2004 Volkswagen Golf recalls and problems

The 2004 Volkswagen Golf has 2 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

3 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Volkswagen Golf vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Volkswagen Golf recalls

Recall 07V-063: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 20, 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

Risk: The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. Vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06v-183, but not both. The remedy is the same for each recall. Volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the VIN number of the vehicle. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.

Recall 04V-586: Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Dec 15, 2004 · 19,284 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2004 Volkswagen Golf problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	4
Electrical System	4
Air Bags	3
Power Train	3
Fuel/Propulsion System	3
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Latches/Locks/Linkages	2
Fuel System, Diesel	2
Seat Belts	1
Equipment	1
Tires	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 2
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 2
Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 2
Air Bags › Frontal — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 47,233 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Volkswagen Golf complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 139,480 miles · reported Sep 14, 2019

Car will shut off while driving around town or cruising on the highway (Very dangerous) once fuel tank drops to 1/4 tank. I believe it to be faulty fuel pump design.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 250,000 miles · reported Jul 27, 2018

I started smelling fuel inside my car, and I replaced the gas cap. The smell kept getting stronger and it gave me headaches while driving. Today I opened up the back seat to expose the fuel pump and the pump leaks and from the top of the fuel pump where the connectors and it fills up with liquid gasoline. This is a major fuel safety that can cause my vehicle to rapidly be engulfed by fire.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 88,811 miles · reported Oct 31, 2012

The contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. The contact stated that gasoline fuel fumes were emitted into the vehicle. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that there was a fuel leak. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 88,811.

Electrical System · at 65,000 miles · reported Aug 3, 2012

The contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. The contact was traveling 50 MPH when unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle decelerated independently. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that the wiring for the fuse box needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 70,000. Updated 8/31/12 updated 09/11/2012

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 147,000 miles · reported Sep 30, 2011

I noticed a strong smell of diesel fuel while driving my car. Next I noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. I took my car to autohaus in royal oak, mi where they diagnosed the problem as a leak in the return fuel line.

Other Volkswagen Golf years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2006 200520042003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Volkswagen Golf years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf: 07V-063 (exterior lighting), 04V-586 (fuel system, diesel). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volkswagen Golf?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (4 reports), followed by electrical system (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 47,233 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.