CarRecallDB

2004 Volkswagen GTI recalls and problems

1 recall and 7 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Volkswagen GTI.

1
recalls
7
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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 GTI 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.

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

Aug 9, 2017 · Fuel/propulsion system · 166,190 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. AFTER A COUPLE OF SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD REGAIN POWER. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND RESUME DRIVING. A FEW DAYS…

Jun 21, 2010 · Air bags · 89,000 miles

AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON, THE DEALER WANTS $105.00 TO DIAGNOSE WHY.

Sep 18, 2008 · Air bags

THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY 2004 VW GTI 1.8T HAS COME ON FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON. I HAVE HAD THE CAR SCANNED WITH PROPER EQUIPMENT, SCANNED THE ECU, FOUND NO CODES, CLEARED THE CODES AND THE LIGHT CONTINUES TO REAPPEAR.

Nov 28, 2007 · Power train · 33,000 miles

CLUTCH FAILED ON CAR AT ONLY 33,000 MILES. NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY CONSIDERED NORMAL. WEAR AND TEAR. CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP FOR $2300.

Feb 27, 2007 · Electrical system

I DRIVE A 2004 GTI 1.8T AND FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR THE FOLLOWING: DEFECTIVE HOOD LATCH, DEFECTIVE RADIO, DEFECTIVE ALARM, WINDOW RECALL, DEFECTIVE BATTERY, AND NUMEROUS DEFECTIVE HEAD LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS AND BREAK LIGHTS. EACH TIME, THE PROBLEM IS FIXED, DUE TO THE WARRANTY, THEN I AM TOLD…

GTI model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 27423
2002 212420
2003 15371
2004 1700
2005 1800
2006 24313
2007 17740

Across all years, the 2019 GTI has the most complaints (179). All Volkswagen GTI years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Volkswagen GTI, 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 GTI?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (4 complaints), followed by electrical system (2).
How many 2004 Volkswagen GTI complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 7 complaints report a crash and 0 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 August 9, 2017.