2004 Volkswagen Golf
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 41 |
| 1995 | 43 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 64 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 73 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 69 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 48 |
| 2013 | 43 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 129 |
| 2016 | 85 |
| 2017 | 115 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 28 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190914
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180727
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121031
3 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT ON JUNE 30, 2005, HIS VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND, VW 2004 TURBO DIESEL GOLF. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE CONSUMER STARTED SMELLING SMOKE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050708
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 50 MPH WHEN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120803
2 of 28 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 28 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages.
2 of 28 total reports mention: fuel system, diesel.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 04V586000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 07E023000 — check if this car was fixed
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. VEHICLE
Campaign 07V063000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 14E007000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Volkswagen Golf — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V586000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V063000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14E007000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Golf?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Golf have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.