2004 Volkswagen R32: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Vw wont replace a broken seat belt. I have extended warranty by fidelity and they wont fix it either. This is a safety issue and unacceptable. The passenger rear seatbelt is stuck in the extended position. Vw quoted $500 to fix.. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2013
“Car just shuts off while driving. Checked all sensors are working properly. And no car wont start. Ecu faulty, reprogram or replacement need. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf r32. The contact stated that the rear center seat belts failed and were unable to retract. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that they would look into it and call the contact back. The failure mileage was approximately 100,600.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2011
Show 5 more owner reports
“Service bulletin # 004, NHTSA number 10011567, failure of engine coolant temperature sensor at 43,500 miles. Engine never warmed to operating temperature of 87 degrees, opened thermostat at 75 degrees.*tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2008
“I purchased the car in nov 2006 and since then had numerous problems with the car, right form the start. Tire pressure light was on for 10 months, unable to fix, remote garage opener not working properly, remote control doesn't open the car, back door doesn't open at all, one of the studs underneath broke on freeway going to las vegas, engine light on, car overheating. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2007
“Malfunctioning tire pressure monitor system for 18 months, frequently malfunctions on the way home from the dealership. Eight to nine service attempts with no resolution. Have driven the car for 3 months at a time with the flat tire monitor screaming loudly. A problem since 2 months after purchase. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2005
“Dt: the consumer stated that the rearview mirror shook to the point that he could not see through it. Whenever the vehicle was in motion the rearview mirror would shake. When going over a bumps the problem would get worse. This problem has occurred since the vehicle was purchased. *ak (11/22/05) also, the doors would squeak. *sc”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2005
“Rounding a street corner the right front suspension failed causing the vehicle to hit the curb. Vehicle was travelling approximately 25 mph. This vehicle, purchased new, has less than 7000 miles. Damages approach $3000.00 and is currently in the dealer repair shop.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact R32 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 R32 reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Volkswagen R32. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2004 Volkswagen R32 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder. 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.