Owners have filed 295 complaints
about the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA between 2004 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 36
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Jetta. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2004 compares with every other Volkswagen Jetta
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Clutch Assembly
1625.4%
Automatic Transmission
1117.5%
Seat Heater/Cooler
812.7%
Engine
711.1%
Manual Transmission
711.1%
Side/Window
57.9%
Frontal
57.9%
Cooling System
46.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
135.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
135.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
218.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3614.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5522.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3915.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5020.3%
150,000+ miles
197.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4-DR. w/SAB
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2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4-DR. Wagon w/SAB
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2004peak 8Sep 2025
Recalls on the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20E064000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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.
14E007000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
07E023000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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.
07V063000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
04V586000
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2006122244,526 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch with a newly revised version. This action includes vehicles previously affected by Transport Canada recall 03-184 and 04-075. The switch installed during this prior repair may not function properly. Note: parts available December 2006.
Recall 2005012108,501 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles equipped with the comfort seats option may have a seat heater element that can malfunction when the ignition switch is in the "ON" position and the seat heater switch is also "ON". If this happened, the seated occupant may experience excessive heat in this location. The heating mat could damage, or melt a small hole in the seat. If this were to occur, an electrical/melting smell or small amount of smoke would be noticeable. In some cases, the small hole in the seat could damage the seated occupant's clothing. In rare instances, this could lead to a minor or superficial skin injury. Correction: Dealers will modify the driver's seat heater by installing an electrical repair kit and will install a new passenger side seat heater switch.
Recall 20044358,072 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicle equipped with TDI-PD (Pumpe-Düse) engines, the high-pressure diesel pumps were produced with improper fasteners. In rare cases, one of these improper fasteners may yield due to repeated cyclic loading and allow diesel fuel to escape from the high-pressure pump. Diesel fuel in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire. Additionally, due to the quantity of fuel that may be released, there is a crash risk posed to vehicles traveling behind the subject vehicle. Correction: Dealers will install a replacement diesel pump kit.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 91,000 milesChicago, ILFire1 injured
SEATS
I TURNED ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER AND IT CAUGHT FIRE BURNING A HOLE IN THE SEAT AND BURNING ME. I WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME IN THE CITY. I PORED WATER ALL OVER ME AND THE SEAT AND TURNED THE HEATER OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11081853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesEllijay, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD EARLY IN MORNING APPROX 2 MILES FROM HOUSE I JUST LEFT FROM MY 2004 JETTA SHUTS DOWN TOTAL LOSS OF ALL POWER I PULLED CAR OVER IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT I SMELLED SMOKE AND COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM FIRE WALL I RAISED HOOD AND PULLED BATTERY CABLE OFF I COULD SEE SMPOKE FILLING INSIDE OF MY CAR WALKED AROUND TO DRIVER DOOR TO GET MY PHONE AND I SEEN FUSE BOX ON FIRE.ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED TO HELP ME AND HE APPROACHED MY CAR AND THEN CALLED POLICE ,FULL FLAMES WERE COMING FROM MY CAR WITHIN 5 MIN SO I STOOD BACK AND WATCHED MY CAR BURN .FIRE DEPT SHOWED UP AND PUT FIRE OUT MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. IVE HAD ISSUES WITH ALTERNATOR,FUEL PUMP,AIR BAG LIGHT, HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY DIM EVEN ON BRIGHT.NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I GOT IT. 115.000 MILES ONLY ON THIS CAR .SO MANY ISUES I CAN SEE WHY ITS LOW MILAGE
NHTSA complaint #11076395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesEllijay, GAFire
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD EARLY IN MORNING APPROX 2 MILES FROM HOUSE I JUST LEFT FROM MY 2004 JETTA SHUTS DOWN TOTAL LOSS OF ALL POWER I PULLED CAR OVER IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT I SMELLED SMOKE AND COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM FIRE WALL I RAISED HOOD AND PULLED BATTERY CABLE OFF I COULD SEE SMPOKE FILLING INSIDE OF MY CAR WALKED AROUND TO DRIVER DOOR TO GET MY PHONE AND I SEEN FUSE BOX ON FIRE.ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED TO HELP ME AND HE APPROACHED MY CAR AND THEN CALLED POLICE ,FULL FLAMES WERE COMING FROM MY CAR WITHIN 5 MIN SO I STOOD BACK AND WATCHED MY CAR BURN .FIRE DEPT SHOWED UP AND PUT FIRE OUT MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. IVE HAD ISSUES WITH ALTERNATOR,FUEL PUMP,AIR BAG LIGHT, HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY DIM EVEN ON BRIGHT.NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I GOT IT. 115.000 MILES ONLY ON THIS CAR .SO MANY ISUES I CAN SEE WHY ITS LOW MILAGE
