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2004 Volkswagen R32 problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Volkswagen R32 is engine and cooling. Its complaint count is close to a typical R32 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
65/100
Owner complaints
13
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
108
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19mpg

The worst 2004 Volkswagen R32 problems

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

  • Engine
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Body
    2

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported February 20, 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles affected
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

See all 1 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen R32

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Volkswagen R32 108

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

See all 108 bulletins for the 2004 Volkswagen R32

2004 Volkswagen R32 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.2L 6‑cyl4WD172419

What 2004 Volkswagen R32 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 27, 2018 · Airbags, Seats · 75,000 miles · MA

The outer seat bolster seam of the driver's seat which retains the side air bag has split along a length of approximately 18 inches. I am concerned that this will adversely affect the operation of the side air bag should it discharge. It is my understanding that this is a not uncommon occurrence on this car and model as well as many others. The strength of the thread must be such that it will part when required to allow the side air bag to provide protection but not be so frail that it will split in normal use involving entering and leaving the seat of the car. Expert auto upholstery technicians are reluctant to repair the seat as the proper thread and stitch required is not clear and they fear liability should the side air bag not discharge as designed. Replacing the seat upholstery is prohibitively costly.

Filed Mar 13, 2013 · Seat belts · CA

Vw wont replace a broken seat belt. I have extended warranty by fidelity and they wont fix it either. This is a safety issue and unacceptable. The passenger rear seatbelt is stuck in the extended position. Vw quoted $500 to fix..

Filed Dec 3, 2012 · Electrical · 89,568 miles · NY

Car just shuts off while driving. Checked all sensors are working properly. And no car wont start. Ecu faulty, reprogram or replacement need.

Filed Feb 2, 2011 · Seat belts · 100,600 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen golf r32. The contact stated that the rear center seat belts failed and were unable to retract. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that they would look into it and call the contact back. The failure mileage was approximately 100,600.

Filed May 7, 2010 · Airbags · 28,250 miles · OR

I bought a 2004 volkswagen r32 around november of 08 and all was okay, I noticed one day about 2 weeks later when putting my seat on the drivers side back to driving position the airbag fault light came on immediately. I do know others that the airbag light has come on due to improper wiring length as well (around 12-15 others on the vw r32 forums. When you move the seat forwards and backwards enough the wire will become tight and eventually pull out of the airbag igniter. This topic is on every volkswagen forum from here to germany. Other vw's with seat airbags have the same problem I have discovered. I hope to hear back from you soon as I would not like to get in an accident and have the airbag not deploy. I would be shocked if vw just let this continue into the future, the 2008 r32's have the same problem I've learned. Please help me!!

Filed Dec 31, 2008 · Engine · 43,500 miles · KY

Service bulletin # 004, the federal safety agency number 10011567, failure of engine coolant temperature sensor at 43,500 miles. Engine never warmed to operating temperature of 87 degrees, opened thermostat at 75 degrees.

Filed Jul 15, 2008 · Engine · 74,364 miles · TX · fire

On july 13, 2008 while driving my 2004 volkwagen r32 I noticed that the car was driving really rough after I made an exit from the expressway when I made it to a complete stop I noticed the smell of electrical/plastic fire. I pulled into a parking spot and observed smoke coming from under the hood. I opened the hood and smoke and flames were coming from the center of the engine area I was able to extinguish the flames before it spread. The device that was causing the fire is called a coil pack. This is the first time this has happened to me. I took the vehicle to the dealer to have it repaired. I did keep the old parts and took photos of the damage. The dealer repaired the burnt coil pack connector however they did not have the actual coil pack to replace the damaged one. I was able to locate a replacement oem through a different parts retailer. The dealer charged me to repair the burned connector as my car is no longer under warranty.

Filed Dec 28, 2007 · Body, Electrical · 30,000 miles · CA

I purchased the car in nov 2006 and since then had numerous problems with the car, right form the start. Tire pressure light was on for 10 months, unable to fix, remote garage opener not working properly, remote control doesn't open the car, back door doesn't open at all, one of the studs underneath broke on freeway going to las vegas, engine light on, car overheating.

Filed Aug 20, 2007 · Fuel system, Tires · CO

Please see this link for vehicle problem descriptions. Http://www.ripoffreport.com/view.asp?id=266231.

Filed May 1, 2007 · Transmission · 61,000 miles · IL

Car: 2004 volkswagen golf r32 whinning noise coming from the rear differential. Alot of volkswagen r32 owners are starting to hear a whine from the rear differential, usually on deceleration or lifting off of the gas pedal. We communicate with each other through a vw enthusiast forum. The majority of us who encounter this noise have checked and changed our rear differential fluids and have found that our fluid is low from the factory!! The capacity of our rear differentials is 1 liter, per specifications. Most of us have found when draining the differential, that only 1 cup drains out, some even have found that the differential is not filled at all!! After filling with new and proper fluid the whine still is heard. Please send something out! I would hate to see some one get injured due to a failed rear differential on the vehicle. Possible lock up due to heating and welding of the gears can happen due to lack of fluid!

Compare the 2004 Volkswagen R32

Other model years

200420072008

Questions about the 2004 Volkswagen R32

Is the 2004 Volkswagen R32 reliable?

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen R32, close to a typical R32 model year.

What is the 2004 Volkswagen R32 year score?

The 2004 Volkswagen R32 scores 65 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen R32: 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 R32?

Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is tires (3).

How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen R32 have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Volkswagen R32 get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Volkswagen R32 range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.

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