2004 Volkswagen Golf Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 25%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 25% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11114213, filed 2018-07, 250,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10428077, filed 2011-09, 147,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11255490, filed 2019-09, 139,480 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10482803, filed 2012-10, 88,811 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10285482, filed 2009-09, 94,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V586000Dec 15, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.Covers: Volkswagen Golf 2004–2005, Passat 2004–2005, Jetta 2004–2005 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10121123Feb 5, 2016Technical tips on what to do if improper gasoline has been added to the vehicle.
- 10121246Jan 20, 2015Discusses the issues associated with using contaiminated gasoline. There are recommendations to use top tier gasoline retailers
- 10121536Oct 10, 2014Tech Tips (ECM Fault P1250 "Fuel Level Too Low" Will Not Clear): This document informs to clear static ECM fault P1250 "Fuel Level Too Low", add fuel to vehicle and complete a…
- 10238954Aug 29, 2014Use the diagram below to test the N75 Solenoid Valve in the event of a turbocharger fault code such as P0299 or P0234. This applies to Mechanical Injection Style Diesel Engines…
- 10124482Aug 29, 2014Tech Tips (TDI Engine - N75 Solenoid Valve Diagnosis): This document informs with graphical aid the testing of the N75 Solenoid Valve in the event of a turbocharger fault code…
- 10238572May 9, 2014Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.
- 10241265Jan 27, 2014Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10238960Apr 8, 2013To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not…
- 10238959Apr 8, 2013To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not…
- 10242399Mar 4, 2013VW Elsa Newsletter
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9% |
| 2020 | 1 | 17% |
| 2019 | 7 | 11% |
| 2018 | 10 | 34% |
| 2017 | 56 | 48% |
| 2016 | 32 | 38% |
| 2015 | 22 | 17% |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% |
| 2013 | 14 | 33% |
| 2012 | 14 | 29% |
| 2011 | 48 | 44% |
| 2010 | 32 | 46% |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 5 | 26% |
| 2004 | 7 | 25% |
| 2003 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 3 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 7 | 8% |
| 1999 | 12 | 19% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 1 | 14% |
| 1992 | 2 | 33% |
| 1991 | 1 | 13% |
| 1986 | 4 | 31% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2004 Volkswagen Golf
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology