it was mechanically compatable.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle under multiple occasions has stalled out at various speeds, locations, and driving styles/roads at or under a quarter of a tank
- Seats
Seats are getting excessively hot and starting to burn through the vision and fabric. Smoke in compartment.
- Electrical system
Alternator wire melted part of the battery top fuse box. cable was very hot and may have caught fire if I hadn't smelled it first. had to replace the alternator cable harness and fuse box panel.
- Seats
I turned on the driver side seat heater and it caught fire burning a hole in the seat and burning me. I was driving at the time in the city. I pored water all over me and the seat and turned the heater off.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
While driving down road early in morning approx 2 miles from house I just left from my 2004 jetta shuts down total loss of all power I pulled car over in a church parking lot I smelled smoke and could see smoke coming from fire wall I raised hood and pulled battery cable off I could see smpoke…
While driving down road early in morning approx 2 miles from house I just left from my 2004 jetta shuts down total loss of all power I pulled car over in a church parking lot I smelled smoke and could see smoke coming from fire wall I raised hood and pulled battery cable off I could see smpoke filling inside of my car walked around to driver door to get my phone and I seen fuse box on fire.another vehicle stopped to help me and he approached my car and then called police ,full flames were coming from my car within 5 min so I stood back and watched my car burn .fire dept showed up and put fire out my car IS a total loss. Ive had issues with alternator,fuel pump,air bag light, headlights are really dim even on bright.nothing but issues with this car since I got it. 115.000 miles only on this car .so many isues I can see why its low milage
- Electrical system
The insulation on the wiring of the left headlight IS deteriorated and falling off leaving the wires bare and at risk of shorting out.
- Electrical system
Passenger seat (front seat) heating element IS burning the upholstery. the seat heater won't shut off. this has happened more than once; each time the car was operating.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Heated seat module melted a hole through my leather.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The car randomly stalls while driving whether at highway speeds or in town. this causes a loss of power steering and power brakes which IS inherently dangerous in certain situations. it has been doing this regularly with the previous owner for the last 3 or 4 years and has done it 4 times while…
The car randomly stalls while driving whether at highway speeds or in town. this causes a loss of power steering and power brakes which IS inherently dangerous in certain situations. it has been doing this regularly with the previous owner for the last 3 or 4 years and has done it 4 times while under my ownership since september 2017 it usually happens while there IS less than 1/4 tank of fuel. when it happens there IS no check engine light nor does the ecu store any codes from the problem. previous owner made several repairs including a fuel pump and filter, engine speed sensor and alternator wiring harness in an attempt to fix the issues with no success. this issues also comes up regularly on several VW forums and no one seems to have an answer. this IS a known and regular issue with no consistent repair and needs to be remedied.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Randomly stalls on the freeway when down to 1/4 tank of gas. After pulling over and turning off the key and turning the key back on, it will start and run great. This happens about every other time the car gets down to about 1/4 tank. No shop can duplicate the problem or correct it. I have tried…
Randomly stalls on the freeway when down to 1/4 tank of gas. After pulling over and turning off the key and turning the key back on, it will start and run great. This happens about every other time the car gets down to about 1/4 tank. No shop can duplicate the problem or correct it. I have tried the ignition coil, grounds, fuel pump... No fix. there are countless threads on various VW forums about this same problem. It IS very dangerous to stall on the freeway. Something needs to be done to correct this.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. While driving approximately 65 mph, all the warning indicators started to flash on the instrument panel. The door chime sounded and the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted the vehicle onto the shoulder. The contact had the vehicle jump started and…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. While driving approximately 65 mph, all the warning indicators started to flash on the instrument panel. The door chime sounded and the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted the vehicle onto the shoulder. The contact had the vehicle jump started and drove to a nearby parking lot. The failure occurred two other times and the vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. The fuse box melted and had to be replaced. The vehicle operated normally after the repairs were completed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
- Tires
Traveling on the interstate aproximatley 70 mph, the left rear tire tread separated. this resulted in a loss of control and the vehicle impacted the guard rail. at this point the engine and transmission separated from the car as the car continued to spin down the road. the car came to a rest after approximately 3 spins, and the engine came to rest on the opposite side of the 3 lane interstate.