NHTSA complaint #11076395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesEllijay, GAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD EARLY IN MORNING APPROX 2 MILES FROM HOUSE I JUST LEFT FROM MY 2004 JETTA SHUTS DOWN TOTAL LOSS OF ALL POWER I PULLED CAR OVER IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT I SMELLED SMOKE AND COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM FIRE WALL I RAISED HOOD AND PULLED BATTERY CABLE OFF I COULD SEE SMPOKE FILLING INSIDE OF MY CAR WALKED AROUND TO DRIVER DOOR TO GET MY PHONE AND I SEEN FUSE BOX ON FIRE.ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED TO HELP ME AND HE APPROACHED MY CAR AND THEN CALLED POLICE ,FULL FLAMES WERE COMING FROM MY CAR WITHIN 5 MIN SO I STOOD BACK AND WATCHED MY CAR BURN .FIRE DEPT SHOWED UP AND PUT FIRE OUT MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. IVE HAD ISSUES WITH ALTERNATOR,FUEL PUMP,AIR BAG LIGHT, HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY DIM EVEN ON BRIGHT.NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I GOT IT. 115.000 MILES ONLY ON THIS CAR .SO MANY ISUES I CAN SEE WHY ITS LOW MILAGE
NHTSA complaint #11076395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesLakewood, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PASSENGER SEAT (FRONT SEAT) HEATING ELEMENT IS BURNING THE UPHOLSTERY. THE SEAT HEATER WON'T SHUT OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE; EACH TIME THE CAR WAS OPERATING.
NHTSA complaint #11065541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesMelbourne, FLCrash
TIRES
TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE APROXIMATLEY 70 MPH, THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. THIS RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE IMPACTED THE GUARD RAIL. AT THIS POINT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SEPARATED FROM THE CAR AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO SPIN DOWN THE ROAD. THE CAR CAME TO A REST AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3 SPINS, AND THE ENGINE CAME TO REST ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE 3 LANE INTERSTATE.
NHTSA complaint #10958320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Beachwood, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical system failure. The contact stated that the battery, the alternator, the fuses, and the windshield wiper motor were all replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure became a persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11684740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazleton, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11617038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazleton, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11617038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazleton, PA
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11617038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hudson, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11568707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesLansing, IN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11190213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesLansing, IN
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11190213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,000 milesUnion, ME
STEERING
LOOSE STEERING CHANCE OF LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO INCORRECT TIE ROD END FROM KIT SPECIFIC TO VEHICLE. RESULTING IN RUINED TIRES AND ALIGNMENT. HTTPS://WWW.AUTOPARTSWAREHOUSE.COM/SKU/VOLKSWAGEN/JETTA/REPLACEMENT/CONTROL_ARM_KIT/2004/TDI/4_CYL_1-DOT-9L/REPV281502.HTML . THE KIT I BELIEVE HAS A TIE ROD END MEANT FOR A PREIOUS GENERATION VOLKSWAGON AS IT IS SMALLER IN DIAMETER AND CANNOT TAPER LOCK. IT TOOK ABOUT A MONTH OF DRIVING FOR IT TO LOOSEN UP. THE PHYSICAL PROBLEM IS THE OUTER TIR ROD BUT THE INNER TIE ROD IS OF A SMALLER DIAMETER AND ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE INSTALLING SO THE DUST BOOT WOULD PROPERLY SEAL BUT IT WAS MECHANICALLY COMPATABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11171055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesMurrieta, CA
ENGINE
VEHICLE UNDER MULTIPLE OCCASIONS HAS STALLED OUT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, LOCATIONS, AND DRIVING STYLES/ROADS AT OR UNDER A QUARTER OF A TANK
NHTSA complaint #11140488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesMurrieta, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE UNDER MULTIPLE OCCASIONS HAS STALLED OUT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, LOCATIONS, AND DRIVING STYLES/ROADS AT OR UNDER A QUARTER OF A TANK
NHTSA complaint #11140488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesIndian Island, ME
SEATS
SEATS ARE GETTING EXCESSIVELY HOT AND STARTING TO BURN THROUGH THE VISION AND FABRIC. SMOKE IN COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11130394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,414 milesMurrells Inlet, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ALTERNATOR WIRE MELTED PART OF THE BATTERY TOP FUSE BOX. CABLE WAS VERY HOT AND MAY HAVE CAUGHT FIRE IF I HADN'T SMELLED IT FIRST. HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR CABLE HARNESS AND FUSE BOX PANEL.
