2004 Volkswagen Passat
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Volkswagen › Passat › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Volkswagen Passat. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2004 Volkswagen Passat. 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.
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 that can become damaged. in addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8T engines only) or fuel tank…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. in addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.
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. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8T vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on 4motion/all wheel drive vehicles, and replace components if necessary free of charge. the recall began on june 13, 2008. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
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
279 complaints9 involved a crash25 involved a fire23 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
A fuel leak has developed from the top side of the fuel tank on the drivers side of me vehicle. A fuel leak in this manner is a serious critical and immediate safety risk. Recall 08V156000 was 'performed' on my vehicle back in 2008 but the exact same fuel system safety defect has returned. VW…
A fuel leak has developed from the top side of the fuel tank on the drivers side of me vehicle. A fuel leak in this manner is a serious critical and immediate safety risk. Recall 08V156000 was 'performed' on my vehicle back in 2008 but the exact same fuel system safety defect has returned. VW acknowledges the recall and claims it was completed while only an inspection to check for fuel leaks was performed at the time. VW Care and my local dealership refuse to address the ongoing issue. This poses a continued fire risk, and I am now being told to pay out of pocket for a known safety recall that clearly failed to remedy the original defect.
- Fuel/propulsion system
There was a recall reported by the manufacturer, Volkswagenm in 2008. There were multiple Fuel System issues: A Heat Shield that may contact the exhaust system and result in a vehicle fire; a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead…
There was a recall reported by the manufacturer, Volkswagenm in 2008. There were multiple Fuel System issues: A Heat Shield that may contact the exhaust system and result in a vehicle fire; a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire. In 2008, my car was inspected and the recall was deemed "complete." However, the car was only 4 years old at the time and no repairs were made. Only a visual inspection was done. I bought the car used 6 years ago, and it has been diagnosed as having a defective fuel tank ventilation valve. VW should pay for the parts and labor to have this fixed because it was never fixed. I've been told there's no statue of limitations on recalls. VW claims that because the recall was deemed "Complete" that they "fixed" the issue but they didn't.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that there was gasoline leaking in his driveway where the vehicle was parked, after he had refueled the vehicle the day before. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic informed the contact that it was a known…
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that there was gasoline leaking in his driveway where the vehicle was parked, after he had refueled the vehicle the day before. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic informed the contact that it was a known failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V156000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the failure was addressed in 2012 and the recall was closed on the VIN. The failure mileage was 97,361.
- Fuel/propulsion system
When you fill up the fuel tank it leaks it leaks a quarter of a tank of fuel roughly 4 to 5 gallons of fuel drip out there's a factory recall on this issue I took it to the volkswagen dealer paid money to have them inspect it and they said yes it's leaking at the factory recall I've had an…
When you fill up the fuel tank it leaks it leaks a quarter of a tank of fuel roughly 4 to 5 gallons of fuel drip out there's a factory recall on this issue I took it to the volkswagen dealer paid money to have them inspect it and they said yes it's leaking at the factory recall I've had an independent dealer confirm that! Volkswagen will not do anything due to what they claim a remedy was done by moving fuel lines 10 years ago, obviously it was not or I would not have 4 gallons of fuel spill in my driveway vehicle IS basically in operable and they want $3000 to put a new fuel tank in when it's a factory recall which never expires I have talk to the volkswagen rep and the only thing I have found in forums IS do you have to go to volts wagon of america and fight them and this IS ridiculous when they know they have an issue!! To drive this vehicle we never fill it over a half a tank of fuel so we do not leak fuel or explode while we're driving hopefully please help in anyway you can thank you
- Seats
A coil for heated seats has melted a hole in the driver's side seat. This caused pain and confusion while driving on the highway. The seat now has an ugly melted hole in it.
- Seats
While driving on a highway, the driver seat suddenly overheated (the seat warmer was turned on). It started with a burning smell. Excessive heat burned my leg a bit (some skin redness), before I realized what IS happening and turned the seat warmer off. The seat leather now appears stiff and wrinkled (not soft and smooth like the rest of the leather) in the area where I felt the heat.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Seats
The car stalled in the road. Pulled over. Turned the car off and it would not restart full tank of gas.
- Seats · Unknown or other
My car 2004 VW passat almost gett on fire front passander seat have start to burn but was ok after I shutt off the car after that now I can drive but the seat its demaged
- Engine
While driving the car at highway speeds it stalls and the epc light comes on. This has happened many times while merging with other traffic and can be very dangerous. I have spent well over $1000 trying to get this problem fixed, and the problem still remains. Even the VW dealership dose not have an answer.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Strong odor of fuel in the car regardless of being parked or moving. Noticed puddle of gas on the ground under the fuel tank. Fuel was dripping down off the fuel tank and the heat shields. Followed drip to the rollover valve nipple which IS attached to the gas tank.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. After refueling and parking the vehicle, the contact later discovered fuel had leaked out from the vehicle onto the floor of the garage. Fuel was also visible underneath the rear seat of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that fuel…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. After refueling and parking the vehicle, the contact later discovered fuel had leaked out from the vehicle onto the floor of the garage. Fuel was also visible underneath the rear seat of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that fuel was leaking from the fuel valve. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 160,000.
- Unknown or other
Standing water in driver side and rear driver side area.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gas tank/ fuel line fracture, leaking gas when I fill it up, strong gas smell/odor. stops leaking at around 3/4 tank. very dangerous for my 16 year old to drive. VW dealership refused to correct, wants to charge me 2600, to fix I bought the car for 4200 3 months ago.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gas fuel line/tank leaking gas
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel tank leak. There IS no damage no impact no visible evidence of any misuse of car. fuel tank leaks when filled above 3/4 of a tank. this IS unsafe and very dangerous this should be repaired by volkswagen. in all my life as a mechanic I have never seen anything this unsafe. If my loved ones were to get hurt I will hold volkswagen accountable. this needs to fixed now!..
