2004 Volkswagen R32
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Volkswagen › R32 › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Volkswagen R32. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2004 Volkswagen R32. Newest first.
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.
Owner complaints
13 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seats
The outer seat bolster seam of the driver's seat which retains the side air bag has split along a length of approximately 18 inches. I am concerned that this will adversely affect the operation of the side air bag should it discharge. It IS my understanding that this IS a not uncommon occurrence on…
The outer seat bolster seam of the driver's seat which retains the side air bag has split along a length of approximately 18 inches. I am concerned that this will adversely affect the operation of the side air bag should it discharge. It IS my understanding that this IS a not uncommon occurrence on this car and model as well as many others. The strength of the thread must be such that it will part when required to allow the side air bag to provide protection but not be so frail that it will split in normal use involving entering and leaving the seat of the car. Expert auto upholstery technicians are reluctant to repair the seat as the proper thread and stitch required IS not clear and they fear liability should the side air bag not discharge as designed. Replacing the seat upholstery IS prohibitively costly.
- Seat belts
VW wont replace a broken seat belt. I have extended warranty by fidelity and they wont fix it either. this IS a safety issue and unacceptable. the passenger rear seatbelt IS stuck in the extended position. VW quoted $500 to fix.. *tr
- Electrical system
Car just shuts off while driving. Checked all sensors are working properly. And no car wont start. Ecu faulty, reprogram or replacement need. *tr
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf R32. The contact stated that the rear center seat belts failed and were unable to retract. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that they would look into it and call the contact back. The failure mileage was approximately 100,600.
- Air bags › Side/window
I bought a 2004 volkswagen R32 around november of 08 and all was okay, I noticed one day about 2 weeks later when putting my seat on the drivers side back to driving position the airbag fault light came on immediately. I do know others that the airbag light has come on due to improper wiring length…
I bought a 2004 volkswagen R32 around november of 08 and all was okay, I noticed one day about 2 weeks later when putting my seat on the drivers side back to driving position the airbag fault light came on immediately. I do know others that the airbag light has come on due to improper wiring length as well (around 12-15 others on the VW R32 forums. When you move the seat forwards and backwards enough the wire will become tight and eventually pull out of the airbag igniter. This topic IS on every volkswagen forum from here to germany. other vw's with seat airbags have the same problem I have discovered. I hope to hear back from you soon as I would not like to get in an accident and have the airbag not deploy. I would be shocked if VW just let this continue into the future, the 2008 R32'S have the same problem I've learned. Please help me!! *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Service bulletin # 004, nhtsa number 10011567, failure of engine coolant temperature sensor at 43,500 miles. Engine never warmed to operating temperature of 87 degrees, opened thermostat at 75 degrees.*tr
- Engine and engine cooling
On july 13, 2008 while driving my 2004 volkwagen R32 I noticed that the car was driving really rough after I made an exit from the expressway when I made it to a complete stop I noticed the smell of electrical/plastic fire. I pulled into a parking spot and observed smoke coming from under the…
On july 13, 2008 while driving my 2004 volkwagen R32 I noticed that the car was driving really rough after I made an exit from the expressway when I made it to a complete stop I noticed the smell of electrical/plastic fire. I pulled into a parking spot and observed smoke coming from under the hood. I opened the hood and smoke and flames were coming from the center of the engine area I was able to extinguish the flames before it spread. the device that was causing the fire IS called a coil pack. this IS the first time this has happened to me. I took the vehicle to the dealer to have it repaired. I did keep the old parts and took photos of the damage. the dealer repaired the burnt coil pack connector however they did not have the actual coil pack to replace the damaged one. I was able to locate a replacement oem through a different parts retailer. the dealer charged me to repair the burned connector as my car IS no longer under warranty. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting · Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft · Structure › Body › Trunk lid · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
I purchased the car in nov 2006 and since then had numerous problems with the car, right form the start. Tire pressure light was on for 10 months, unable to fix, remote garage opener not working properly, remote control doesn't open the car, back door doesn't open at all, one of the studs underneath broke on freeway going to las vegas, engine light on, car overheating. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Power train › Clutch assembly · Tires · Wheels › Rim
