NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta; the most frequently affected component is service brakes, hydraulic — master cylinder. Owners filed 233 complaints, most often about electrical system. Among the 27 model years of this model in the database, 2004 ranks #16 for number of recalls.
Problem: 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.
Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Engine and engine cooling — EngineCampaign 14E007000 · 07 Mar 2014
Problem: 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.
Risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic — Master cylinderCampaign 07E023000 · 29 Mar 2007
Problem: 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.
Risk: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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.
Exterior lighting — SwitchCampaign 07V063000 · 20 Feb 2007
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.
Remedy: 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.
Fuel system, dieselCampaign 04V586000 · 15 Dec 2004
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
What owners complain about
Share of the 38 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Electrical system18 · 47%
Engine8 · 21%
Seats6 · 16%
Unknown or other4 · 11%
Fuel/propulsion system4 · 11%
Air bags2 · 5%
Service brakes2 · 5%
Vehicle speed control2 · 5%
When complaints were filed
20143
20157
201611
20175
20187
20192
20242
20251
From owner complaints
On 12/18/2016 i was driving this car back from the movies at 2:30 a.m. Once the movie had ended it was storming and sleeting. I started to notice systems shutting down as indicated by various dash lights such as abs, airbag, among others. Eventually the radio, interior lights shut off. The windshield wipers slowed and…
The car randomly stalls while driving whether at highway speeds or in town. This causes a loss of power steering and power brakes which is inherently dangerous in certain situations. It has been doing this regularly with the previous owner for the last 3 or 4 years and has done it 4 times while under my ownership…
Vehicle under multiple occasions has stalled out at various speeds, locations, and driving styles/roads at or under a quarter of a tank
My clothe seats caught on fire today while driving it for only 25 minutes the seat warmer was only set on number 2. I was so retried and panicked but managed to pull over to the side of the road and hit it with my hand until it went out. It did burn my hand. My vehicle was in motion then i stopped. It was in a city…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.