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

Engine complaints lead with 76, then power train with 38 and seats with 34.

Does the 2004 Volkswagen Passat have recalls?

Yes, there are 3 recalls on file. See the Recalls section on this page.

How much fuel does the 2004 Volkswagen Passat use?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Owners filed 285 complaints with NHTSA. These are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so read them as a guide to what owners report.

Is 2004 the best year for the Volkswagen Passat?

See the by-year comparison on this page, which shows how 2004 stacks up against other years.

2004 Volkswagen Passat Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 285 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat^[1]. The engine group is the biggest, with 76 complaints^[2].

285owner complaints^[1]

3recalls^[3]

18–27MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners raise most, biggest first.

Engine. 76 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe warning lights, oil buildup inside the motor, and arguments with the maker over who pays for repairs.
Power Train. 38 complaints^[5]. Owners describe the car lurching or jumping when slowing to a stop or pulling away, and gears that bang into place. Several say dealer repairs did not cure it.
Seats. 34 complaints^[6]. Owners describe seat heaters that got very hot, gave off a burning smell or smoke, and left holes in the seat. Some report burns to a leg.
Fuel System, Gasoline. 28 complaints^[7]. Owners describe the car stalling without warning, on the highway or at a light, then refusing to restart. The dealer often traced it to the fuel pump.
Fuel/Propulsion System. 25 complaints^[8].
Electrical System. 24 complaints^[9].
Exterior Lighting. 17 complaints^[10].
Structure. 16 complaints^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2004 Passat is necessarily included.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery (08V156), April 2008. About 412,000 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[12]
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch (07V063), February 2007. About 1,002,000 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Fuel System, Diesel (04V586), December 2004. About 19,284 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire.^[14]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Passat 4motion, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[15]	19 / 28 / 22	$3,750
Passat 4motion, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[16]	18 / 26 / 21	$3,900
Passat 4motion, 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[17]	17 / 24 / 19	$4,350
Passat 4motion, 4.0L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[18]	15 / 22 / 18	$4,550
Passat 4motion, 4.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[19]	16 / 23 / 18	$4,550
Passat, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive^[20]	19 / 28 / 23	$3,550
Passat, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive^[21]	19 / 28 / 22	$3,750
Passat, 2.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive^[22]	17 / 26 / 20	$4,100
Passat, 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive^[23]	17 / 25 / 20	$4,100
Passat Wagon, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive^[24]	19 / 28 / 23	$3,550
Passat Wagon, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive^[25]	19 / 28 / 22	$3,750
Passat Wagon, 2.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive^[26]	17 / 26 / 20	$4,100
Passat Wagon, 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive^[27]	17 / 25 / 20	$4,100
Passat Wagon 4motion, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[28]	19 / 28 / 22	$3,750
Passat Wagon 4motion, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[29]	18 / 26 / 21	$3,900
Passat Wagon 4motion, 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[30]	17 / 24 / 19	$4,350
Passat Wagon 4motion, 4.0L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[31]	15 / 22 / 18	$4,550
Passat Wagon 4motion, 4.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[32]	16 / 23 / 18	$4,550
Passat, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	23 / 34 / 27	$3,550
Passat Wagon, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive^[33]	23 / 34 / 27	$3,550

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 4 DR None^[34].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
PASSAT 4DR SEDAN 4 MOTION AWD /GLX^[35]	184 in	69 in	59 in	106 in	3,644 lb
PASSAT 4DR SEDAN FWD /GLS VR6^[36]	184 in	69 in	59 in	106 in	3,291 lb
PASSAT 4DR SEDAN FWD /GLX^[37]	184 in	69 in	59 in	106 in	3,336 lb
PASSAT 4DR SEDAN FWD GLS 1.8T^[38]	184 in	69 in	59 in	106 in	3,225 lb
PASSAT 4DR WAGON FWD /GLS^[39]	184 in	69 in	59 in	106 in	3,307 lb
PASSAT 4DR WAGON FWD /GLX^[40]	184 in	69 in	59 in	106 in	3,461 lb