Please see this link for vehicle problem descriptions. Http://www.ripoffreport.com/view.asp?id=266231. *tr
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Car: 2004 volkswagen golf R32 whinning noise coming from the rear differential. alot of volkswagen R32 owners are starting to hear a whine from the rear differential, usually on deceleration or lifting off of the gas pedal. We communicate with each other through a VW enthusiast forum. the…
Car: 2004 volkswagen golf R32 whinning noise coming from the rear differential. alot of volkswagen R32 owners are starting to hear a whine from the rear differential, usually on deceleration or lifting off of the gas pedal. We communicate with each other through a VW enthusiast forum. the majority of us who encounter this noise have checked and changed our rear differential fluids and have found that our fluid IS low from the factory!! the capacity of our rear differentials IS 1 liter, per specifications. most of us have found when draining the differential, that only 1 cup drains out, some even have found that the differential IS not filled at all!! After filling with new and proper fluid the whine still IS heard. please send something out! I would hate to see some one get injured due to a failed rear differential on the vehicle. possible lock up due to heating and welding of the gears can happen due to lack of fluid! *Tr
- Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Malfunctioning tire pressure monitor system for 18 months, frequently malfunctions on the way home from the dealership. Eight to nine service attempts with no resolution. Have driven the car for 3 months at a time with the flat tire monitor screaming loudly. A problem since 2 months after purchase. *jb
- Structure › Body › Door · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
Dt: the consumer stated that the rearview mirror shook to the point that he could not see through it. whenever the vehicle was in motion the rearview mirror would shake. when going over a bumps the problem would get worse. this problem has occurred since the vehicle was purchased. *ak (11/22/05) also, the doors would squeak. *sc
- Suspension › Front › Control arm
Rounding a street corner the right front suspension failed causing the vehicle to hit the curb. Vehicle was travelling approximately 25 mph. This vehicle, purchased new, has less than 7000 miles. Damages approach $3000.00 and IS currently in the dealer repair shop.*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
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW 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
- 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
- 10239403If key blade is found to stick or bind when opening or closing, check position of roll pin that secures key blade to mechanism. If roll pin is sticking out on either side (as shown below), do not replace key. Instead, use appropriate sized punch and hammer to drive in the roll pin so that it is flush with edge of mechanism.
- 10239270Volkswagen Warranty Policies and Procedures ? April 2014
- 10239262In SAGA, the time units for the Volkswagen DoubleCheck labor operation were reduced in error from 50 time units to 30 time units during the system update posted on July 4th.
- 10238972The use of tire dressing gives your tires that shiny finish that completes the image of a clean (new) vehicle. There are many different tire dressing products available. When choosing a product please pay close attention to its contents. Always use a water based product.
- 10238960To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not allow fault to clear.
- 10238959To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not allow fault to clear.
- 10238935When performing SVM updates, the scan tool should be hardwired to the vehicle and the Bluetooth physically turned off. A hard wired internet connection is also recommended.
- 10238932If a needed service part is on back order, upgrade the daily order to a red order and check the ?Car Down? box to escalate the order. If parts assistance is needed, please call 800-767-6552 to speak with a VWGoA Parts Specialist.
- 10238931If a needed service part is on back order, upgrade the daily order to a red order and check the ?Car Down? box to escalate the order. If parts assistance is needed, please call 800-767-6552 to speak with a VWGoA Parts Specialist.
- 10238600Incorrect torque converter or flywheel/flexplate installation can result in transmission damage. When installing an engine, flywheel or transmission, please follow the installation procedures outlined in ELSA. For the flywheel/flexplate, please be certain the correct shim is installed between it and the crankshaft (reference VWIQ120). When installing a torque converter, press the torque converter hub through the seal as far as the first stop. Turn the torque converter while pushing toward the transmission using light force, until the cut outs in the torque converter hub lock into the pump wheel plate. The torque converter slides in. The torque converter is installed correctly if it is easy to turn by hand and if it fits evenly in the transmission bell housing. Additionally, it should spin freely when the transmission bell housing bolts are torqued to the engine block, prior to installation of the flywheel to converter bolts (reference VWIQ121).
Every Volkswagen R32 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.