2004 Volkswagen GTI
Only 7 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 7 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 | 2 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 45 |
| 2001 | 74 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2006 | 43 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 67 |
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 54 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 97 |
| 2016 | 66 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 178 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 7 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER BUMPED A CURB CAUSING MINOR WHEEL SCRAPING AND DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS (DRIVERS CURTAIN AND SEAT). RESULTING REPAIR TOTAL IN EXCESS OF $4,000.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050624
BUMPED A CURB AND SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE OTHER THAN SCRAPED WHEELS AND DEPLOYED AIR BAGS. ENGINE NO LONGER STARTS ON FIRST KEY TURN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050421
2 of 7 total reports mention: air bags.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. AFTER A COUPLE OF SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD REGAIN POWER. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170809
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Volkswagen GTI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V063000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Volkswagen GTI 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 GTI?
The most-reported component is air bags:side/window, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen GTI have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.