2004 Volkswagen Jetta Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 231 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,150miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, 2% of the 231 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,150 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Clutch failed at 52k miles, was told it was not covered under warrant due to wear and tear, mechanic deemed it a faulty part, vw said it only covered manufacturer defects up to 50k miles, paid $1500 to replace clutch. Trunk pops open randomly and latch makes clicking noises. Air cooling sensor needs to be replaced, my car is reading a running temp of -54 when it should be 160. Car stalls if I turn it off after driving more than a few miles then doesn't turn over if the engine cuts off. Black smoke pours out of tailpipe and it burns double the gas it should. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221165, filed 2008-03, 52,000 miles“Our 2004 vw Jetta 1.8t has had numerous problems from a clicking/popping noise in the front end at approxmiately 10,000 miles, to the transmission locking up while operating vehicle. The clutch/disc went completely out at 15,000 miles. All the interior and exterior lights went out as my wife was driving in the dark on a non lit back road to work, transmission locked up between 3rd and 4th gears, transmission still slipping, back door locks do not un-lock when remote is activated, service department has re-torqued everything on vehicle but this has not made problems go away. …”
NHTSA complaint #10141704, filed 2005-11, 15,000 miles“Door ajar not working, along with interior light on drivers door, & cabin interior lights not coming on when door opens. Replaced drivers door lock actuator via dealer fixes problem. A very expensive fix for a $17 microswitch (approx) part on the door lock actuator that fails very often. Many vw owners experience this.”
NHTSA complaint #10381381, filed 2011-02, 108,300 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the driver's side rear door failed to unlock with the remote access or manually. Also, the door failed to open manually when the handle was pulled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 7/14/15 the consumer stated the left rear door would not unlock or open using the remote, or using the driver's switch on the panel. Also, the rear door could nt be opened, even with trying to use the door handle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10633141, filed 2014-09, 130,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10125748Jul 12, 2013Tech Tips (Rear Lid Does Not Open After Handle Replacement): If the rear lid handle is replaced with part number 1J0 827 566L, the microswitch from the original handle must be…
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 14 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 14 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 7 | 2% |
| 2002 | 6 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 4 | 7% |
| 1996 | 3 | 10% |
| 1995 | 37 | 17% |
| 1994 | 9 | 8% |
| 1993 | 5 | 29% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
37 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsSeats
22 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology