2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL from North America - Comments

2005 Cheap aluminum molding on back door peeled back from opening front door.

March 2006 Couldn't get car out of park. Dealership had to walk me through a "trick" to get it to work so I could drive it in. Ended up being caused by a faulty brake light switch problem they didn't recall until almost 2 years later.

Car was jerking between 2nd and 3rd gear. Had to clean and adjust throttle body.

The perspiration from my water bottle has stained the cheap seats. What are they made of anyways?

You have to pull the door handle 2 times from the inside in the back seats to get out and they haven't been able to fix that after 2 attempts. It was also a recall.

I finally stopped taking it to the dealership because I'd been getting the regularly scheduled maintenance every 5,000 miles. I'm not even complaining about the lifetime oil change service they got me to sign up.

I just passed my 50,000 mile warranty mark in July and overheated. Had to replace the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, thermostat w/seal, coolant temp sensor, and coolant reservoir. I took it to a repair shop outside of the dealer and they showed me this critical piece having to do with the coolant systems (can't remember exactly what) but it was broken into 5 pieces and made from PLASTIC.

It's not even 2 months later and my car won't start and I've tried jumping it. I think it's an electrical problem, maybe a shortage or something loose.

I've been keeping up on all the other maintenance (changed tires, brakes, oil changes, engine flushes, etc.) and I am utterly exhausted by how unreliable this car has been.

I wish I had done more research because it's obvious that they don't make VW's like they used to.

Try replacing your starter I someone else had the same problem.

I own a 2004 Jetta with 45,000 original miles and have had it serviced at the normal intervals. I bought the car new and it has never let me down. I get approx. 45 mpg with normal driving. With highway driving I get over 50 mpg. Can't beat that. The body and interior have remained in excellent condition. The car has been in a garage for the past two years. I have had 2 previous VW's and I like them all very much. This one is much better and it was built in Mexico.

The doors in the back seat only open after 2 attempts as a safety precaution. They're supposed to do that, it's not a design flaw. In theory it's supposed to keep kids from opening the door while in motion.

I would buy another Jetta anytime. I love mine. Just want to know if anyone has heard anything about Blausport's Autobahn Series Mk IV Vw Jetta strut shock absorber kit, (from: http://www.blauparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MGR1002%2DB)??? It is a complete strut and shock (front & back) kit with everything from bushing to mounts for a little under $300.