MYRModel Year Report

2004 Volkswagen Passat

◆ Worse than typical
2004 Volkswagen Passat
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
279
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

1990: 34 complaints 1990 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 40 complaints 1993: 68 complaints 1994: 25 complaints 1994 1995: 94 complaints 1996: 142 complaints 1997: 70 complaints 1998: 331 complaints 1998 1999: 664 complaints 2000: 507 complaints 2001: 430 complaints 2002: 636 complaints 2003: 629 complaints 2004: 279 complaints 2004 279 2005: 148 complaints 2006: 576 complaints 2007: 262 complaints 2008: 168 complaints 2009: 146 complaints 2010: 163 complaints 2010 2011: 16 complaints 2012: 484 complaints 2013: 748 complaints 2014: 594 complaints 2014 2015: 243 complaints 2016: 106 complaints 2017: 110 complaints 2018: 46 complaints 2018 2019: 12 complaints 2020: 18 complaints 2021: 18 complaints 2022: 13 complaints 2022
1990: 34 complaints 1990 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 40 complaints 1992 1993: 68 complaints 1994: 25 complaints 1994 1995: 94 complaints 1996: 142 complaints 1996 1997: 70 complaints 1998: 331 complaints 1998 1999: 664 complaints 2000: 507 complaints 2000 2001: 430 complaints 2002: 636 complaints 2002 2003: 629 complaints 2004: 279 complaints 2004 279 2005: 148 complaints 2006: 576 complaints 2006 2007: 262 complaints 2008: 168 complaints 2008 2009: 146 complaints 2010: 163 complaints 2010 2011: 16 complaints 2012: 484 complaints 2012 2013: 748 complaints 2014: 594 complaints 2014 2015: 243 complaints 2016: 106 complaints 2016 2017: 110 complaints 2018: 46 complaints 2018 2019: 12 complaints 2020: 18 complaints 2020 2021: 18 complaints 2022: 13 complaints 2022
1990: 34 complaints 1990 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 40 complaints 1992 1993: 68 complaints 1994: 25 complaints 1994 1995: 94 complaints 1996: 142 complaints 1996 1997: 70 complaints 1998: 331 complaints 1998 1999: 664 complaints 2000: 507 complaints 2000 2001: 430 complaints 2002: 636 complaints 2002 2003: 629 complaints 2004: 279 complaints 2004 279 2005: 148 complaints 2006: 576 complaints 2006 2007: 262 complaints 2008: 168 complaints 2008 2009: 146 complaints 2010: 163 complaints 2010 2011: 16 complaints 2012: 484 complaints 2012 2013: 748 complaints 2014: 594 complaints 2014 2015: 243 complaints 2016: 106 complaints 2016 2017: 110 complaints 2018: 46 complaints 2018 2019: 12 complaints 2020: 18 complaints 2020 2021: 18 complaints 2022: 13 complaints 2022

2004: 279 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19880
19890
199034
199124
199240
199368
199425
199594
1996142
199770
1998331
1999664
2000507
2001430
2002636
2003629
2004279
2005148
2006576
2007262
2008168
2009146
2010163
201116
2012484
2013748
2014594
2015243
2016106
2017110
201846
201912
202018
202118
202213

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

22% · 62 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. While driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a complete loss of engine power. When the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road smoke and flames began to emit from under the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-06

Power train

14% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

When slowing down at traffic light car hesitated and then jerked foward, as if I had been hit from behind. It was enough to make my back and neck sore.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-09-28

Seats

13% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving on a highway, the driver seat suddenly overheated (The seat warmer was turned on). It started with a burning smell.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-11-06

I had been driving my car for fewer than 15 minutes with the seat heating element on. I noticed an acute burning heat near my upper left leg, and shortly thereafter noticed a hot/burning/melting smell.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-17

Also filed under Electrical system

Fuel system, gasoline

11% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and delivery.

FIRE

Electrical system

9% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and ignition.

FIREINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2004Complaint volume 279 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2005-02-08Fuel system, diesel04V586000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2007-04-27Exterior lighting07V063000 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.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2007-09-28Engineering analysisClosed 2008-07-07 Passenger engine compartment fires
  5. I
    2008-01-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-05-30 Fuel tank leak
  6. R
    2008-06-13Fuel system, gasoline08V156000 Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 Passat (5TH generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after June 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat…

    Remedy: Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8T engines with a precautionary software update.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2011-01-26Engineering analysisClosed 2012-02-17 Engine Compartment Fire
  8. R
    2014-05-01Engine and engine cooling14E007000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 62 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 38 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 35 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V586000 · Fuel system, diesel
  • Recall 07V063000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 08V156000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 14E007000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Volkswagen Passat is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Passat?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Passat have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.