NHTSA complaint #11090178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesChicago, ILFire1 injured
SEATS
I TURNED ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER AND IT CAUGHT FIRE BURNING A HOLE IN THE SEAT AND BURNING ME. I WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME IN THE CITY. I PORED WATER ALL OVER ME AND THE SEAT AND TURNED THE HEATER OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11081853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesEllijay, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD EARLY IN MORNING APPROX 2 MILES FROM HOUSE I JUST LEFT FROM MY 2004 JETTA SHUTS DOWN TOTAL LOSS OF ALL POWER I PULLED CAR OVER IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT I SMELLED SMOKE AND COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM FIRE WALL I RAISED HOOD AND PULLED BATTERY CABLE OFF I COULD SEE SMPOKE FILLING INSIDE OF MY CAR WALKED AROUND TO DRIVER DOOR TO GET MY PHONE AND I SEEN FUSE BOX ON FIRE.ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED TO HELP ME AND HE APPROACHED MY CAR AND THEN CALLED POLICE ,FULL FLAMES WERE COMING FROM MY CAR WITHIN 5 MIN SO I STOOD BACK AND WATCHED MY CAR BURN .FIRE DEPT SHOWED UP AND PUT FIRE OUT MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. IVE HAD ISSUES WITH ALTERNATOR,FUEL PUMP,AIR BAG LIGHT, HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY DIM EVEN ON BRIGHT.NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I GOT IT. 115.000 MILES ONLY ON THIS CAR .SO MANY ISUES I CAN SEE WHY ITS LOW MILAGE
NHTSA complaint #11076395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesEllijay, GAFire
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD EARLY IN MORNING APPROX 2 MILES FROM HOUSE I JUST LEFT FROM MY 2004 JETTA SHUTS DOWN TOTAL LOSS OF ALL POWER I PULLED CAR OVER IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT I SMELLED SMOKE AND COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM FIRE WALL I RAISED HOOD AND PULLED BATTERY CABLE OFF I COULD SEE SMPOKE FILLING INSIDE OF MY CAR WALKED AROUND TO DRIVER DOOR TO GET MY PHONE AND I SEEN FUSE BOX ON FIRE.ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED TO HELP ME AND HE APPROACHED MY CAR AND THEN CALLED POLICE ,FULL FLAMES WERE COMING FROM MY CAR WITHIN 5 MIN SO I STOOD BACK AND WATCHED MY CAR BURN .FIRE DEPT SHOWED UP AND PUT FIRE OUT MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. IVE HAD ISSUES WITH ALTERNATOR,FUEL PUMP,AIR BAG LIGHT, HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY DIM EVEN ON BRIGHT.NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I GOT IT. 115.000 MILES ONLY ON THIS CAR .SO MANY ISUES I CAN SEE WHY ITS LOW MILAGE
NHTSA complaint #11076395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesEllijay, GAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD EARLY IN MORNING APPROX 2 MILES FROM HOUSE I JUST LEFT FROM MY 2004 JETTA SHUTS DOWN TOTAL LOSS OF ALL POWER I PULLED CAR OVER IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT I SMELLED SMOKE AND COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM FIRE WALL I RAISED HOOD AND PULLED BATTERY CABLE OFF I COULD SEE SMPOKE FILLING INSIDE OF MY CAR WALKED AROUND TO DRIVER DOOR TO GET MY PHONE AND I SEEN FUSE BOX ON FIRE.ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED TO HELP ME AND HE APPROACHED MY CAR AND THEN CALLED POLICE ,FULL FLAMES WERE COMING FROM MY CAR WITHIN 5 MIN SO I STOOD BACK AND WATCHED MY CAR BURN .FIRE DEPT SHOWED UP AND PUT FIRE OUT MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. IVE HAD ISSUES WITH ALTERNATOR,FUEL PUMP,AIR BAG LIGHT, HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY DIM EVEN ON BRIGHT.NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I GOT IT. 115.000 MILES ONLY ON THIS CAR .SO MANY ISUES I CAN SEE WHY ITS LOW MILAGE
NHTSA complaint #11076395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,000 milesSchaumburg, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING OF THE LEFT HEADLIGHT IS DETERIORATED AND FALLING OFF LEAVING THE WIRES BARE AND AT RISK OF SHORTING OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11067245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesLakewood, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PASSENGER SEAT (FRONT SEAT) HEATING ELEMENT IS BURNING THE UPHOLSTERY. THE SEAT HEATER WON'T SHUT OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE; EACH TIME THE CAR WAS OPERATING.
