Does the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, the most recent reported on February 20, 2007 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners have filed 231 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (37 complaints), followed by electrical system (36).

How many 2004 Volkswagen Jetta complaints mention a crash or fire?

15 of 231 complaints report a crash and 20 a fire; 15 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and problems

2 recalls and 231 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta.

recalls

231

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 07V063000 · reported February 20, 2007 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 1,002,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Fuel system, diesel

NHTSA campaign 04V586000 · reported December 15, 2004 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 19,284 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine and engine cooling37
Electrical system36
Power train35
Seats22
Air bags21
Fuel system, diesel13
Engine11
Fuel system, gasoline10
Visibility10
Exterior lighting9

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 3, 2025 · 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…

Sep 28, 2024 · 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

Jan 30, 2024 · 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…

Mar 20, 2019 · Engine · 141,000 miles
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…

Jan 20, 2019 · Steering · 171,000 miles
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…

Jetta model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2001	6	668	40	12
2002	5	702	31	71
2003	2	456	25	70
2004	2	231	15	20
2005	4	248	8	14
2006	4	580	15	6
2007	4	201	11	7

Across all years, the 2009 Jetta has the most complaints (889). All Volkswagen Jetta years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, the most recent reported on February 20, 2007 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta?: Owners have filed 231 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (37 complaints), followed by electrical system (36).
How many 2004 Volkswagen Jetta complaints mention a crash or fire?: 15 of 231 complaints report a crash and 20 a fire; 15 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 3, 2025.