2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
6 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Vehicle speed control
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. On and off doors lock and unlock emergency flashers go off and alarm will go off. Can't unlock car without setting alarm off.
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc)
Airbag warning lights came on with a statement about faulty airbag ... epc warning lights came on first when vehicle was in motion. vehcle was stopped. On re-start, air bag warning lights came on. Vehicle was iddling and stationary.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I purchased a 2004 VW passat 1.8 liter turbo 4motion station wagon on august 12, 2015. Within one hour of purchasing I took it to fill it up with fuel. The fuel tank began leaking immediately. I took it back to the dealer I bought it from and they attempted to fix it by replacing an o-ring about…
I purchased a 2004 VW passat 1.8 liter turbo 4motion station wagon on august 12, 2015. Within one hour of purchasing I took it to fill it up with fuel. The fuel tank began leaking immediately. I took it back to the dealer I bought it from and they attempted to fix it by replacing an o-ring about three weeks later, meanwhile advising me to not fill the tank past the 3/4 full mark until they fixed it. This did not fix the problem, it still leaked when it was filled above the 3/4 tank level. I took it to another mechanic who reinstalled the same o-ring, again unsuccessfully, at my expense. I subsequently learned of a recall regarding the failure of the fuel tank and the venting system. I called volkswagen and was informed that they had "fixed" the recall issue in 2008 and that any further action would be at my expense and could involve replacing the fuel tank, a very expensive proposition. I find this response inadequate and, in light of reading many other posts describing similar or identical problems with the supposedly repaired fuel leak, believe that volkswagen needs to be held responsible by nhtsa for correcting a recurring, dangerous safety issue.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Approximately two years ago I left my parents' house in this vehicle and immediately noticed a strong smell of gasoline. I pulled over and turned the engine off, and quickly found that fuel was leaking from the rigid line where it IS fastened to the firewall in the engine compartment. The metal…
Approximately two years ago I left my parents' house in this vehicle and immediately noticed a strong smell of gasoline. I pulled over and turned the engine off, and quickly found that fuel was leaking from the rigid line where it IS fastened to the firewall in the engine compartment. The metal tube had cracked inside the rubber lined bracket that holds it in place. At the time I thought this was an odd but isolated incident; I have since seen other reports of people experiencing similar failures, so it seems worth documenting considering the high risk of fire involved. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Purchased car used. First time I filled the gas tank strong smell of raw gas was present during the next several miles of travel. When I came out of the store from paying for the second fill up there was a big puddle of raw fuel all over the ground directly under the car. I did some research &…
Purchased car used. First time I filled the gas tank strong smell of raw gas was present during the next several miles of travel. When I came out of the store from paying for the second fill up there was a big puddle of raw fuel all over the ground directly under the car. I did some research & discovered a manufacture recall for this very issue. Further investigation indicated the recall had already been repaired by the dealer. After explaining my dilemma to the appropriate corporate department I was told there was nothing more they could/would do to remedy this very hazardous defect. My feeling IS the problem was never properly addressed, in spite of the recall, & IS therefore still a hazard. I have discovered by keeping the level of the gas tank below 1/2 it doesn't leak. Out of necessity for transportation this IS how I've been operating the vehicle. This IS unacceptable. Due to the major expense of properly repairing this, and the potentially catastrophic hazard it presents, I feel the manufacture should be held accountable for the complete, and proper repair of this admitted default in the car. what, if anything, can your organization do to assist me in this matter? *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Front disc brake rotor failed (separated from bolting hub) in hard braking at about 35 miles per hour. Brakes had been replaced in 2009 and had approximately 37,000 miles driven since replacement. No other signs of excessive wear or warpage noted by auto technicians. Failed part number 4b0-615-301-b. *tr
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
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242998VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242997VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242995VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242402VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242336VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242335VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242333VW Elsa Newsletter
- 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
- 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)
- 10239534HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239533HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239532HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
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