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2004 Volkswagen Jetta engine complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 48, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Apr 21, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 119,000 miles · IL

Vw corp rejected catalytic converter replacement when we identified that the flex pipe was leaking/loud and was over the mileage warranty (vw extended the part warranty to 10yrs or 120k miles) our car had 120,110 miles. There was no local vw dealership to id repairs near where I was working. The part did failed before the 120k miles; and has been leaking or damaged for sometime. Since it warmed up and I had the windows down I was able to hear the leak. This part was replaced under warranty previously and was a recall item on this model and year. Is there a "range" on mileage that the vw is required to take into account for travel to nearest vw dealer location for repairs or written within the current emissions warranty law??

Filed Apr 7, 2014 · Engine · 70,000 miles · TX

I drive a 2004 volkswagen jetta and in 2008 it began smelling of crayons. The smell has slowly progressed over the years to the point of nauseating me and my fellow passengers. This morning on my drive to work the smell was so potent that I had to pull over twice to throw up. When other passengers enter my car, they experience head aches, extreme allergy symptoms, and sick to the stomach feelings. I've reached out multiple times to volkswagen through both dealer and corporate media. Dealerships say there is no fix for this smell (caused by an outgassing of sound deadening material). Volkswagen denies claims of this being an issue. However, if you type "my jetta smells like" into any search engine it immediately populates with "crayons". I am frustrated that my car physically makes me sick and the manufacturer remains purposefully oblivious to what could only be described as a design flaw. I'm posting this claim as a public record to a design flaw in older models of vws.

Filed Apr 23, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 26,000 miles · IL

We are the original owners of a 2004 jetta with 2.0 engine with 98k as of apr 2013. Without any warning or clues from vw dealer or auto shop, the car would not start; car would turn over the engine but no fuel pressure. Depending on season (winter) and location (middle of no where) this can cause a hazard for the driver and passenger. The car would start after leaving it alone for 2-3 hrs and try restarting. The warning seems to be when the interior light does not come on which means the switch is acting up; the fuel system is at a low pressure will cause a no start. Under vw new car and independent shops can not duplicate; many on-line owners has have pointed the finger at a door latch/priming circuit board that controls the fuel pump prime when the driver door is opened. Good pics on the circuit board failed/cracked solder joint. This door latch priming is used on many vw group cars; we own a cayenne and I can hear the priming. Please consider a recall of this vw part or telling vw to stop placing the fuel pump priming circuit in the driver door latch. The ignition key seem to be what other car makers use.

Filed Jul 13, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 118,000 miles · TN

2004 vw jetta gls tdi operating at 75mph on interstate on cruise control when the engine shutoff completely. The vehicle still had electrical power and engine would crank but would not start. I rolled the vehicle off to the side of the road and attempted to re-start the engine and it finally cranked and drove vehicle approximately 500 miles before experiencing similar issue. Since that time vehicle has had same issue over 10 times. Dealer has inspected vehicle three times and has not discovered issue.

Filed Jan 11, 2012 · Engine · GA

There is a terrible smell that my car has on the interior now. It smells of melting burnt crayons. It is worse in the summer or when I run the heat. The smell stays on my clothes and other people smell it on me. It gives me headaches. (I am not the only one). Apparently it is from the sound-proofing and firewall? I read this in a forum. The smell is something that has developed over time and did not exist when I first purchaced the vehicle, used (not new), in 2006. I have seen many other complaints in forums and possible solutions and it seems that vw should just fix the problem or maybe not create the problem in the first place. If I had known that this would happen, then I would have never purchased this car. I will never buy another vw and I have even talked someone else out of buying a vw because of this. Maybe if vw cared a little more about fixing the problems and less about fattening their wallets!

