2001 Volkswagen Jetta starting, sputtering and sluggish

You may need to replace your ignition coil. I also had a problem with my GTI a few months back when I took it out of storage and it also had a good rain and my husband had previously removed a guard ( think it's a rain or splash guard) so I think that got wet. I replaced the plugs and wires first. But that didn't make a difference. This is something u could probably do yourself if you are able to do the plugs and wires. The part can be pricey but with the vw's their is a coil PER cylinder. So yours should not be too bad since it's the 4. I have a 6 it ran me I think about 350 from a parts dealer. Call around first and see what brands and prices they have before u pick on up. Some places wanted 600 bucks for the part for mine. And shops wanted 1,200 to fix it.