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SteeringPart report

2004 Volkswagen Jetta Steering Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
2%of 231 total for the year
Median mileage
118,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, 2% of the 231 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,000 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.

“Clicking/popping noise coming from the front of the vehicle when making turns. Taken to dealership two time and they state they cannot duplicate the sound. Drove tech around and duplicated sound for him. Dealership still stated they could not make any repairs because they couldn't duplicate the problem. Service also stated that the problem would have to get worse before they could do anything.”

NHTSA complaint #10206405, filed 2007-10, 48,500 miles

“2004 vw Jetta gls tdi operating at 75mph on interstate on cruise control when the engine shutoff completely. The vehicle still had electrical power and engine would crank but would not start. I rolled the vehicle off to the side of the road and attempted to re-start the engine and it finally cranked and drove vehicle approximately 500 miles before experiencing similar issue. Since that time vehicle has had same issue over 10 times. Dealer has inspected vehicle three times and has not discovered issue.”

NHTSA complaint #10465504, filed 2012-07, 118,000 miles

“There is a clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle, which is interfering with the steering making it difficult to control. Owner will contact manufacturer.”

NHTSA complaint #10107412, filed 2005-01

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026117%
202513%
202424%
202312%
2022716%
202134%
202047%
2019122%
2017149%
2016117%
2015158%
2014174%
2013377%
2012428%
2011234%
2010132%
2009243%
200832%
200742%
2006102%
200521%
200442%
200310%
200281%
200151%
200082%
199982%
1998126%
199724%
1996310%
1995146%
199411%
199126%
198716%

Other parts of the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta

Engine cooling
37 complaints
Fuel system
37 complaints
Electrical system
36 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
35 complaints
Seats
22 complaints
Air bags
21 complaints
Brakes
12 complaints
Engine
11 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaints
Exterior lighting
9 complaints
Body and structure
8 complaints
Other 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 30, 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