- Fuel/propulsion system
Leaking at vent/top of gas tank. exactly the same description of that past heat sheild/vent gas leaking recall from about 10 years ago
- Engine
Bought this car from original owner exactly two years ago. All receipts for upkeep & maintenance were available. Car ran great for 30,000 miles. One day it starting running bad within 30 mins whole motor shut down. Motor just shut down in middle of highway. Piece of metal found under valve cover…
Bought this car from original owner exactly two years ago. All receipts for upkeep & maintenance were available. Car ran great for 30,000 miles. One day it starting running bad within 30 mins whole motor shut down. Motor just shut down in middle of highway. Piece of metal found under valve cover and now for no reason needs a whole new motor!!!! This IS a serious issue! Very dissatisfied! I have owned three vehicles all for more than 10 years until this VW and now am without a car. Never will buy or mention anyone else buying a VW. Cannot afford to spend $3,000 for another motor after only owning for 2 years! Now the car sits at a mechanic shop with new tires and new valve cover gaskets and a pos motor.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The car died as I was driving down a city road, I was able to veer the car to the side of the road as it was rolling before it stopped completely. I had the car towed back to my house and after testing all components, it was determined that the car wasn't getting any fuel due a faulty fuel pump.
- Unknown or other
Takata recall coolant flench leaking, air valve cover came off( leaking) and water pump, timing belt and thermostat not working, cannot smog car. engine troubleshooting light comes back on all the time.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 25 mph, the engine warning indicator illuminated, and "oil pressure" and "stop engine" messages displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was oil sludge in…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 25 mph, the engine warning indicator illuminated, and "oil pressure" and "stop engine" messages displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was oil sludge in the engine, but the repairs were unknown. The failure persisted. The vehicle was driven home and inspected by an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the engine needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. ..updated 06/27/17 *bf *cn
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v078000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Seats
My car was part of a recall because the drivers side seat heater was overheating and melting through the seat. I took my car in for the recall and this issue should have been resolved. But yesterday I had that exact issue - within 4 to 5 minutes of turning on my drivers side seat heater it burned/melted through the seat and burned me.
- Tires
Tire bubble, 2" wide, 2" long, 1/2" high
- Electrical system · Engine
I start the car up and it started making funny noise my check engine ligh came on the engine shaking act like it's going to cut off
- Service brakes
The plastic underdash cowling can become warped over time and fall down on the brake pedal causing the car to stop or trigger the ABS system when not needed.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine Compartment Fire
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and…
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.
- Fuel tank leak
Volkswagen (VW) IS recalling certain VW passat 4motion and audi A6 quattro and allroad quattro all-wheel drive passenger cars.vw vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from november 22, 2000 through may 31, 2005 and audi vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from june 2, 2001 to june 1, 2005.the nhtsa…
Volkswagen (VW) IS recalling certain VW passat 4motion and audi A6 quattro and allroad quattro all-wheel drive passenger cars.vw vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from november 22, 2000 through may 31, 2005 and audi vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from june 2, 2001 to june 1, 2005.the nhtsa recall number for the VW vehicles IS 08v-156 (VW also IS correcting defects related to heat shield and fuel line hazards for these vehicles and for 1999-2000 passats in this recall action.)the nhtsa recall number for the audi vehicles IS 08v-157.since 2006, odi has received 17 complaints of fuel leaking from the subject vehicles' fuel tanks.the 400 complaints shown above may include duplicate reports to odi and the manufacturer. While the consequence (fuel leaks from the top of the tank) IS similar for both the passat and audi subject vehicles, differences in design and construction require a different remedy for each vehicle.on the passats, the ventilation line could have been installed improperly with tension and with an incorrectly positioned cable tie.the tension could cause cracked or broken nipples on the fuel tank rollover valve.on the audi vehicles, a material change (effective june 2, 2001) with different aging characteristics used for the rollover valve and the use of an inflexible aluminum ventilation line could cause cracking of the nipple on the rollover valve.vw IS recalling all vehicles subject to these defects.it will inspect passats to ensure that the vent line IS tension free and correct the installation if tension IS found.if a crack or fuel leak IS found, VW will replace the fuel tank.audi will repair all subject vehicles by reinforcing the fuel tank rollover valve with an epoxy adhesive.this investigation IS closed.
- Passenger engine compartment fires
The manufacturer notified nhtsa on 04-apr-08 that a safety recall action would be initiated to remedy the issue.in june 2008, the manufacturer issued a technical service bulletin (code 26e5/r5) regarding the specific procedures to be employed in this campaign.vehicle owner notification letters were sent beginning…
The manufacturer notified nhtsa on 04-apr-08 that a safety recall action would be initiated to remedy the issue.in june 2008, the manufacturer issued a technical service bulletin (code 26e5/r5) regarding the specific procedures to be employed in this campaign.vehicle owner notification letters were sent beginning approximately june 13, 2008.the campaign was assigned nhtsa no. 08V-156.this recall affects all my 1999-2005, 5TH generation gasoline-powered passat sedans and station wagons.approximately 412,000 vehicles are affected.corrective action will consist of installing additional exhaust system heat shielding to mitigate the potential thermal effects of engine ignition problems.based on this action, the subject ea has been closed.
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
- 10243024VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242998VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242997VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242402VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242362VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242336VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242335VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241715Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241714Perfect 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
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239541Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
Every Volkswagen Passat model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.