Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving approximately 50 MPH, there was smoke coming from the heated seats on the front passenger side the contact stated that there was a hole burned into the front passenger seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired . The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 05/31/17 updated 06/02/2017
My (generator cable - s177) alternator cable melting the fuse box and wires above the battery. My car needed a new alternator. My car does not always start even with a new battery and alternator. My car has shut down while driving on the highway. Vw admits this is a known problem but will not do anything about it. I am the second owner of this vehicle. Thousands of people are having this same problem.
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. …
I was driving my vw Jetta 2004 tdi on a highway, I was using my high beam and low beam headlights to yield to incoming traffic when all of a sadden my headlights went off, I had to stop it was very dark and dangerous road, I moved and wiggle the lever to see if I could make it come on again, eventually it did, it did that about 4 times,every time it scared the ... Out of me could not see road. Took it to a mechanic, replaced the turn signal high beam low beam and cruse control lever, its all in one lever. I looked on line to see if someone else have the same problem and it seems that is a common problem with this vehicle.
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.
I have replaced my battery twice and my alternator once. My car completely shuts down when I part it. I have also turned on my car and then completely shuts down by itself, yet if I jump start it will turn on. I'm not able to turn my car back on, as though something is draining my battery. This has been occurring for over one year now and I'm getting stranded at my last destination and have had to get towed to the mechanic show. It's getting very expensive and ridiculous. The mechanic has done his due diligence but problem is still occurring. I'm afraid to drive on the highway in fear my car will shut down!
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, back fired, and it was leaking coolant under the water pump. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Prior to this failure that the vehicle had experienced leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14e007000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
The high voltage fuse box, that sits on top of the battery melted due to heat and poor design. This caused a short and complete loss of power to my vehicle. This was both dangerous and frightening! I was on the freeway going 60mph and could have easily lost control of the vehicle, causing an injury or fatal accident. I found 44 similar complaints regarding this same issue and am surprised that this public agency has failed to take any action on this, and demanding a recall, and thus resolving a dangerously reoccurring electrical issue.
Electrical complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, 15% of the model year's 233 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 6 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.