2004 Volkswagen Jetta Problems and Repair Histories
2004 Volkswagen Jetta problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Volkswagen Jetta
2004 Volkswagen Jettas for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2004 Volkswagen Jetta problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta problems and repair histories that follow it.
Volkswagen Jetta Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2004 | Volkswagen Jetta | 23 Jettas, 9.7 months of data per Jetta, average 94300 miles Small sample size. Join or 23 Jettas, 9.7 months of data per Jetta, average 94300 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs | |
| 2004 | Volkswagen Jetta diesel | 11 Jetta diesels, 7.8 months of data per Jetta diesel, average 175600 miles Small sample size. Join or 11 Jetta diesels, 7.8 months of data per Jetta diesel, average 175600 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten 2004 Volkswagen Jetta problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Jetta in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 34000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 34000 | 1500 | Car overheated under load but not at idle. Thermostat replacement did not solve problem. Replaced water pump impeller. Also replaced timing belt while water pump was off to gain more time before scheduled replacement at 100k miles. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Jetta in South Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2006 | 120 | replace broken Alternator pulley | |
| Mar | 2008 | 80 | removed leaking EGR cooler that the dealer broke and refused to repair. | |
| Mar | 2009 | 400 | replace clutch and broken Dual-Mass flywheel and leaking rear main seal | |
| Apr | 2009 | 230 | Replace failed in-tank lift pump | |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Jetta in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 121520 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 136400 | 0 | Alternator. |
| Feb | 2011 | 143200 | 0 | Belt tensioner. |
| Mar | 2011 | 145080 | 0 | Mass airflow sensor. Shimmy under load accelerating. |
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Wagon
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Jetta in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 65000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 75700 | 0 | Sunroof drain was closed and several cups of water were dripped onto the drivers seat. |
| Mar | 2013 | 84000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2007 | 0 | I asked the dealer to drop the fuel tank to investigate the loss of power, decreased fuel mileage and the smoking. They disagreed. | |
| Jun | 2008 | 5600 | Nine months later, after spending $5,600 to try to fix problem, they finally dropped the tank and found entire fuel system gummed up. Because I had a record of my earlier request they ate $7,000 cost of replacing entire fuel system. | |
| Jul | 2011 | 245000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Jetta in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 63000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2009 | 67000 | 176 | two ignition coils went bad |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Jetta in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 118000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 134700 | 853 | maf, purge valve, o2 sensor, dipstick, dipstick sleeve |
| Sep | 2012 | 138000 | 0 | O2 sensor out transmission no good, parked until can figure out what to do with it. |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 122000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 126000 | 350 | Valve gasket leak and plastic oil tube cracked need replaced and found door open alarm broken and Headlight dimmer switch works intermittently |
| Aug | 2011 | 132000 | 208 | Exaust pipe seperated, resinator had rust hole |
| Oct | 2011 | 134000 | 52 | 4 way flasher relay switch |
| Mar | 2012 | 136000 | 150 | fuel door switch |
| Feb | 2013 | 144300 | 200 | signal assembly switch |
| May | 2013 | 145000 | 40 | a/c charge 8oz and fuse for horn |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2004 | 0 | Fuel filler door release electrical switch failed. Unable to put gasoline in the car. | |
| Aug | 2004 | 0 | Fuel filler door release electrical switch failed again. Unable to put gasoline in the car.Dealer replaced switch again along with the clip that holds the switch into place in the drivers door. | |
| Dec | 2004 | 0 | Monsoon radio failed - single CD player would not play CDs of any kind. Dealer replaced Monsoon system under after having car for 9 days. | |
| Jun | 2005 | 0 | Airbag system warning lights came on. Dealer replaced airbag sensor under the hood under warranty. However, light came back on 2 days after the dealer fixed it. | |
| Aug | 2005 | 0 | Power outside mirror on passenger side failed. Dealer determined that wiring was broken when front passenger window fell off track or was damaged when the service tech fixed the faulty window. | |
| Nov | 2005 | 0 | Ignition coil issue - car would not start. Dealer replaced ignition coils (known major issue that tech service bulletin was issued) under warranty but car was towed into dealer and took 2 weeks to fix because of parts availability. | |
| May | 2006 | 0 | Front driver side CV joint failed. CV joint and boot replaced under warranty after long argument with dealer service manager. Car at dealer 11 days for repair. | |
| Jun | 2006 | 0 | Glass sunroof sunshade came off track. Was replaced by dealer under warranty. | |