Filed Apr 29, 2011 · Engine · 94,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact did not inform the dealer or manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who inspected the vehicle and advised the contact that the timing belt was fractured and would need to be replaced. Also, the tensioner and engine may have been damaged and the contact was awaiting the results. The current and failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 66,000 miles · IL

My 2004 vw jetta 1.8 turbo which I purchased new is having transmission problems. My cat has only 66,000 miles in it and has been well maintained. In the past two years I have replaced the fuel pump, battery, catalytic converter, numerous vacuum leaks ect...but a transmission???? Volkswagen needs to issue a recall as this is way to common!! Please help!

Filed Dec 13, 2010 · Engine · 56,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated because the water pump failed. The contact stated tah the rim on the water pump made of plastic broke in two pieces. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were approximately 56,000. Updated 02/10/11 *bf updated 10/12/11

Filed Nov 10, 2010 · Engine · 101,000 miles · AR · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. The contact had to replace the ignition coils and the cylinders in the engine. The coils were replaced several times and failed again after one month. The mechanic stated that this was a major problem with this make and model vehicle. The first failure occurred in february 2010 when the vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was repaired six times within a year. All of the coils do not fail at the same time, but the all four coils have been replaced more than one time. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 101000 and the current mileage was 135000.

Filed Oct 6, 2010 · Engine, Transmission · 105,000 miles · TN

Catastrophic drive train failure of a vw jetta tdi 5-speed. While traveling at 65-70 MPH on relatively flat terrain on a clear roadway in 5th gear with no input to the clutch or the transmission, occupants felt & heard a single, muffled 'thump'. Originating drive train failure event occurred spontaneously and completely unexpectedly. After the anomaly, a low metallic rattle was heard. Once clear of surrounding traffic, in troubleshooting attempt the driver engaged clutch and shifted into neutral; immediately the rattling became more pronounced. Fifth gear immediately reengaged and noise abated. Driver navigated vehicle under power to right lane & subsequently exited expressway. Upon approach to side street traffic light, the clutch was reengaged resulting in a renewed rattling; transmission shifted into neutral. When clutch was let out, the constant rattling noise continued as engine idled. With signal change, clutch reengaged & transmission shifted to 1st gear. Clutch slowly, carefully released: noticeable noise increase followed by short series of loud, sharp noises. Vehicle lurched and stalled. Two attempts to restart engine failed; no engine response. Police notified & vehicle towed to dealer. Significant fluid leakage noticed. Subsequently notified by vw dealer that main shaft of transmission catastrophically failed pressing flywheel into motor damaging casing, bearings & crankshaft lobs resulting in immediate seizing of the diesel power plant. Total replacement of transmission and engine assembly required (est ~$11k). This vehicle had all maintenance service performed regularly at 5k intervals by vw dealer (documented) and had recently had full 100k service including timing belt replacement. No notification/concern for additional transmission inspection/service. Clutch recently seemed to be engaging a wee bit further but no bottoming of pedal or clutch slippage. Owner expected to schedule clutch inspection/work during next 5k service visit.

Filed Sep 28, 2010 · Engine · 55,000 miles · IL

Both radiator fans failed simultaneously, causing car to overheat and stop almost instantaneously in hot weather. Car only has 55k miles on it and has been properly maintained. Both radiator fans were replaced.

Filed Jul 4, 2010 · Engine · 84,000 miles · VA

Car began to stutter and shake like it was running out of gas. Shortly after I had an epc light that would flash on every time I got up to speed and it would start the stuttering sound again. After several costly trips to dealership they discovered it was a coolant migration problem. Where a defective part that vw knows about leaks coolant in to the wire harness. Coolant can migrate throughout all electrical routes throughout the car. This has been a problem since 1998 and vw will not do a recall or reimburse for the work. If you have electrical problems with your vw this is most likely the cause. We have also had problems with taillights blowing very frequently. This can be a cause of coolant migrating through the wires.

Filed Jun 7, 2010 · Engine · 72,879 miles · NC

Volkswagen jetta (all vw) have plastic impeller water pump that breaks, causing rapid overheating and possible engine seizure. Engine seizure may result in rear end collision. Volkswagen knows of this problem but refuses to recall the vehicles. New water pump is required to repair the condition. The parts costs over $200.00. Fairly easy to replace but the plastic parts could also break loose and get pumped through the engine and turbo and cause catastrophic failure.

