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NHTSA recalls, safety ratings, and consumer complaints for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
| Trim | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4 cyl Automatic (S5) | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,550 |
| 2.0L 4 cyl Automatic 4-spd | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,500 |
| 1.9L 4 cyl Manual 5-spd | 32 | 42 | 36 | $2,250 |
| 2.0L 4 cyl Manual 5-spd | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,500 |
| Overall Rating | Not Rated |
| Frontal Crash | Not Rated |
| Side Crash | Not Rated |
| Rollover | Not Rated |
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Consequence: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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.
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.
The 2004 Volkswagen Golf has 6 NHTSA recalls and 28 consumer complaints on file. It received an overall safety rating of Not Rated out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash testing. For the most detailed information about a specific vehicle, decode its VIN using our free decoder above.
Enter a specific VIN to get the full report — specs, recalls, safety ratings, complaints, investigations, and technical service bulletins.
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Component: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Component: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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 *JS
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. *TR
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 NHTSA.
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. *TR
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. *TR
THE LOWER 1/4 OF THE REAR WINDOW DEFROST DOES NOT WORK. THE TOP 3/4 OF THE REAR WINDOW CLEAR WHEN I USE THE DEFROST FEATURE; THE LOWER 1/4 DOES NOT. *TR
DRIVING A 2004 VW GOLF GL AT ABOUT 30 MPH AND REAR-ENDED AN SUV. THE FRONT END OF THE GOLF WAS SMASHED IN ALL THE WAY TO THE RADIATOR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT RELEASE AT EITHER THE DRIVERS NOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON I-35 IN KANSAS AT ABOUT 60 MPH ON DECEMBER 13, 3007 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:30 PM, THE LATCH TO MY VEHICLE RELEASED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE HOOD OF MY VEHICLE TO FLY UP IMPAIRING MY VIEW. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND CALLED THE KANSAS HIGHWAY PATROL. THE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER PUSHED DOWN ON THE HOOD BUT WAS UNABLE GET THE HOOD TO LATCH. DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE HOOD LATCH MY HOOD HAS BEEN DAMAGED. I CHECKED YOUR WEBSITE FOR COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL AND DISCOVERED THIS DEFECT HAD HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY TO THE SAME VEHICLE. *TR
MY WIFE WAS TAKING A SHORT TRIP TO PICK ME UP FROM WORK IN OUR 2004 VW GOLF, WHEN THE CLUTCH FAILED SUDDENLY AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. SHE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE, BUT THE CLUTCH WAS FAILING TO FULLY DISENGAGE. FORTUNATELY, SHE WAS ON SURFACE STREETS AND DID NOT HAVE TO DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WE LIMPED HOME AND REQUESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A VW SERVICE CENTER. THE SERVICE CENTER INDICATED THAT THE CLUTCH FAILURE WAS DUE TO WEAR AND WAS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM. WE HAD NO INDICATIONS OF IMPENDING FAILURE (SLIPPAGE, DIFFICULTY PUTTING IN GEAR, VIBRATIONS, STRANGE NOISES, ETC.) AND MY WIFE AND I ARE BOTH EXPERIENCED USERS OF MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE SERVICE CENTER MADE THE REPAIRS (TOTAL COST OVER $1900) AND WE HAVE RESUMED USING THE VEHICLE. *TR
THE DUAL-MASS FLYWHEEL CAME APART IN MY VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI (2004) CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN SHIFTING AND NEED FOR PREMATURE CLUTCH REPLACEMENT. THE PROBLEM STARTED NEARLY A MONTH BEFORE I HAD IT DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALER AS A BAD CLUTCH. *JB
Showing 15 of 28 complaints