2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Only 6 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 6 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 |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 11 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 6 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS AGO I LEFT MY PARENTS' HOUSE IN THIS VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140513
PURCHASED CAR USED. FIRST TIME I FILLED THE GAS TANK STRONG SMELL OF RAW GAS WAS PRESENT DURING THE NEXT SEVERAL MILES OF TRAVEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130102
1 of 6 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
HAD TO REPLACE THE COMFORT CONTROL MODULE ALONG WITH UNTOLD AMOUNT OF WIRES DUE TO WATER DAMAGE. AFTER BEING PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE WINDOWS ROLL. DOWN THE ALARM IS DISABLED, THE DOORS UNLOCK. WHILE DRIVING LIGHTS GO.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190306
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electronic stability control (esc).
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 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 Passat Wagon?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.