How 2004 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Passat model year. The 2004 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	93	1
1996	40	1
1997	37	0
1998	331	4
1999	664	5
2000	507	3
2001	432	3
2002	643	3
2003	631	6
2004	285	3
2005	148	3
2006	576	7
2007	273	7
2008	174	4
2009	152	4
2010	172	4
2012	484	11
2013	749	9
2014	594	10
2015	244	7
2016	106	5
2017	110	7
2018	46	4
2019	12	1
2020	18	3
2021	18	1
2022	13	0

NHTSA's counts for the Passat show 285 complaints and 3 recalls for 2004^[3]. Among the 27 model years listed, 16 have fewer complaints than 2004 and 10 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2019 (12) and the most are for 2013 (749)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2004 Passat?

These are unverified reports sent by owners, and one complaint can name several parts^[1]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. Engine complaints lead the list^[2], followed by power train^[5] and seats^[6]. The seat group stands out because it carries 13 fires^[6]. The recalls and by-year sections above show the 3 recalls on file^[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Passat?: Engine complaints lead with 76^[2], then power train with 38^[5] and seats with 34^[6].
Does the 2004 Volkswagen Passat have recalls?: Yes, there are 3 recalls on file^[3]. See the Recalls section on this page.
How much fuel does the 2004 Volkswagen Passat use?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2004 Volkswagen Passat reliable?: Owners filed 285 complaints with NHTSA^[1]. These are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so read them as a guide to what owners report.
Is 2004 the best year for the Volkswagen Passat?: See the by-year comparison on this page, which shows how 2004 stacks up against other years^[3].

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Volkswagen Passat

2004 this page
2012 484 complaints, 11 recalls
2013 749 complaints, 9 recalls
2014 594 complaints, 10 recalls
2015 244 complaints, 7 recalls
2016 106 complaints, 5 recalls
2017 110 complaints, 7 recalls
2018 46 complaints, 4 recalls

Compare all model years of the Volkswagen Passat

All Volkswagen models

Similar cars from 2004: compact cars

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 330 complaints, 1 recall
2004 Chrysler Sebring 292 complaints, 4 recalls
2004 Dodge Stratus 148 complaints, 3 recalls
2004 Pontiac Grand Am 293 complaints, 2 recalls
2004 Saturn Ion 898 complaints, 8 recalls

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 285 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat (9 mention a crash, 25 a fire, 23 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
76 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 8 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,500). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Passat model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Passat, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 34 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
38 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,240). NHTSA vehicle records
34 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 13 fires, 14 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
28 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
25 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 130,000). NHTSA vehicle records
24 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 7 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,000). NHTSA vehicle records
17 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,940). NHTSA vehicle records
16 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,001). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 08V156, filed April 7, 2008: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery. NHTSA recall database
Recall 07V063, filed February 20, 2007: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 04V586, filed December 15, 2004: Fuel System, Diesel. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Passat 4motion, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat 4motion, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat 4motion, 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat 4motion, 4.0L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat 4motion, 4.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat, 2.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat, 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat Wagon, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat Wagon, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat Wagon, 2.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat Wagon, 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat Wagon 4motion, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat Wagon 4motion, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat Wagon 4motion, 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat Wagon 4motion, 4.0L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat Wagon 4motion, 4.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat Wagon, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 34 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PASSAT 4DR SEDAN 4 MOTION AWD /GLX: length 184 in, width 69 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,644 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PASSAT 4DR SEDAN FWD /GLS VR6: length 184 in, width 69 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,291 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PASSAT 4DR SEDAN FWD /GLX: length 184 in, width 69 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,336 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PASSAT 4DR SEDAN FWD GLS 1.8T: length 184 in, width 69 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,225 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PASSAT 4DR WAGON FWD /GLS: length 184 in, width 69 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,307 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PASSAT 4DR WAGON FWD /GLX: length 184 in, width 69 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,461 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2004 Volkswagen Passat: problems, recalls and fuel economy