2004 Volkswagen Jetta
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 455 in 2003 to 231 in 2004.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | vs. 2004 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,300–3,500 | 2,300–3,500 | 2,500–3,500 | 2,550–3,500 | 2,700–3,250 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–39 | 22–39 | 22–36 | 22–35 | 22–33 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–35 / 24–45 | 19–35 / 27–45 | 19–32 / 27–42 | 19–32 / 27–41 | 19–30 / 28–38 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 261–468 | 261–404 | 283–404 | 291–404 | 308–404 | |
| Complaints filed | 702 | 455 | 231 | 248 | 580 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 6 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 31 | 25 | 15 | 8 | 15 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 71 | 70 | 20 | 14 | 6 | |
| Injuries reported | 75 | 85 | 15 | 8 | 17 | |
| Deaths reported | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 10 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 6 |
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 Sep 16, 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 $2,500–$3,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (14)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg (low) | 27 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $3,500 (high) | 404 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg (low) | 27 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $3,500 (high) | 404 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 32 mpg (high) | 42 mpg (high) | 36 mpg (high) | $2,500 (low) | 283 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 28 mpg | 39 mpg | 32 mpg | $2,800 | 318 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg (low) | 27 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $3,500 (high) | 404 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 19 mpg (low) | 27 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $3,500 (high) | 404 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 11 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Small Station Wagons | 31 mpg | 42 mpg (high) | 35 mpg | $2,550 | 291 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 20 mpg | 27 mpg (low) | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
Show 2 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Small Station Wagons | 28 mpg | 39 mpg | 32 mpg | $2,800 | 318 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 48 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 35 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 37 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 38 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 26 | 9 | 1 | 10 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 32 | 0 | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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 8, 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 12, 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 21, 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 16, 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.