Does the 2004 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf, the most recent reported on February 20, 2007 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Golf?

Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (4 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (4).

How many 2004 Volkswagen Golf complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 28 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2004 Volkswagen Golf recalls and problems

2 recalls and 28 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Volkswagen Golf recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 07V063000 · reported February 20, 2007 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 1,002,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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, diesel

NHTSA campaign 04V586000 · reported December 15, 2004 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 19,284 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system4
Engine and engine cooling4
Air bags3
Fuel/propulsion system3
Power train3
Fuel system, diesel2
Latches/locks/linkages2
Vehicle speed control2
Equipment1
Exterior lighting1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 14, 2019 · Fuel/propulsion system · 139,480 miles
CAR WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN OR CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY (VERY DANGEROUS) ONCE FUEL TANK DROPS TO 1/4 TANK. I BELIEVE IT TO BE FAULTY FUEL PUMP DESIGN.

Jul 27, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 250,000 miles
I STARTED SMELLING FUEL INSIDE MY CAR, AND I REPLACED THE GAS CAP. THE SMELL KEPT GETTING STRONGER AND IT GAVE ME HEADACHES WHILE DRIVING. TODAY I OPENED UP THE BACK SEAT TO EXPOSE THE FUEL PUMP AND THE PUMP LEAKS AND FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP WHERE THE CONNECTORS AND IT FILLS UP WITH LIQUID GASOLINE. THIS IS A…

Oct 31, 2012 · Fuel/propulsion system · 88,811 miles
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…

Aug 3, 2012 · Electrical system · 65,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 50 MPH WHEN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE WIRING FOR THE FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS…

Sep 30, 2011 · Fuel system, gasoline · 147,000 miles
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.

Golf model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2001	5	116	4	2
2002	3	74	2	0
2003	2	26	0	7
2004	2	28	3	1
2005	2	19	1	0
2006	1	12	1	0
2007	0	2	0	0

Across all years, the 2015 Golf has the most complaints (131). All Volkswagen Golf years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf, the most recent reported on February 20, 2007 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Golf?: Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (4 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (4).
How many 2004 Volkswagen Golf complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 28 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 14, 2019.