| Dec | 2008 | 47000 | 100 | CV joint on drivers side went bad - discovered from loud clunking sounds and vibration in steering wheel. Replaced broken plastic window clip on passenger front door - window dropped into door but thankfully did not break glass itself. Window was jimmied back into the up position and held by duct tape until car was taken into dealer to have CV joint replaced. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Jetta in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 103000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 104000 | 0 | Changed timing belt and water pump. |
| Mar | 2013 | 126000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2006 | 396 | Everything else, repair headliner separating on one corner | |
| Mar | 2007 | 306 | headliner separating on all four corners, and pealing away above visors | |
| Jan | 2009 | 70 | wiper blades all interior electrical power loss | |
| Sep | 2009 | 225 | replaced strut mounts at only 33k miles! Replace all glow plugs, some warranty repair for ECM reload. some warranty repair for ECM reload. | |
| Jan | 2010 | 151 | excessive engine revolutions prior to start replaced engine crank sensor for the 4th time. replaced car battery | |
| Mar | 2010 | 803 | Brakes: pads, rotors, or drums, repair dealer wanted $425 to replace the front breaks, and $375 to replace the back brakes | |
| Oct | 2010 | 268 | 50k service | |
| Dec | 2010 | 69 | Recoded key locks since key battery went dead | |
| Aug | 2011 | 117 | balanced tires also. replaced ij0-145-838-t turbo hose; dealer wanted over $325: paid $117.43 for the part, used pliers to pull ring, snap ring, remove and replace hose-saved ~$200. | |
| Oct | 2011 | 69000 | 1700 | Replaced both front axle shafts, CV joint boots 'apparently' leaked grease from 35k miles at the SAME TIME! Upon inspection of the removed shafts, both boots each contained a small '1/8" slit' like o |
| Nov | 2011 | 70000 | 820 | Replaced entire headliner, $420 for the headliner, $400 for the labor. |
| Mar | 2012 | 72000 | 670 | Driver side window fell out of window track. Had to have dealer seat window back in track. Replaced turbo tube. Dealer said it was worn due to 'the frequent inspections required by the manufacturer which cause the part to fail'.... |
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Jetta in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 219000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2011 | 237000 | 1800 | Turbocharger bearing failed; turbocharger was replaced with a rebuilt unit; car again operates as new |
| Jun | 2012 | 268000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2004 | 0 | Replace failed glow plug | |
| Aug | 2006 | 0 | Replaced failed in-tank electric fuel pump. | |
| Jan | 2009 | 55 | Replaced failed strut mount bearing, parts cost only. Repaired myself. | |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 150000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2011 | 165000 | 0 | Transmission GPC code, failing. Shifts abruptly. Cost of replacement new is approximately $5,000. Cost of a rebuilt tranny is $4,500. Repair not attempted at this time due to cost. Looking for a used transmission right now if cost is right. |
| Dec | 2011 | 165000 | 0 | Sold to transmission mechanic. |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 123000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 135000 | 155 | Cruise control stopped working, replaced clutch peddle sensor. Problem solved. |
| Nov | 2012 | 165500 | 200 | Pulley clutch on alternator failed, since it was the original alternator I replaced the alternator, which came with a new pulley clutch. |
| Mar | 2013 | 168000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 64000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 75000 | 400 | Wheel bearings. |
| Jul | 2012 | 93300 | 550 | Normal maintenance, timing belt and water pump. |
| Dec | 2012 | 99000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Jetta in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 139000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 141000 | 1400 | my clutch went out. I let someone else drive it who could drive "standard" in january and it hasn't been the same since. it finally gave out in march. |
| Dec | 2010 | 159000 | 0 | Emergency brake wasnt working. Dealer pointed out a rear caliper not working, going to charge me $300 or so to fix it. Brought it to my regular mechanic. Lubed up the caliper, and it worked. No charge. |
| Oct | 2011 | 171000 | 120 | car wouldnt start, there is a fuse distribution block on top of the battery that shorted out and needed to be replaced. |
| Mar | 2012 | 179000 | 450 | exhaust fumes were coming into the passenger compartment, there were two connecting pieces attached to the turbo that needed to be replaced. |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 258000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 339000 | 3200 | Manual Trans. 5th gear input gear galled and frozen to input shaft. Low mileage used transmission installed. |
| Jul | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Jetta in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 142000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 156000 | 230 | Replaced faulty lift pump in fuel tank. |
| Jul | 2009 | 163000 | 330 | Tandem pump leaking fuel, needed replacement. |
| Dec | 2009 | 173000 | 1500 | Replaced flywheel and clutch. Failing dual-mass flywheel and minor slippage in higher gears at full acceleration, once I had it apart I found that the friction plate was fine, and a fork was missing on the pressure plate. |
