Does the 2004 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat, the most recent reported on April 7, 2008 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 279 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (59 complaints), followed by power train (38).

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

9 of 279 complaints report a crash and 25 a fire; 23 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2004 Volkswagen Passat recalls and problems

3 recalls and 279 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat.

recalls

279

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 Passat recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery

NHTSA campaign 08V156000 · reported April 7, 2008 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 412,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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: 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.

Engine and engine cooling59
Power train38
Seats34
Fuel system, gasoline28
Electrical system23
Fuel/propulsion system22
Engine18
Exterior lighting16
Structure16
Visibility13

What owners report

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

Aug 1, 2025 · Fuel/propulsion system
A fuel leak has developed from the top side of the fuel tank on the drivers side of me vehicle. A fuel leak in this manner is a serious critical and immediate safety risk. Recall 08V156000 was 'performed' on my vehicle back in 2008 but the exact same fuel system safety defect has returned. VW acknowledges the recall…

May 23, 2025 · Fuel/propulsion system
There was a recall reported by the manufacturer, Volkswagenm in 2008. There were multiple Fuel System issues: A Heat Shield that may contact the exhaust system and result in a vehicle fire; 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…

Sep 20, 2021 · Fuel system, gasoline · 97,361 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that there was gasoline leaking in his driveway where the vehicle was parked, after he had refueled the vehicle the day before. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic informed the contact that it was a known failure related to…

Feb 16, 2021 · Fuel/propulsion system · 170,000 miles
WHEN YOU FILL UP THE FUEL TANK IT LEAKS IT LEAKS A QUARTER OF A TANK OF FUEL ROUGHLY 4 TO 5 GALLONS OF FUEL DRIP OUT THERE'S A FACTORY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE I TOOK IT TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER PAID MONEY TO HAVE THEM INSPECT IT AND THEY SAID YES IT'S LEAKING AT THE FACTORY RECALL I'VE HAD AN INDEPENDENT DEALER CONFIRM…

Feb 11, 2021 · Seats · 160,000 miles
A COIL FOR HEATED SEATS HAS MELTED A HOLE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. THIS CAUSED PAIN AND CONFUSION WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SEAT NOW HAS AN UGLY MELTED HOLE IN IT.

Passat model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2001	3	430	14	14
2002	3	636	10	46
2003	6	628	14	94
2004	3	279	9	25
2005	3	148	7	11
2006	7	576	21	6
2007	7	262	4	6

Across all years, the 2013 Passat has the most complaints (749). All Volkswagen Passat years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat, the most recent reported on April 7, 2008 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Passat?: Owners have filed 279 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (59 complaints), followed by power train (38).
How many 2004 Volkswagen Passat complaints mention a crash or fire?: 9 of 279 complaints report a crash and 25 a fire; 23 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 1, 2025.