NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf; the most frequently affected component is engine and engine cooling — engine. Owners filed 28 complaints, most often about fuel system. Among the 19 model years of this model in the database, 2004 ranks #7 for number of recalls.
Engine and engine cooling — EngineCampaign 14E007000 · 07 Mar 2014
Problem: 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 housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
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.
Exterior lighting — HeadlightsCampaign 09E025000 · 11 May 2009
Problem: 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 the required amber side reflectors.
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.
Exterior lightingCampaign 09E012000 · 07 Apr 2009
Problem: 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 the required amber side reflectors.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic — Master cylinderCampaign 07E023000 · 29 Mar 2007
Problem: 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: 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.
Exterior lighting — SwitchCampaign 07V063000 · 20 Feb 2007
Problem: 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: 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.
Fuel system, dieselCampaign 04V586000 · 15 Dec 2004
Problem: 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: 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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 28 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Fuel system4 · 14%
Electrical system4 · 14%
Engine and engine cooling4 · 14%
Power train3 · 11%
Fuel/propulsion system3 · 11%
Air bags3 · 11%
Latches/locks/linkages2 · 7%
Diesel2 · 7%
When complaints were filed
20044
20055
20063
20074
20083
20093
20101
20111
20122
20181
20191
From owner complaints
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…
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…
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…
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
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.