Filed Apr 29, 2010 · Engine · TX

Letter from congressman carter on behalf of constituent regarding a situation involving his vw jetta recall announcement (dot/I # 2010-2106) *tgw on january 18, 2010 the consumer took his vehicle to the dealer because of a recall received, however the dealer stated nothing could be done since the check engine light was not on. Six days later, the engine failed while the consumer was more than 450 miles away from home. The consumer had the vehicle towed to repair shop and the service was completed. The consumer then submitted a claim for reimbursement once he returned home, but to date has not received a response from vw.

Filed Sep 19, 2009 · Engine · 49,000 miles · TX

Volkswagen jetta (all vw) have plastic impeller water pump that breaks, causing rapid overheating and possible engine seizure. Engine seizure may result in rear end collision. Volkswagen knows of this problem but refuses to recall the vehicles. New water pump is required to repair the condition.

Filed Sep 18, 2009 · Engine · 150,000 miles · AR

1. Improper installation of the volkswagen m6 recall. Or defective part on a volkswagen tdi 2004, or faulty design. 2. The lower egr cooler pipe #038131521cc. This pipe cracks causing improper emissions and exhaust gases into the engine compartment next to the cabin air filter intake. Poison gases in the vehicle interior. 3. Replaced 3 cracked parts in 1 year. Volkswagen claims there is no problem and will not look into the matter.

Filed Aug 12, 2009 · Engine · 85,000 miles · GA

I have a 2001 vw jetta. When it gets hot outside (sometimes) the vehicle loses power while driving then regains it. Also when it starts acting up if u stop the car will shut off and u gave to restart it. I have took the care to vw they don't know what is wrong with it. Replaced several parts (throttle body, dwn flow 02 sensor, coil pack plugs, catalytic converter) still don't know. The only thing the computer is showing is cooling system performance. One vw dealer said there was a wiring problem that sometimes causes similar problems. If this is the case why is it not a recall since the wiring is from dealer. The inside temp on the care never runs hot or the radiator. Thank you for your help.

Filed Jan 5, 2009 · Engine · 148,000 miles · IN

I have a 2004 volkswagen jetta tdi diesel, which has the pd type engine. This pd design has a well-known defect; specifically, an extra load is placed on the camshaft because it drives the fuel injection system, as opposed to previous vw tdi models in which an external rotary pump drove the fuel injectors. Because of this defect, vw instituted a special oil requirement for this car to satisfy the additional lubrication demands of this design. Initially that oil specification was vw 505.01; most recently it has been changed to vw 507 or castrol oe professional 5w/30. I bought this car used with 80,000 miles on it in july, 2006, and have always had my oil changes done at vw dealerships: one in merrillville, in and one in bensenville, il. On all but one occasion, both dealerships documented the use of vw 505.01 compliant oil in my car. On the one occasion in which vw 505.01 oil was not used, the dealer in bensenville, il put a generic oil in my car that had no identifying characteristics, other than its dramatically lower price per quart. I did not notice this at the time, because at this february 23, 2008 service the dealer had also pointed out that I needed to have all 4 brake rotors and pads replaced, so I did not have a lower service cost to alert me; this service cost far more than usual and I did not realize at the time that I could tell exactly what oil they were putting in my car from the part number on my invoice; I thought that part number corresponded to the oil change service itself. On august 8, 2008, I had a catastrophic engine failure of the sort the vw service manual warns about if the wrong oil is used, "...even if only a small amount of incorrect oil is added to the correct oil to top off the level." I did not have an accident, and there were no other cars around me when the failure occurred, but I incurred about $8,000 of repair costs due to damage to my camshaft, valve lifters, total egr-intake system and turbocharger.

