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.
The worst 2004 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine48
- Fuel system37
- Electrical36
- Transmission35
- Seats22
- Airbags21
- Brakes12
- Lights11
- Visibility11
- Body8
- Acceleration7
- Seat belts6
- Locks4
- Steering4
- Tires4
- Driver assistance3
- Suspension3
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
Fuel pump 26Fire or smoke 21Stalling 20Check engine light 12Overheating 11No deployment 10Loss of power 9Headlights 8Won't start 8Fuel leak 7Fuel smell 6Engine failure 5Jerking 5
Recalls 2
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 07V063000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 04V586000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta 254
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.
2004 Volkswagen Jetta fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4‑cyl Diesel | FWD | 28-32 | 39-42 | 32-36 |
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19-21 | 27-28 | 22-24 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 20-21 | 27-28 | 23-24 |
| 2.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 27 | 22 |
What 2004 Volkswagen Jetta owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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.
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.
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.
Vehicle under multiple occasions has stalled out at various speeds, locations, and driving styles/roads at or under a quarter of a tank
Seats are getting excessively hot and starting to burn through the vision and fabric. Smoke in compartment.
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.
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.
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
Compare the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
Is the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Owners have filed 231 complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, close to a typical Jetta model year.
What is the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta year score?
The 2004 Volkswagen Jetta scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Jetta: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta?
Engine and cooling, with 48 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles. Next is fuel system (37).
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta have?
2 recalls, covering exterior lighting and fuel system, diesel.
What year does the Volkswagen Jetta have bad engine?
The Volkswagen Jetta model years with the most engine complaints are 2010 (188 complaints), 2009 (168 complaints) and 2019 (149 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta range from 22 to 36 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl diesel, FWD) gets 28-32 city and 39-42 highway.
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