| Jun | 2010 | 181800 | 85 | Replaced coolant temperature sensor indicated by intermittent check engine light and resulting OBD code. |
| Jul | 2010 | 183000 | 120 | Replaced inoperative driver's-side radiator/condenser cooling fan |
| Apr | 2012 | 216300 | 400 | Timing belt replacement, Includes: Water Pump Idler/Tensioner Valve cover leaking oil |
| Aug | 2012 | 221500 | 50 | Alternator pulley clutch started slipping, causing alternator light to randomly flash. Replaced pulley on alternator. |
| Mar | 2013 | 225000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan
200-horsepower 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Jetta in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 63000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 68000 | 0 | Replaced the suspension with coilovers and found out the rear shocks were blown. When compressed by hand they did not rebound. But that is not the reason why I installed coilovers. I could not even tell the shocks were blown while they were on the car. |
| Nov | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Jetta in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 44000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 46000 | 400 | replaced rear rotors and pads |
| Aug | 2012 | 78000 | 400 | Replaced front brake pads and rotors |
| Mar | 2013 | 81000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Jetta in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 41000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 56700 | 900 | Water pump failure. Apparently this year model has a plastic impeller, which breaks sometime after 50,000 miles. Dealer also replaced timing belt & tensioner, thermostat, & other belt. Not cheap. |
| Sep | 2011 | 68000 | 250 | Rear brakes badly worn. Replaced rear pads & rotors. Did front pads as well, front rotors OK. |
| Nov | 2011 | 70000 | 160 | Car occasionally hesitating (e.g., dying) while at freeway speeds. Replaced MAF. Problem solved. |
| Oct | 2012 | 77700 | 100 | New battery. Old one lasted 4 years. |
| Jan | 2013 | 80000 | 225 | CEL light illuminated, car tried to stall on freeway. Trouble codes for MAF sensor showed up on VAG scanner. Replaced MAF with dealer refurb & MAF harness. Problem solved. |
| Mar | 2013 | 82000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Louisiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 83000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2008 | 90000 | 265 | Front suspension mounts worn causing slack. Parts replaced. |
| Jan | 2009 | 106000 | 112 | Bad sensor. Sensor replaced. |
| Aug | 2009 | 122000 | 800 | Primary cooling fan burned out. |
| Jan | 2010 | 130000 | 300 | Torn CV Joint boot. |
| Feb | 2010 | 132000 | 900 | The EPC light came on. The Engine Program Control Unit was bad. Unit was replaced. |
| Oct | 2010 | 145000 | 670 | Ruptured fuel line. Repaired. |
| Jul | 2011 | 163000 | 261 | Catalytic converter needed to be replaced. Replacement was successful. |
| Jul | 2012 | 183000 | 0 | No electricity to AC system. No repair. Car traded in. |
| Volkswagen Jetta in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 123000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 129000 | 250 | Rear ABS brake cable broke. Light came on. Driving was fine. Dealer repaired (not replaced). |
| Volkswagen Jetta in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 47000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 51300 | 106 | Defective cooling switch - part replaced. |
| Sep | 2011 | 56000 | 950 | Signs of a leak found on original water pump with plastic impeller during oil change. Water pump, timing belt, tensioners replaced before full failure. Taking the old water pump apart afterwards, found one of the vanes to be cracked. |
| May | 2012 | 70300 | 550 | Check engine light on - Temperature and O2 sensor replaced. |
| Nov | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Jetta in Maine, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2012 | 74000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2012 | 76700 | 23 | 18613 - Performance Malfunction in Cooling System; replaced coolant temp sensor |
| Jun | 2012 | 78000 | 18 | 18613 - Performance Malfunction in Cooling System;replaced thermostat |
| Mar | 2013 | 89000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Jetta in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2007 | 0 | LED brake light went out, and fixed under warranty. Faulty check engine light due to over sensitivity. | |
| Volkswagen Jetta in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 110000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2009 | 118000 | 650 | Car was not starting most of the time. Dealer diagnosed no pressure to the fuel rail. Replaced fuel pump (was not in stock, hence the 3 days). Dealer noted error codes from engine speed sensor, not pursued, due to cost. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Jetta in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 78000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 79000 | 800 | The water pump (with a plastic impeller, known to fail at roughly this age) failed and caused the car to overheat, the mechanic also replaced the timing belt as the labor was already being performed. |
| Jan | 2011 | 83000 | 120 | Fusebox melted from extremely hot alternator wire, fusebox had to be replaced as well as new cable from alternator to fusebox. |
| Mar | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Repair Advice
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