Volkswagen / Passat / 2004
2004 Volkswagen Passat problems
Owners have filed 348 complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 17.8% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 10.9%.
Complaints348
Crashes12
Fires31
Injuries27
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 17.8% · 62
Power train 10.9% · 38
Seats 10.1% · 35
Fuel system, gasoline 9.2% · 32
Electrical system 6.9% · 24
Fuel/propulsion system 6.3% · 22
Engine 5.2% · 18
Structure 4.6% · 16
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 31 describe a fire and 27 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 22 model years of the Volkswagen Passat in this data, 2004 sits 12th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 15 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 68,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 50 mph, the stop warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Within seconds, the contact was unable to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the engine failed due to a massive oil deposit. The engine was replaced. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 77,000 and current mileage was 89,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 77,000 miles
We have a 2002 and a 2004 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon. Both have suffered motor mount leakage and both have broken water pump dispellers. We have replaced the water pump parts and are saving up to replace mounts on both vehicles. This seems to be a weak part for Volkswagen. We are constantly going to get something fixed which is not a typical repair for automobiles from other companies. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 75,001 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the water coolant system and the timing belt had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 114,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…