Model year guide

2004 Volkswagen Jetta

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 107 on record.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Volkswagen Jetta at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints233
Combined26 mpg
Typical price$2,220

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta recalls 5

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #20E064000 · 23/09/2020

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.

Fix: 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…

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #14E007000 · 07/03/2014

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 i…

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #07V063000 · 20/02/2007

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

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 O…

Fuel System, Diesel NHTSA Campaign #04V586000 · 15/12/2004

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL PUMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #07E023000 · 29/03/2007

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 233 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta MPG & running costs

Combined26 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,913

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta worth?

Low
$900
Typical price
$2,220
High
$3,900

From 105 comparable 2004 Volkswagen Jetta listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,565
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,100
Total$15,665
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,220) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,139), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS · GL · GLI 1.8T · GLS, GLI 1.8T · GL TDI · GLI VR6 · GLS TDI · GLS 1.8T
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 115 hp · 1.8L 4-cyl 180 hp · 1.9L 4-cyl 100 hp · 2.8L 6-cyl 200 hp

2004 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles on record

Other Volkswagen Jetta model years

2004 Volkswagen Jetta — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 233 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta at about 26 mpg combined (23 city / 31 highway).

How much is a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta worth?

Comparable 2004 Volkswagen Jetta listings run roughly $900–$3,900, typically around $2,220 (from 105 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.