2004 Volkswagen Passat
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 40 |
| 1993 | 68 |
| 1994 | 25 |
| 1995 | 94 |
| 1996 | 142 |
| 1997 | 70 |
| 1998 | 331 |
| 1999 | 664 |
| 2000 | 507 |
| 2001 | 430 |
| 2002 | 636 |
| 2003 | 629 |
| 2004 | 279 |
| 2005 | 148 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 262 |
| 2008 | 168 |
| 2009 | 146 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 483 |
| 2013 | 748 |
| 2014 | 594 |
| 2015 | 243 |
| 2016 | 106 |
| 2017 | 110 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 62 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
FIREShow 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, 20120406
14% of complaints: power train — 38 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20040928
13% of complaints: seats — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.
FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20201106
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, 20120317
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump and delivery.
FIRE9% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
FIRE INJURYSAFETY 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
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
PASSENGER ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
FUEL TANK LEAK
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 SHIELD
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. DEA
Campaign 08V156000 — check if this car was fixed
Engine Compartment Fire
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 Passat — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (62 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V586000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V063000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V156000 (fuel system, gasoline) 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 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.