2004 Volkswagen Golf
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2004 Volkswagen Golf. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2004 Volkswagen Golf. Newest first.
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 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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 as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. the seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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.
On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
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. vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06v-183, but not both. the remedy IS the same for each recall. volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the vin number of the vehicle. owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the diesel pump. the recall began on february 8, 2005. owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
28 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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. Today I opened up the back seat to expose the fuel pump and the pump leaks and from the top of the fuel pump where the connectors and it fills up with liquid gasoline. This IS a major fuel safety that can cause my vehicle to rapidly be engulfed by fire.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
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. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 88,811.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. The contact was traveling 50 mph when unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle decelerated independently. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that the wiring for the fuse box needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. The contact was traveling 50 mph when unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle decelerated independently. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that the wiring for the fuse box needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 70,000. updated 8/31/12 *cn updated 09/11/2012 *js
- Fuel system, gasoline
I noticed a strong smell of diesel fuel while driving my car. next I noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. I took my car to autohaus in royal oak, mi where they diagnosed the problem as a leak in the return fuel line. *tr
- Unknown or other
My 2004 VW golf was running rough. the rpm's were very high but the car was going very slow. I had new spark plugs and ignition wires put in. after a heavy rain a few weeks later I had the same problem. this time I had a new ignition coil put in. in total I spent $699.24 having the car…
My 2004 VW golf was running rough. the rpm's were very high but the car was going very slow. I had new spark plugs and ignition wires put in. after a heavy rain a few weeks later I had the same problem. this time I had a new ignition coil put in. in total I spent $699.24 having the car repaired. VW IS currently running an ignition coil inspection and replacement program but my vehicle IS not covered. I called to complain but VW told me there was nothing I could do but complain to the nhtsa.
- Fuel system, diesel
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. The contact smelled a fuel odor emanating from his vehicle. Upon further inspection he noticed a fuel leak. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire. His vehicle identification number was excluded from recall# 04v586000 (fuel…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. The contact smelled a fuel odor emanating from his vehicle. Upon further inspection he noticed a fuel leak. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire. His vehicle identification number was excluded from recall# 04v586000 (fuel system, diesel); therefore, he was ineligible for a free remedy. No repairs were made. the failure mileage was 94,000 and the current mileage was 99,000.
- Structure
Sun roof leaks. Noticed a musty smell, windows fogging over easily, driver side seat belt that was wet, wet rug in the rear baggage compartment and finally wet head liner and side panels in rear of car also on the driver side. Checked the sun roof drains and they were clear and the sun roof tray…
Sun roof leaks. Noticed a musty smell, windows fogging over easily, driver side seat belt that was wet, wet rug in the rear baggage compartment and finally wet head liner and side panels in rear of car also on the driver side. Checked the sun roof drains and they were clear and the sun roof tray had no standing water. However, found about 2 inches of standing water in a well just below rear taillight assembly and a dripping wet black box mounted on the back side of the rear wheel housing, which I assume IS the computer control module for the car. Poured water into sun roof tray and water would just pour down into and upon the aforementioned areas. Googled VW sun roof leaks and immediately found VW owner web sites complaining of this same situation and the repairs they have made. Almost every situation of sun roof leak was due to failed bond in an adapter and tube assembly. Sun roof tray has four ball end nipples, one in each corner, on which an plastic adapter slips over and then a drain tube end slips into and IS supposed to be bonded to this adapter. I pulled the head liner down to observe the joint and poured water into the tray and water immediately started to run from this bonded joint. On closer examination there was a gap and by just squeezing the joint with my fingers the rest of the bond failed and the joint came apart. As suggested on these web sites, I bought 3/4 inch clear plastic tubing which I hose clamped to the nipple on the tray and snaked the new tubing in place of the old with no nipple adapter. Tested the repair by repeatedly pouring water into the tray. The joint that failed on my vehicle IS the easiest to access and repair. I pray I don't have the same problem on the front drains as some other unfortunates had happen to them as this involves serious dis-assembly of the dash, dis-arming airbags, etc. *Tr
- Fuel system, other
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. while the vehicle was at a local repair shop receiving an oil change, the mechanic noticed fuel leaking from the vehicle. the mechanic determined that the tandem fuel pump failed and was leaking fuel from the outside of the engine. the vehicle was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. while the vehicle was at a local repair shop receiving an oil change, the mechanic noticed fuel leaking from the vehicle. the mechanic determined that the tandem fuel pump failed and was leaking fuel from the outside of the engine. the vehicle was repaired at the cost of $550. the contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there was a recall on the fuel pump; however, his vin was not included in the recall. no compensation would be provided. the failure mileage was 68,621 and current mileage was 68,650.
