Most common 2004 Volkswagen Golf problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volkswagen Golf complaints by model year
Best Golf years: 2020, 2014, 2021. Years to avoid: 2022, 2015, 2017, 2011, 2016. Compare all years →
2004 Volkswagen Golf recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch May malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
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.
Fuel system, diesel
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on February 8, 2005. Owners should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
What 2004 Volkswagen Golf owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
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 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.
Engine & cooling
The epc light illuminated then the engine cut completely off. Vehicle's epc light illuminated on 3 separate occasions at 798, 1,029 and 1,110 miles respectively. On the first two repairs, they found problems with the throttle. (throttle valve control system malfunction, idle air control system RPM was higher than expected, and the throttle valve drive-g186 experienced an electrical fault in the circuit-per self diagnosis log) the engine would suddenly die out, idled roughly, whistling sounds were heard, the epc light would come at intermittent times, the vehicle would become unable to be driven over 15mph, and at times, when the epc light would come on the engine would die simultaneously.
Turbo failed on my 2004 Golf tdi (100hp) two months after I bought the car. The dealer told me this was unusual, but had to send to Germany for a replacement turbo unit. The car does not seem to have the same pep since the new turbo unit was installed. I have heard of one other case where the turbo failed as well. I suspect my turbo unit has been replaced by the dealer with the one for the 90hp Golf tdi. How can I find out if I have the correct part installed?
Electrical system
Dt: the consumer states that on June 30, 2005, his vehicle burned to the ground, vw 2004 turbo diesel Golf. The consumer was driving on the freeway, the consumer started smelling smoke. A few minutes later the vehicle was filled with smoke and the consumer could not see. The consumer stopped the car in the middle of the road and jumped out of the car. After the consumer ran away from the vehicle, he turned around to see the vehicle engulfed in flames from the back seats. There was also a case of oil behind the back seat, which the consumer states that May have spread the fire. There were no problems with the car prior to this incident. The consumer had only owed the vehicle a few months. All of the owners paperwork from the car was in the vehicle when it burned. …
The epc light illuminated then the engine cut completely off. Vehicle's epc light illuminated on 3 separate occasions at 798, 1,029 and 1,110 miles respectively. On the first two repairs, they found problems with the throttle. (throttle valve control system malfunction, idle air control system RPM was higher than expected, and the throttle valve drive-g186 experienced an electrical fault in the circuit-per self diagnosis log) the engine would suddenly die out, idled roughly, whistling sounds were heard, the epc light would come at intermittent times, the vehicle would become unable to be driven over 15mph, and at times, when the epc light would come on the engine would die simultaneously.
2004 Volkswagen Golf engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 5-speed manual | FWD | 32 / 42 / 36 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 28 / 39 / 32 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Volkswagen Golf a good car?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Golf rates better than average: 48% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Golf at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volkswagen Golf?
The fuel & propulsion system — 7 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Golf have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf, the most recent from February 20, 2007 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volkswagen Golf?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2014 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2015, 2017, 2011 and 2016. See the full Volkswagen Golf years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Volkswagen Golf problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 47,000 miles; 56% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.