RoadVitals

2004 Volkswagen Jetta

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
231
Latest Sep 3, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Sep 23, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
35
15 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 231 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and electrical categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 254 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20E064000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Sep 23, 2020
38 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Tenneco AutomotiveView on NHTSA.gov
14E007000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Mar 7, 2014
50 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
The risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The 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.
The Gates CorporationView on NHTSA.gov
07E023000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Mar 29, 2007
13,128 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 231
Electrical
Filed Sep 3, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11684740
Incident
Sep 3, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 28, 2024

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

NHTSA ID
11617038
Incident
Sep 18, 2019
Brakes
Filed Jan 30, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11568707
Incident
Jan 2, 2024
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Mar 20, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID
11190213
Incident
Mar 10, 2019
Mileage
141,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 20, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID
11171055
Incident
Dec 12, 2018
Mileage
171,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Oct 15, 2018

VEHICLE UNDER MULTIPLE OCCASIONS HAS STALLED OUT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, LOCATIONS, AND DRIVING STYLES/ROADS AT OR UNDER A QUARTER OF A TANK

NHTSA ID
11140488
Incident
Sep 25, 2018
Mileage
168,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Sep 20, 2018

SEATS ARE GETTING EXCESSIVELY HOT AND STARTING TO BURN THROUGH THE VISION AND FABRIC. SMOKE IN COMPARTMENT.

NHTSA ID
11130394
Incident
Sep 18, 2018
Mileage
163,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 25, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID
11090178
Incident
Apr 19, 2018
Mileage
123,414 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

V171901201285565

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards

V171901201285562

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V171901201285560

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V941901201152119

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2023.

V271901201189422

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

A002155201173212

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Jetta by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026510—
2025232062.2
2024380045.6
2023420038.7
2022421044.5
2021664050.5
2020516158.3
201954411262.2
2018313053.2
20171597058.0
20161605057.1
20151938051.0
20143865358.6
20135166357.3
20124998559.3
201160610559.5
20108525456.0
20098887558.0
20081886153.8
20072016051.7
20065806047.6
20052487051.5
2004Viewing2315055.6
20034564467.4
20027027767.4
20016687562.1
20004395662.7
19993497563.2
19981923257.4
19971412258.9
19961742560.8
19952206464.2
19941177260.2
1993176247.8
1992304057.2
1991317361.1
1990227459.0
1989285154.4
1988198159.3
1987184366.8
1986143361.7
1985134363.1
1984120—
1983020—
1982020—
1981040—
1980020—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.