- Fuel system, diesel
Tank mounted fuel pump failed resulting in loss of power difficulty in starting and running. car driven home but not really operable. *tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
The lower 1/4 of the rear window defrost does not work. The top 3/4 of the rear window clear when I use the defrost feature; the lower 1/4 does not. *tr
- Air bags
Driving a 2004 VW golf GL at about 30 mph and rear-ended an SUV. the front end of the golf was smashed in all the way to the radiator. the air bags did not release at either the drivers nor the passenger side. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
While I was driving on I-35 in kansas at about 60 mph on december 13, 3007 at approximately 10:30 pm, the latch to my vehicle released without warning and caused the hood of my vehicle to fly up impairing my view. I was able to pull over to the shoulder of the highway and called the kansas highway…
While I was driving on I-35 in kansas at about 60 mph on december 13, 3007 at approximately 10:30 pm, the latch to my vehicle released without warning and caused the hood of my vehicle to fly up impairing my view. I was able to pull over to the shoulder of the highway and called the kansas highway patrol. The highway patrol officer pushed down on the hood but was unable get the hood to latch. Due to the failure of the hood latch my hood has been damaged. I checked your website for complaints for the same year, make, and model and discovered this defect had happened previously to the same vehicle. *tr
- Power train › Clutch assembly
My wife was taking a short trip to pick me up from work in our 2004 VW golf, when the clutch failed suddenly at a traffic light. she was able to continue, but the clutch was failing to fully disengage. fortunately, she was on surface streets and did not have to drive at highway speeds. we limped…
My wife was taking a short trip to pick me up from work in our 2004 VW golf, when the clutch failed suddenly at a traffic light. she was able to continue, but the clutch was failing to fully disengage. fortunately, she was on surface streets and did not have to drive at highway speeds. we limped home and requested to have the vehicle towed to a VW service center. the service center indicated that the clutch failure was due to wear and was not a warranty item. we had no indications of impending failure (slippage, difficulty putting in gear, vibrations, strange noises, etc.) and my wife and I are both experienced users of manual transmissions. the service center made the repairs (total cost over $1900) and we have resumed using the vehicle. *tr
- Power train › Clutch assembly
The dual-mass flywheel came apart in my volkswagen golf tdi (2004) causing difficulty in shifting and need for premature clutch replacement. The problem started nearly a month before I had it diagnosed at the dealer as a bad clutch. *jb
- Air bags
Defective side airbag. They said it IS tearing out and the want $600.00 to fix something 3-4 years old. *Jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
The hood latch failed resulting in the hood flipping up and shattering the windshield and damaging the front fenders and hood. *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Glow plug light began to flash while driving, researched this problem on the internet and found that there have been recalls for previous model years and checked my vehicle. Though my vehicle does not fall into the recall years and I have not received an notification about a recall the brake light…
Glow plug light began to flash while driving, researched this problem on the internet and found that there have been recalls for previous model years and checked my vehicle. Though my vehicle does not fall into the recall years and I have not received an notification about a recall the brake light switch has failed on my vehicle resulting in my brake lights not lighting when I brake. This IS a hazard to me and other drivers on the road. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
2004 volkswagen golf tdi 1.9 I noticed the fuel mileage started to decrease and the vehicle started to produce excess smoke. the problem continued to get worse over the course of the next 2 months. the oil changes were conducted with 0W40 synthetic oil recommended by the manufacture. the fuel…
2004 volkswagen golf tdi 1.9 I noticed the fuel mileage started to decrease and the vehicle started to produce excess smoke. the problem continued to get worse over the course of the next 2 months. the oil changes were conducted with 0W40 synthetic oil recommended by the manufacture. the fuel filter was changed at 20K, 42K, 50K and 70K to help reduce the sluggishness of the engine. nothing appeared to correct the problem. at 73500 mile the engine began to lose power during acceleration and under a load. the engine also developed a skip resulting in the engine light indicator turning on. I drove the vehicle to the volkswagen dealer and indicated all of the above problems to the service representative. the service section checked and replaced the mass air flow sensor and oxygen sensor. informed me the problem was corrected. I picked up my vehicle and drove less than one block and could not stay in the flow of traffic because of the lack of power. I returned to the service section and dropped the vehicle filling out the paperwork reinforcing the same problems as above. the vehicle had extreme hesitation, lack of power and excessive smoke under acceleration and load. the service tech check the engine and found that the camshaft had no lobes on the 1 and 2 cylinder and the number 3 cylinder was beginning to lose the lobe or rounded. the lack of the lobe prevented the intake and exhaust valves to properly open and close to allow fuel mixture into the cylinder and the exhaust to be removed from the cylinder. this problem could only be corrected by replacing the entire head. the wear on the camshaft IS very noticeable and above the number 1 cylinder the camshaft has a deep scratch or gouge in the middle of the lobe. the service technician had no explanation for the rounding of the lobes or the scratch or gouge in the lobe. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