- Electrical system
On 12/18/2016 I was driving this car back from the movies at 2:30 a.m. Once the movie had ended it was storming and sleeting. I started to notice systems shutting down as indicated by various dash lights such as ABS, airbag, among others. Eventually the radio, interior lights shut off. The…
On 12/18/2016 I was driving this car back from the movies at 2:30 a.m. Once the movie had ended it was storming and sleeting. I started to notice systems shutting down as indicated by various dash lights such as ABS, airbag, among others. Eventually the radio, interior lights shut off. The windshield wipers slowed and the headlights dimmed, and eventually the car died going 50 miles an hour in sleeting conditions leaving me with no ABS, no airbag system (at least per what the dash lights indicated) and, of course, no power steering. I inspected the vehicle this morning and found the alternator wire coming into the high amperage fuse box that sits on top of the battery had melted and disconnected the circuit, disabling the alternator from charging the battery, and letting the battery die. The incident did not cause a crash, but it could have if there was anyone else around me as I had to cut across a couple lanes with no engine power and no power steering to get to the shoulder. *tr
- Seats
My clothe seats caught on fire today while driving it for only 25 minutes the seat warmer was only set on number 2. I was so retried and panicked but managed to pull over to the side of the road and hit it with my hand until it went out. It did burn my hand. My vehicle was in motion then I stopped. It was in a city street filled with cars and construction workers.
- Electrical system
Alternator cable melted the fuse block and wires above the battery. I will need to replace the alternator, alternator wiring harness, the fuses, and possibly the battery. My car has shut down while driving and this IS dangerous not just for me but for others on the road around me. Too many VW…
Alternator cable melted the fuse block and wires above the battery. I will need to replace the alternator, alternator wiring harness, the fuses, and possibly the battery. My car has shut down while driving and this IS dangerous not just for me but for others on the road around me. Too many VW owners are experiencing this exact same issue. VW please take ownership of this ongoing safety issue. This same issue IS being addressed in a class action for beetles.
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Instrument cluster stopped working. Vehicle mileage, and speedometer do not work at all. Mileage when occurred 48,800. Every speed sensor was replaced with no change. I have no way of knowing how fast I am going, or how many miles are on my car without tracking them myself. This IS a common problem…
Instrument cluster stopped working. Vehicle mileage, and speedometer do not work at all. Mileage when occurred 48,800. Every speed sensor was replaced with no change. I have no way of knowing how fast I am going, or how many miles are on my car without tracking them myself. This IS a common problem with multiple vw's and audi's with no apparent solution. I have spent hundreds of dollars trying to fix this problem and still am without a speedometer and odometer.
- Electrical system
My (generator cable - S177) alternator cable melting the fuse box and wires above the battery. my car needed a new alternator. My car does not always start even with a new battery and alternator. My car has shut down while driving on the highway. VW admits this IS a known problem but will not do anything about it. I am the second owner of this vehicle. Thousands of people are having this same problem.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, back fired, and it was leaking coolant under the water pump. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Prior to this failure that the vehicle had experienced leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, back fired, and it was leaking coolant under the water pump. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Prior to this failure that the vehicle had experienced leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 14e007000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. While driving 35 mph, fumes of smoke appeared from the front passenger seat. The contact mentioned that there was a burnt hole in the passenger seat as a result of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the heating…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. While driving 35 mph, fumes of smoke appeared from the front passenger seat. The contact mentioned that there was a burnt hole in the passenger seat as a result of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the heating element failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was unable to give the specific name of the part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
- Engine
VW ignition coils are failed, causing the spark plug not to fire and cutting power to the engine. The technician was unable to find the issue about 4 hours and finally found the problem. The car was working fine one day and while at the bank with my boys in the back the car shut off. I needed to get out and push the car into the parking lot to get out of the way.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252204Air Conditioning Does not Operate
- 10243064VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243046VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243040VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242402VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242384VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242378VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241749Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10241713Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241712Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241711Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241335Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241333Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241310Software Version Management
- 10241285Engine, Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10241282Engine, Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10240922Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10240605P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.