2004 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and problems

The 2004 Volkswagen Jetta has 2 safety recalls and 231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
231
Crashes / fires
15 / 20
Injuries / deaths
15 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Recall 07V-063: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 20, 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 04V-586: Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Dec 15, 2004 · 19,284 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling39
Electrical System37
Power Train36
Air Bags23
Seats22
Fuel System, Diesel13
Engine11
Visibility10
Fuel System, Gasoline10
Structure9
Exterior Lighting9
Fuel/Propulsion System9

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 16
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 11
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 7
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 5
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 66,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Volkswagen Jetta complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported 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…
Electrical System · reported 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
Service Brakes · reported 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.
Engine · at 141,000 miles · reported 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.
Engine · at 168,000 miles · reported 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

Other Volkswagen Jetta years

Compare all Volkswagen Jetta years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta: 07V-063 (exterior lighting), 04V-586 (fuel system, diesel). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (39 reports), followed by electrical system (37). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 66,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.