2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 1.8T from North America

Summary:

It broke my heart

Faults:

Wiring harness bad 1st day of ownership.

Headlights fogged up.

Gas gauge sending unit bad.

Speedometer bad.

Four batteries in four years.

Radio went bad.

Spring popped out from under driver seat twice.

Continuious grease dripping from all four doors.

Coolant overflow bottle sensor bad.

Door locks bad.

Transmission leaked from pan gasket.

A.C. vents broke with regular usage.

Left rear window regulator bad.

Engine self destructed at 55000 miles.

General Comments:

This is by far the worst automobile I have ever owned.

Workmanship on the car was pathetic.

How sad that the V.W. corporate people can't get back with you until two business days after each request for help.

In this day and age, there is no excuse for this bad treatment and poor quality.

This is a vehicle that was regularly serviced, well cared for, and should have lasted longer.

As soon as I get it back from the new engine replacement, it is getting traded in on a new car, I assure you will not be another Volkswagen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th June, 2008

30th Jan 2009, 15:45

I have a 2004 Jetta GLI and have had one single problem. My water-pump went at about 50K miles, which is a known issue. Engines dying at 55K is not a known issue, typically though, it is expected that you change the oil in these engines.

Also...The MKIV Jetta GLI only came in a 1.8T 6-Speed Manual, the gearbox code is an 02M. I guess yours isn't a GLI.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T from North America

Summary:

My 2004 1.8T Jetta is absolutely awful

Faults:

Alternator went out at 30,000 miles.

Secondary air pump went out at 50,000 miles.

Aux. Coolant pump went out at 52,000 miles.

Plus much more.

And today, my car overheated twice and had to be towed back to the dealership. Caused me to miss a final and almost miss a flight home.

General Comments:

Loved it at first. Hate it now. Can't wait to get my Volvo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th May, 2008

2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon from North America

Summary:

I'm a VW fan, and love my TDI

Faults:

First cold start problem was yesterday, at -20 Celsius (that's 4 below Fahrenheit). Funny thing is that the previous day it was much colder: -27 Celsius or 20 below Fahrenheit) and it was a regular start in cold weather, as it has been for 3 winters in the Canadian Rockies. But yesterday, it took 4 or 5 tries for it to turn over, then it was very very slow to get fuel.

I drove for about 10 minutes through town at 30 to 40 km/hour, then 5 minutes at 70km/hour, then another 20 minutes on the highway at 90km/hr, and the temperature gauge was still very low and barely any heat was coming from the engine. So I turned around for home, not feeling like driving in the dark on the highway for another 100 km to the city. On the way back home, it took another 10 minutes for the temperature gauge to rise to 80, and it didn't hit 90 until the car had been running for almost 45 minutes.

Any pointers?

General Comments:

Otherwise, I LOVE my Jetta.

Fuel efficient, nice to drive, great on the highway, which is where I use it almost exclusively, and it just feels like a quality car. I'd have a hard time driving a Ford wagon after being spoiled in VWs for the last 20 years!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd December, 2007

13th Mar 2008, 19:09

Perhaps you have learned by now that the TDi engine does not warm up unless it is working! It will actually cool at idle. Hope you have the heated seats!

2004 Volkswagen Jetta Station Wagon TDI from North America

Summary:

Stn Wgn TDI ringing sound?

Faults:

Around 135,00 km the car developed a high ringing sound when I accelerate in the 1600 - 1900 rpm range. The VW dealership, where we bought the car, said they have never heard of this happening before. Now they want to pull the engine out for $110 per hour to look for the cause. We have had all the required service checks performed by the VW dealership. Anyone else had this problem?

General Comments:

This car is wonderful, and we intend to keep it for many more years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th November, 2007

29th Sep 2011, 20:49

My 2004 TDI is ringing on acceleration as well. Have not had it checked out yet.