The front windows detach and drop down inside the door during cold weather, even when the window has not been operated. This has caused a loss of visibility as well as a loss of protection during a blizzard, and again during a torrential rain storm while driving. I have reattached the windows multiple times and have continued to have this failure of the clamps that holds them in place. This has happened both at low speeds and at highway speeds. The issue continues to be a hazardous problem. In looking online for how to fix the problem, I have read that this is very common in these cars and has been a very dangerous condition for many drivers.
The worst 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system1
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system1
- Visibility1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon 72
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- Update model year applicability to include 2023.
- Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger
- This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.
- Tool number added to table
- Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- Update model applicability to MY 2020.
- Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards.
What 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Starting at around 130,000 miles, when gas tank is at a quarter or slightly less, the car looses power and acts as if it is not getting fuel to the engine. When this happens while driving down a highway at typical highway speeds, power is lost for 10-15 seconds, RPM drops to around 2000 or less (while in "drive"). Then all of a sudden, the engine jerks to life, and I can drive the car normally, up until I have to refill the tank. The stalling doesn't repeat itself until the next quarter tank. When the quarter of a tank issue happens in the city at slower speeds, the car dies, dashboard engine lights come on, and I have to pull over, and crank the starter 3 or 4 times, and eventually, it starts back up again with normal driving resumed. One time I was driving up a hill, lost power, and had to pull over quick. When the quarter of a tank issue happens while parked, engine at an idle, the car dies, and I have to crank the starter a few times to restart the car. This problem only happens once per tank cycle, only at the (approximate) quarter of a tank position, and doesn't happen between the full to 1/4, or the 1/4 to empty phase. I know I am not out of gas, as I'm filling up the tank to normal levels. The fuel pump has been replaced twice, and the fuel filter once. My mechanic charged $80 to diagnose the car, only to find a code about a spark plug that misfired - which of course will happen during fuel starvation. Spart plugs replaced, but the problem happend again. I've called 3 or 4 vw repair shops, and nobody has a clue how to fix this, especially when I bring up the quarter of a tank issue. The only way to prevent this from happening is to fill up before hitting 1/4 tank. Irritating !!!! Issue going for about a year now.
Compare the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon
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Questions about the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon
Is the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon, close to a typical Jetta Wagon model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 1 complaint. Next is visibility (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon have?
No recalls on record.
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