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2004 Volkswagen Phaeton problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is body and structure. It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical Phaeton model year.

Typical year2.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
173
Worst area
Body

The worst 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Body
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Steering
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 173

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 173 bulletins for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton

What 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 19, 2017 · Body, Electrical · 180,000 miles · IN

Trunk emergency escape/entrapment prevention handle not working due to defective trunk wiring harness. Only applies to vehicles with automatic trunk.

Filed Apr 1, 2010 · Engine, Steering · OH

2004 volkswagen phaeton with faulty torque converter. *kb the consumer stated he had to pay for a $3,00 dollar repair on the driver's side fender which was caused by the hesitation of the converter engaging. The consumer stated he experienced problems with the vehicle for three years and never could find out what the problems were caused by. He finally had an independent electronic check done and the problems were as follows; the check engine light was on at all times. The oxygen sensors were replaced, but the light illuminated again. The esp light illuminated after about 10 minutes of driving and the esp switch would not turn off the light. He also complained for years, that when he turned left or right too fast or from a complete stop, the engine would hesitate . The consumer was told that was normal between first and second gears. The internal oil seal failure caused the problems. A service bulletin was issued, but the consumer was never informed of the problem. The right rear upper control arm was replaced. The steering wheel had to be re-aligned. Coolant was leaking from the radiator. *jb updated 06/08/10.

Filed Sep 8, 2009 · Suspension · 40,000 miles · CA

Control arm gaskets corroded on all upper and lower control arms leading to metal on metal.

Filed Sep 8, 2009 · Body · 80,000 miles · OH

2004 vw phaeton trunk wire housing - the sleeve over the wire housing came off and then the plastic tube that covers the wires broke away from the joint that enables the wires to compress back into the trunk lid when it is closed. When having my tires rotated the service department closed the trunk lid but the plastic tube was caught between metal and rear glass shield. The glass broke and was replace. 2 weeks later, while having the 80,000 mile service the technician closed the trunk and again the plastic piece was caught and the rear glass broke. Dealer estimate to "fix" is $1,300 but it seems like a product defect. Internet blogs and posting suggest a widespread problem and vw issued a technical bulletin to dealers on how to "fix" - technical bulletin (tb) number 97-04-07.

Compare the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton

Other model years

200420052006

Questions about the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton reliable?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton, 2.0 times a typical Phaeton model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton?

Body and structure, with 2 complaints. Next is suspension (2).

How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton have?

No recalls on record.

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