NHTSA complaint #11065541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,900 milesShelby, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HEATED SEAT MODULE MELTED A HOLE THROUGH MY LEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #11047032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,900 milesShelby, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEATED SEAT MODULE MELTED A HOLE THROUGH MY LEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #11047032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesAthens, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 SINCE SEPTEMBER 2017 IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHILE THERE IS LESS THAN 1/4 TANK OF FUEL. WHEN IT HAPPENS THERE IS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOR DOES THE ECU STORE ANY CODES FROM THE PROBLEM. PREVIOUS OWNER MADE SEVERAL REPAIRS INCLUDING A FUEL PUMP AND FILTER, ENGINE SPEED SENSOR AND ALTERNATOR WIRING HARNESS IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE ISSUES WITH NO SUCCESS. THIS ISSUES ALSO COMES UP REGULARLY ON SEVERAL VW FORUMS AND NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ANSWER. THIS IS A KNOWN AND REGULAR ISSUE WITH NO CONSISTENT REPAIR AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED.
NHTSA complaint #11046653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesChicopee, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS STARTED TO FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DOOR CHIME SOUNDED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE JUMP STARTED AND DROVE TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO OTHER TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FUSE BOX MELTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #11011993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesMurray, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RANDOMLY STALLS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN DOWN TO 1/4 TANK OF GAS. AFTER PULLING OVER AND TURNING OFF THE KEY AND TURNING THE KEY BACK ON, IT WILL START AND RUN GREAT. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY OTHER TIME THE CAR GETS DOWN TO ABOUT 1/4 TANK. NO SHOP CAN DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR CORRECT IT. I HAVE TRIED THE IGNITION COIL, GROUNDS, FUEL PUMP... NO FIX. THERE ARE COUNTLESS THREADS ON VARIOUS VW FORUMS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO STALL ON THE FREEWAY. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11012200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesMelbourne, FLCrash
TIRES
TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE APROXIMATLEY 70 MPH, THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. THIS RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE IMPACTED THE GUARD RAIL. AT THIS POINT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SEPARATED FROM THE CAR AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO SPIN DOWN THE ROAD. THE CAR CAME TO A REST AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3 SPINS, AND THE ENGINE CAME TO REST ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE 3 LANE INTERSTATE.
NHTSA complaint #10958320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 228,000 milesDowagiac, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 HEADLIGHTS DIMMED, AND EVENTUALLY THE CAR DIED GOING 50 MILES AN HOUR IN SLEETING CONDITIONS LEAVING ME WITH NO ABS, NO AIRBAG SYSTEM (AT LEAST PER WHAT THE DASH LIGHTS INDICATED) AND, OF COURSE, NO POWER STEERING. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE THIS MORNING AND FOUND THE ALTERNATOR WIRE COMING INTO THE HIGH AMPERAGE FUSE BOX THAT SITS ON TOP OF THE BATTERY HAD MELTED AND DISCONNECTED THE CIRCUIT, DISABLING THE ALTERNATOR FROM CHARGING THE BATTERY, AND LETTING THE BATTERY DIE. THE INCIDENT DID NOT CAUSE A CRASH, BUT IT COULD HAVE IF THERE WAS ANYONE ELSE AROUND ME AS I HAD TO CUT ACROSS A COUPLE LANES WITH NO ENGINE POWER AND NO POWER STEERING TO GET TO THE SHOULDER.
NHTSA complaint #10936056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
