NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat; the most frequently affected component is engine and engine cooling — engine. Owners filed 283 complaints, most often about fuel/propulsion system. Among the 22 model years of this model in the database, 2004 ranks #13 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.
Problem: 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 ventilation valve (4motion/all wheel drive only) that can leak due to fracture.
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.
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 37 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Fuel/propulsion system15 · 41%
Engine10 · 27%
Seats5 · 14%
Unknown or other4 · 11%
Fuel system4 · 11%
Gasoline4 · 11%
Structure2 · 5%
Tires1 · 3%
When complaints were filed
20141
20157
20168
20174
20188
20192
20202
20213
20252
From owner complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. When starting the vehicle, it jerked and the engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine and cooling pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, an unusual sound was heard and smoke started to emit from the engine compartment as the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the technician diagnosed that the timing belt had become fractured and the cam…
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.
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.
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.