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Owner report · 2004 model year

2004 Volkswagen Jetta

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2004 Volkswagen Jetta
Crash-test image: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), U.S. Department of Transportation.

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Engine

Engine leads by volume: 48 of 231 complaints (21%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (10) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Complaints filed fell from 456 in 2003 to 231 in 2004.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

At a glance

NHTSA complaints
231
Recall campaigns
5
EPA fuel cost per year
$2,600–$3,500
Combined MPG
22–36

Complaints by model year

  1. 7022002
  2. 4562003
  3. 2312004
  4. 2482005
  5. 5802006

Where owners report problems

  1. Engine48 (21%)
  2. Electrical38 (16%)
  3. Fuel System37 (16%)
  4. Transmission & Drivetrain35 (15%)
  5. Body, Seats & Latches32 (14%)
  6. Airbags & Restraints26 (11%)
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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 5 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.Also cataloged for 2004: 6 configuration(s) of a different vehicle class, excluded from the comparison bar only (but included in the figures above).
Category20022003200420052006vs. 2004 Compact Cars
Annual fuel cost ($)2,400–3,5002,400–3,5002,600–3,5002,600–3,5002,850–3,200
Combined MPG19–3922–3922–3622–3522–33
City / Highway MPG17–35 / 24–4519–35 / 27–4519–32 / 27–4219–32 / 27–4119–30 / 28–38
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)261–468261–404283–404291–404308–404
Complaints filed702456231248580Not compared
Recalls issued74576Not compared
Crash-involved complaints312515815Not compared
Fire-involved complaints717020146Not compared
Injuries reported758515817Not compared
Deaths reported101000Not compared
Configurations compared1088116

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta have?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta?

Engine: 48 of 231 NHTSA complaints (21%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta get?

EPA rates it 22–36 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta?

EPA estimates $2,600–$3,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

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EPA-Rated Configurations (14)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Manual 5-spd41.8LFront-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg$3,200370 g/mi
Configuration 2Manual 6-spd41.8LFront-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars19 mpg (low)27 mpg (low)22 mpg (low)$3,500 (high)404 g/mi (high)
Configuration 3Automatic (S5)41.8LFront-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars19 mpg (low)27 mpg (low)22 mpg (low)$3,500 (high)404 g/mi (high)
Configuration 4Manual 5-spd41.9LFront-Wheel DriveDieselCompact Cars32 mpg (high)42 mpg (high)36 mpg (high)$2,600 (low)283 g/mi (low)
Configuration 5Automatic (S5)41.9LFront-Wheel DriveDieselCompact Cars28 mpg39 mpg32 mpg$2,950318 g/mi
Configuration 6Automatic 4-spd42.0LFront-Wheel DriveRegularCompact Cars21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg$2,600 (low)370 g/mi
Configuration 7Manual 5-spd42.0LFront-Wheel DriveRegularCompact Cars21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg$2,600 (low)370 g/mi
Configuration 8Manual 6-spd62.8LFront-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars19 mpg (low)27 mpg (low)22 mpg (low)$3,500 (high)404 g/mi (high)
Configuration 9Manual 5-spd41.8LFront-Wheel DrivePremiumSmall Station Wagons21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg$3,200370 g/mi
Configuration 10Automatic (S5)41.8LFront-Wheel DrivePremiumSmall Station Wagons19 mpg (low)27 mpg (low)22 mpg (low)$3,500 (high)404 g/mi (high)
Configuration 11Manual 5-spd41.9LFront-Wheel DriveDieselSmall Station Wagons31 mpg42 mpg (high)35 mpg$2,700291 g/mi
Configuration 13Automatic 4-spd42.0LFront-Wheel DriveRegularSmall Station Wagons20 mpg27 mpg (low)23 mpg$2,700386 g/mi
Configuration 14Manual 5-spd42.0LFront-Wheel DriveRegularSmall Station Wagons21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg$2,600 (low)370 g/mi
Show 1 more configuration
The remaining EPA-rated configurations on this page.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 12Automatic (S5)41.9LFront-Wheel DriveDieselSmall Station Wagons28 mpg39 mpg32 mpg$2,950318 g/mi

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine480200
Transmission & Drivetrain350010
Fuel System371200
Electrical380600
Brakes152000
Steering40000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires71000
Airbags & Restraints2691100
Driver Assistance & Speed Control71000
Body, Seats & Latches3201240
Visibility & Lighting191100
Other130000

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (5)

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

    Campaign 20E064000 · Sep 23, 2020

    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.
    Consequence
    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:ENGINE

    Campaign 14E007000 · Mar 7, 2014

    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.
    Consequence
    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:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

    Campaign 07E023000 · Mar 29, 2007

    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.
    Consequence
    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:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

    Campaign 07V063000 · Feb 20, 2007

    Defect
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
    Consequence
    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, DIESEL

    Campaign 04V586000 · Dec 15, 2004

    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    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.