Had to replace the comfort control module along with untold amount of wires due to water damage. After being parked and turned off the windows roll. Down the alarm is disabled, the doors unlock. While driving lights go. On and off doors lock and unlock emergency flashers go off and alarm will go off. Can't unlock car without setting alarm off.
The worst 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system3
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system3
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
- Lights1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 131
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 bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.
- Tool number added to table
- Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- Update model applicability to MY 2020.
- Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards.
What 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Airbag warning lights came on with a statement about faulty airbag ... Epc warning lights came on first when vehicle was in motion. Vehcle was stopped. On re-start, air bag warning lights came on. Vehicle was iddling and stationary.
I purchased a 2004 vw passat 1.8 liter turbo 4motion station wagon on august 12, 2015. Within one hour of purchasing I took it to fill it up with fuel. The fuel tank began leaking immediately. I took it back to the dealer I bought it from and they attempted to fix it by replacing an o-ring about three weeks later, meanwhile advising me to not fill the tank past the 3/4 full mark until they fixed it. This did not fix the problem, it still leaked when it was filled above the 3/4 tank level. I took it to another mechanic who reinstalled the same o-ring, again unsuccessfully, at my expense. I subsequently learned of a recall regarding the failure of the fuel tank and the venting system. I called volkswagen and was informed that they had "fixed" the recall issue in 2008 and that any further action would be at my expense and could involve replacing the fuel tank, a very expensive proposition. I find this response inadequate and, in light of reading many other posts describing similar or identical problems with the supposedly repaired fuel leak, believe that volkswagen needs to be held responsible by the federal safety agency for correcting a recurring, dangerous safety issue.
Approximately two years ago I left my parents' house in this vehicle and immediately noticed a strong smell of gasoline. I pulled over and turned the engine off, and quickly found that fuel was leaking from the rigid line where it is fastened to the firewall in the engine compartment. The metal tube had cracked inside the rubber lined bracket that holds it in place. At the time I thought this was an odd but isolated incident; I have since seen other reports of people experiencing similar failures, so it seems worth documenting considering the high risk of fire involved.
Purchased car used. First time I filled the gas tank strong smell of raw gas was present during the next several miles of travel. When I came out of the store from paying for the second fill up there was a big puddle of raw fuel all over the ground directly under the car. I did some research & discovered a manufacture recall for this very issue. Further investigation indicated the recall had already been repaired by the dealer. After explaining my dilemma to the appropriate corporate department I was told there was nothing more they could/would do to remedy this very hazardous defect. My feeling is the problem was never properly addressed, in spite of the recall, & is therefore still a hazard. I have discovered by keeping the level of the gas tank below 1/2 it doesn't leak. Out of necessity for transportation this is how I've been operating the vehicle. This is unacceptable. Due to the major expense of properly repairing this, and the potentially catastrophic hazard it presents, I feel the manufacture should be held accountable for the complete, and proper repair of this admitted default in the car. What, if anything, can your organization do to assist me in this matter?
Front disc brake rotor failed (separated from bolting hub) in hard braking at about 35 miles per hour. Brakes had been replaced in 2009 and had approximately 37,000 miles driven since replacement. No other signs of excessive wear or warpage noted by auto technicians. Failed part number 4b0-615-301-b.
Compare the 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
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Questions about the 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Is the 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon, close to a typical Passat Wagon model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 3 complaints. Next is acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Passat Wagon have?
No recalls on record.
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