2004 Volkswagen Golf: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 2006 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2019
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2018
“Tl* 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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* 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 *cn updated 09/11/2012 *js”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2012
“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. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2011
“My 2004 vw golf was running rough. The rpm's were very high but the car was going very slow. I had new spark plugs and ignition wires put in. After a heavy rain a few weeks later I had the same problem. This time I had a new ignition coil put in. In total I spent $699.24 having the car repaired. Vw is currently running an ignition coil inspection and replacement program but my vehicle is not covered. I called to complain but vw told me there was nothing I could do but complain to the NHTSA.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. The contact smelled a fuel odor emanating from his vehicle. Upon further inspection he noticed a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire. His vehicle identification number was excluded from recall# 04v586000 (fuel system, diesel); therefore, he was ineligible for a free remedy. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 94,000 and the current mileage was 99,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jul 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. While the vehicle was at a local repair shop receiving an oil change, the mechanic noticed fuel leaking from the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the tandem fuel pump failed and was leaking fuel from the outside of the engine. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $550. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there was a recall on the fuel pump; however, his VIN was not included in the recall. No compensation would be provided. The failure mileage was 68,621 and current mileage was 68,650.”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Jan 2009
“Tank mounted fuel pump failed resulting in loss of power difficulty in starting and running. Car driven home but not really operable. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · May 2008
“The lower 1/4 of the rear window defrost does not work. The top 3/4 of the rear window clear when I use the defrost feature; the lower 1/4 does not. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL PUMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Golf by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2004 Volkswagen Golf have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.