The engine made a sound as if air under pressure was being released, along with a quite noticeable vibration when turning it off on the evening of 30 aug 2005. enroute to the dealer to be checked on 31 aug 2005, when attempting to stop, I pushed the brake pedal to the floor, twice, with no…
The engine made a sound as if air under pressure was being released, along with a quite noticeable vibration when turning it off on the evening of 30 aug 2005. enroute to the dealer to be checked on 31 aug 2005, when attempting to stop, I pushed the brake pedal to the floor, twice, with no response from the brake system. as a result, I hit the trailer hitch of a stopped SUV. minimal damage to the SUV; however, considerable damage to the golf. no repair work done yet; the brake pedal has slight resistance now. the dealer promised to check the obdii for fault codes, but has not done so yet. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger
Turbo failed on my 2004 golf tdi (100hp) two months after I bought the car. The dealer told me this was unusual, but had to send to germany for a replacement turbo unit. The car does not seem to have the same pep since the new turbo unit was installed. I have heard of one other case where the turbo…
Turbo failed on my 2004 golf tdi (100hp) two months after I bought the car. The dealer told me this was unusual, but had to send to germany for a replacement turbo unit. The car does not seem to have the same pep since the new turbo unit was installed. I have heard of one other case where the turbo failed as well. I suspect my turbo unit has been replaced by the dealer with the one for the 90HP golf tdi. How can I find out if I have the correct part installed? *jb
- Electrical system
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. A few minutes later the vehicle was filled with smoke and the consumer could not see. The consumer stopped the…
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. A few minutes later the vehicle was filled with smoke and the consumer could not see. The consumer stopped the car in the middle of the road and jumped out of the car. After the consumer ran away from the vehicle, he turned around to see the vehicle engulfed in flames from the back seats. There was also a case of oil behind the back seat, which the consumer states that may have spread the fire. There were no problems with the car prior to this incident. The consumer had only owed the vehicle a few months. All of the owners paperwork from the car was in the vehicle when it burned. The consumer has spoken to the dealer briefly, but they did not know anything about the problem, or had not heard of that happening before. The car IS a complete and total loss now. The car was completely engulfed within a minute or two after the owner escaped. *Jb
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Owner was driving in the cruise control mode and the cruise control stayed engaged at 55 mph and vehicle went off the road into a ditch. Vehicle went through all kinds of debris, and hit a tree stump. Then, went airborne into a tree. The driver was killed instantly.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
While driving 65 mph, the vehicle swerved to the right without warning. the consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. the consumer noticed that the tread was separating from the front passenger tire. please provide further details. *jb the consumer replaced both…
While driving 65 mph, the vehicle swerved to the right without warning. the consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. the consumer noticed that the tread was separating from the front passenger tire. please provide further details. *jb the consumer replaced both front tires and had the repairs made. when the vehicle was serviced the consumer was told that the rear tires (both orignal tires) were low on air. *tc
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Consumer took vehicle to dealer for repairs due to transmission slipping. less than 2,000 miles the same issue occurred again, transmission slipped after being driven for while.*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252204Air Conditioning Does not Operate
- 10243064VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243015VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243002VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242402VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242353VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242340VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241709Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241708Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241707Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241706Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241705Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241704Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241335Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241333Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241310Software Version Management
- 10241285Engine, Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10241282Engine, Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10240605P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
Every Volkswagen Golf model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.