Filed Nov 18, 2008 · Engine · 70,000 miles · WA

Vwoa had a recall campaign for the egr cooler system on 2004 and 2005 vw tdi's. Subsequent to the recall campaign, the lower egr flex pipe is known to crack on numerous vehicles in which the recall campaign was performed. When the egr pipe cracks, diesel exhaust is sucked into the cabin when the heater fan is operated causing discomfort and light headed for the driver and occupants. Vwoa has refused to address the problem and offers no solution to the vehicle owner or a fix. Not only is it an expensive repair, but it can also be causing medical problems for the driver and occupants. My egr pipe was cracked for 2-4 months before I realized what was happening. It may have been cracked longer with out my knowledge.

Filed Jul 9, 2008 · Engine · 50,000 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that he had an emissions control device replaced because of a recall, specifically regarding the egr cooler in september of 2006. The vehicle began to leak coolant so he took the vehicle to a different dealer. The dealer stated that the first repair was not performed correctly and was directly related to the leak. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The recall number was unknown. The current mileage was 77,866 and failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Mar 14, 2008 · Engine, Locks · 52,000 miles · VA

Clutch failed at 52k miles, was told it was not covered under warrant due to wear and tear, mechanic deemed it a faulty part, vw said it only covered manufacturer defects up to 50k miles, paid $1500 to replace clutch. Trunk pops open randomly and latch makes clicking noises. Air cooling sensor needs to be replaced, my car is reading a running temp of -54 when it should be 160. Car stalls if I turn it off after driving more than a few miles then doesn't turn over if the engine cuts off. Black smoke pours out of tailpipe and it burns double the gas it should. Luckily they extended the factory warranty on the sensor last week and it can be fixed for free at a vw dealership only.

Filed Sep 21, 2007 · Engine, Fuel system · 63,000 miles · NJ

After driving 800 highway miles from florida, with 400 miles left to go we stopped for the night. The next morning the car was bucking and refused to run. We added a fuel additive and manual shift in order to keep the car running and get it home. On aug. 27th we changed the fuel filter and took the car for a test drive. The car stalled when going up a hill aprrox. 500 ft from house. It would not restart. The car was towed to the dealer on aug. 28th and is still there on sept. 20th. So far they have replaced the fuel in the tank and the fuel filter, and the egr valve was replaced. The car is still running sluggish and bucking. They can't find out what is wrong with it. Next they want to take apart the intake manifold even though they are not sure that is the problem. The car is a 2005 and half jetta diesel with 63,000 miles on it. The car is unsafe to drive and is the car I depend on to take my children back & forth to school (a 20 mile trip one way).

Filed Jun 26, 2007 · Engine · 54,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. While driving 50 MPH, the check engine and coolant lights illuminated. The contact heard a scraping noise coming from the vehicle. She pulled over and the engine lost power. The vehicle was towed to a volkswagen dealer. The mechanic diagnosed the cause of failure as engine oil sludge and stated that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 54,000.

Filed May 23, 2007 · Engine · 23,000 miles · VA

2004 volkswagen jetta. Consumer states when driving in stop and go traffic the engine will have loss of power and hesitation when accelerating. *mc

Filed Feb 23, 2007 · Engine, Fuel system · 102,900 miles · VA

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Feb 8, 2007 · Engine · 21,500 miles · IL

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.

Filed Nov 20, 2006 · Engine · 138,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Jun 1, 2006 · Engine · 52,000 miles · MI

Engine coolant level drops approximately 1 cup each week. Dealer replaced the egr cooler.

Filed May 20, 2006 · Engine · 102,000 miles · 00

1. Coolant light came on (1st time). 2. Brought the car to the dealership, they pressure tested the system and reported no leaks. They topped the system and charged me $100 3. Coolant light came on (2nd time). 4. Brought car back to dealership, they now report that problem as the egr cooler. They suggested I contact vw of canada to discuss this failure as it is becoming very common. 5. Called vwoc and they would not assist with this very expensive repair. Jb

Filed Apr 10, 2006 · Engine · 47,000 miles · CA

Developed large internal coolant leak @ ~47,000 miles. This is probably due to internal failure of the egr cooler. Dealer cannot id problem, but this appears to be widespread with this engine. This could result in engine failure and accident.

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