Two problems related to headlights have been reported for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta based on all problems reported for the 2004 Jetta.
Headlights dimming- to point where you can not tell they are on. Engine light comes on despite all diagnostics stating all is ok with car. Periodically fails to start-despite diagnostics that state starter, battery, drain altenator all good and functioning properly. Car jumps easily with "boost".
We have a 2004 vw Jetta, but this concern is with most 7 year old and older vehicles. The headlight construction is inferior to vehicles earlier in the 1900s – never with cars I have owned from 1954 until the last few have I see headlights fog- turn opaque or yellow. The plastic used is inferior to the glass used on older vehicles and as such it is a safety hazard to all drivers. Since it is the use of an inferior material it is a defect and should become safety recalls by the manufacturer rather then a band-aid buff out kit that the vehicle owner, must bear the expense, and try to use or have a repair shop do at the owner's expense. Headlight surfaces should last the life of a vehicles, barring damage in accidents they should perform safely throughout a one’s ownership.