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.
The worst 2004 Volkswagen Golf problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system7
- Electrical4
- Engine4
- Airbags3
- Transmission3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system7
- Electrical4
- Engine4
- Airbags3
- Transmission3
- Acceleration2
- Locks2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
- Visibility1
Recalls 2
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 07V063000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 04V586000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf 239
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- Update model year applicability to include 2023.
- Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.
- Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- Tool number added to table
- Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
2004 Volkswagen Golf fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4‑cyl Diesel | FWD | 28-32 | 39-42 | 32-36 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21 | 28 | 24 |
What 2004 Volkswagen Golf owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 major fuel safety that can cause my vehicle to rapidly be engulfed by fire.
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 any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 88,811.
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 repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 70,000. Updated 8/31/12 *cn updated 09/11/2012
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.
My 2004 vw golf was running rough. The RPM's were very high but the car was going very slow. I had new spark plugs and ignition wires put in. After a heavy rain a few weeks later I had the same problem. This time I had a new ignition coil put in. In total I spent $699.24 having the car repaired. Vw is currently running an ignition coil inspection and replacement program but my vehicle is not covered. I called to complain but vw told me there was nothing I could do but complain to the federal safety agency.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. The contact smelled a fuel odor emanating from his vehicle. Upon further inspection he noticed a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire. His vehicle identification number was excluded from recall# 04v586000 (fuel system, diesel); therefore, he was ineligible for a free remedy. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 94,000 and the current mileage was 99,000.
Sun roof leaks. Noticed a musty smell, windows fogging over easily, driver side seat belt that was wet, wet rug in the rear baggage compartment and finally wet head liner and side panels in rear of car also on the driver side. Checked the sun roof drains and they were clear and the sun roof tray had no standing water. However, found about 2 inches of standing water in a well just below rear taillight assembly and a dripping wet black box mounted on the back side of the rear wheel housing, which I assume is the computer control module for the car. Poured water into sun roof tray and water would just pour down into and upon the aforementioned areas. Googled vw sun roof leaks and immediately found vw owner web sites complaining of this same situation and the repairs they have made. Almost every situation of sun roof leak was due to failed bond in an adapter and tube assembly. Sun roof tray has four ball end nipples, one in each corner, on which an plastic adapter slips over and then a drain tube end slips into and is supposed to be bonded to this adapter. I pulled the head liner down to observe the joint and poured water into the tray and water immediately started to run from this bonded joint. On closer examination there was a gap and by just squeezing the joint with my fingers the rest of the bond failed and the joint came apart. As suggested on these web sites, I bought 3/4 inch clear plastic tubing which I hose clamped to the nipple on the tray and snaked the new tubing in place of the old with no nipple adapter. Tested the repair by repeatedly pouring water into the tray. The joint that failed on my vehicle is the easiest to access and repair. I pray I don't have the same problem on the front drains as some other unfortunates had happen to them as this involves serious dis-assembly of the dash, dis-arming airbags, etc.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf. While the vehicle was at a local repair shop receiving an oil change, the mechanic noticed fuel leaking from the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the tandem fuel pump failed and was leaking fuel from the outside of the engine. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $550. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there was a recall on the fuel pump; however, his VIN was not included in the recall. No compensation would be provided. The failure mileage was 68,621 and current mileage was 68,650.
Tank mounted fuel pump failed resulting in loss of power difficulty in starting and running. Car driven home but not really operable.
Compare the 2004 Volkswagen Golf
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Questions about the 2004 Volkswagen Golf
Is the 2004 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Golf, close to a typical Golf model year.
What is the 2004 Volkswagen Golf year score?
The 2004 Volkswagen Golf scores 68 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Golf: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volkswagen Golf?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 7 complaints, typically around 94,000 miles. Next is electrical (4).
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Golf have?
2 recalls, covering exterior lighting and fuel system, diesel.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Volkswagen Golf fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V586000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volkswagen Golf have the most fuel system problems?
The Volkswagen Golf model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2017 (56 complaints), 2011 (48 complaints) and 2010 (32 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Volkswagen Golf get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf range from 24 to 36 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl diesel, FWD) gets 28-32 city and 39-42 highway.
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