2004 Volkswagen Passat Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 6%of 279 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,001miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the body and structure of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat, 6% of the 279 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,001 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have a 2002 and a 2004 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon. Both have suffered motor mount leakage and both have broken water pump dispellers. We have replaced the water pump parts and are saving up to replace mounts on both vehicles. This seems to be a weak part for Volkswagen. We are constantly going to get something fixed which is not a typical repair for automobiles from other companies.”
NHTSA complaint #10251963, filed 2008-12, 75,001 miles“The drain coming down from the sunroof apparently became clogged causing this vehicle to short out...horn blowing, alarm system going off, etc. The waterproof black box, which is underneath the drivers seat, was full of water and the comfort control box was all burned. The drivers side floor is soaking wet and we have been trying to dry it out for 6 days now. We are very concerned that this could have caused a fire while our daughter was driving her car. Please advise.....”
NHTSA complaint #10459849, filed 2012-05, 68,000 miles“Have a water leak in my 2004 vw Passat. After a heavey rain I was cleaning the inside of my car and noticed a large amount of water in the rear floor behind passenger's seat. I then soaked up all of the water and air dried my mat. I have searched the internet and found that this is a common occurance for vw owners and would like to report this immediately. Thanks for your time.”
NHTSA complaint #10163000, filed 2006-07, 44,000 miles“I noticed there was a considerable amount of water on the passenger side carpeting. I checked all drainage locations for blockage (I.e. Plenum, sunroof). All were clear. The water found it's way into the vehicle by way of a faulty (disintegrated) seal beneath the pollen filter housing. The car had 92,000 and was out of warranty. However, I found that there was a service action p9/66c8 applicable to my vehicle for which I was to be notified by vw in 2008. I am the original owner of the car and reside it the same address since 1978. …”
NHTSA complaint #10692404, filed 2015-03, 92,000 miles“Water coming into front passenger seat resulting in damages to the TCM (transmission control module), wet carpeting, and rust under the passenger seat. The transmission module failure resulted in vehicle not able to shift into higher gear, and delay acceleration. The TCM and carpeting was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10128426, filed 2005-07, 30 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10236426Sep 23, 2016Contacting the parts helpline
- 10107841Jul 13, 2016To update model table to clarify jetta wagon applicability to tb content.
- 10128386Jun 9, 2016Corrosion may be found on the folded edge of the hood. Supersedes TB V551603
- 10095561Jun 7, 2016To update claim processing statement.
- 10121169Mar 28, 2016Technical Bulletin about Paint Finish, Reducing Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches New vehicles (prior to Retail Delivery) with swirl marks and or fine scratches from polishing or…
- 10236450Feb 17, 2016Corrosion on hood edge.
- 10236448Feb 1, 2016Rear quarter panel corrosion.
- 10121111Feb 1, 2016The document refers to Corrosion being found where the rear bumper cover meets the quarter panel. It discusses how it can happen, and where to find warranty coverage to service…
- 10121263Mar 2, 2015Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative issue diagnosis): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor…
- 10242998Dec 22, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 | 31 | 4% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 29 | 5% |
| 2002 | 30 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 5% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 8% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 6 | 6% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat
59 complaintsFuel system
57 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
38 complaintsSeats
34 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsTires
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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