2004 Volkswagen Jetta transmission problems

Filed Jan 19, 2012 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · PA

Vehicle experiences somewhat frequent rough or hard shifts between gears, and reverse gear has suddenly stopped working most of the time - will not engage reverse, but instead acts as if car is in neutral (makes a slight electronic sound when shifted). Renders car highly unsafe to drive without the ability to drive in reverse. Car has only 83,000 miles, and this is considered a "sealed" transmission by volkswagen; only maintenance required to this point is checking for leaks (per multiple dealers and owner's manual). Very similar to problems experienced in many other automatics w/ the tiptronic feature in volkswagen (see new beetles of similar model years, where vw issued an extended warranty for the valve body). Have been told by numerous vw-competent techs that the most likely culprit is the transmission valve body, and that vw automatics are widely known for having these problems.

Filed May 9, 2011 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated the vehicle would no longer shift into reverse. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated no warning lights were illuminated on the dashboard. The failure was 88,000 and the current mileage was 90,000.

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 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 Jul 23, 2010 · Transmission · 10 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the transmission failed and the vehicle became hesitant when the accelerator pedal was applied. The failure had been an ongoing issue since the vehicle was purchased, but the dealer stated that was how the transmission worked and nothing was wrong. The vehicle also made a knocking noise and would become sluggish when accelerating. The dealer recently stated that the failure was related to the valve body. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 10. The current mileage was 57396.

Filed Mar 7, 2009 · Transmission · 78,000 miles · TN

I was driving my 2004 vw jetta diesel tdi 5-speed home from work. It has 78,000 miles on it. The majority of which are highway/interstate miles due to my work being a long distance from home. I was in 4th gear doing about 45 MPH with the cruise control on and was almost home. I heard a "bang" from under the car and lost power. Fluid was leaking from under the car, and I could no logger shift gears. I had it towed to a repair shop. They originally said a part of the clutch had broken off and punctured the transmission case. After additional review they determined it was a piece of the "dual mass flywheel" that had broken off and done the damage. I was forced to pay approximately $2,500.00 in parts and labor for a new clutch, flywheel, rebuilt tranny, etc... To get my car repaired. After researching this problem more I found that this problem with vw's dual mass flywheel is a pretty common problem. See this link for one source... Http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=137014&highlight=g60+clutch if the dual mass flywheel had exploded upward toward the interior of the car rather than downward there likely would have been injuries to the occupants of the vehicle. This would seem to be a safety concern to vw.

Filed Oct 14, 2008 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · PA

I have had this car into the automotive shop at the local vw dealership several times since date of purchase in late 2007 for the same incident. The vehicle will do a hard jolting action while shifting (automatic transmission) between gears, as if there is a broken motor mount or a transmission problem. I have gotten no satisfaction from the dealership. They have repeatedly told me that the car shifts properly according to vw standards. Now that my warranty has expired, I am afraid that it will continue and lead to more costly repairs down the line. Having this matter resolved would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Sep 16, 2008 · Electrical, Fuel system · FM

The latest incident with this 2004 vw jetta is one in which everything electric stops working. No A/C, not lights, no blinkers, no windows, no horn - and there is a smell of smoke in the car. This first happened in january/08 and the dealership said it was wiring. Now it happened again! Occurs just while driving along. Car smells like smoke and everything stops working. I get the runaround from the dealer, vista vw in pompano beach, fl. They always seem to find something wrong with the car now that is not under warranty. Please investigate this - there is something wrong with these jetta's! I have found 100's of complaints on consumer sites about this car. I am tired of paying my hard earned dollars to the dealer when this is an issue with the manufacturer of this car. I advised the dealer of this when I took it in in january; his response was, too bad, you do not qualify for the car lemon law since the car is out of warrant and purchased it in dec/05. Please do something for us consumers that are tired of being manipulated and overcharged for issues that should be the responsibility of the auto manufacturer. Please let me know if there is anyone other agency I can contact. I will not give up on this and hope you can assist me. Thank you.

Filed Jun 12, 2008 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · PA

The clutch failed and left my wife stranded on the road. Dealer states the clutch failure was due to driving, but recent searches on the internet appear to point to other owners with premature clutch failures on volkswagen tdi's.

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.