2004 Volkswagen Passat Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 279 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat, 2% of the 279 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,500 miles.
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.
“When coming to a complete stop or while cruising, the vehicle lurches forward. The dealer recalibrated the computer chip in the accelerator pedal and also replaced the transmission control module. After the repairs, the problem continued. The transmission made a clunk noise, malfunctioned in heavy traffic/highway, and a hard shift was present at times.”
NHTSA complaint #10050028, filed 2004-01, 300 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 miles“Reported when slowing down to 5-10mph care hesitated and then jerked as if someone hit from behind, also when braking to stop,car lurches forward. Vw dealership replaced brakes and rotors and did software update after 3 times in shop. Now car hesitates when either slowing down or from stop then kicks in all of a sudden,will be calling regional technician to report, still feel slight jerk at slow speeds. All happens when engine hot or cold.”
NHTSA complaint #10083031, filed 2004-07, 2,500 miles“Brake light switch failed intermittently over a period of two years, finally failed completely. Whenever the switch was operating poorly it kicked out the cruise control.”
NHTSA complaint #10190321, filed 2007-05, 61,688 miles“2004 vw Passat---I have had numerous occasions where my car lurched and rattled to a stop or would hesitate multiple times during acceleration. At idle, the entire car shakes. I have taken it in to the dealer at least 5 times. At first, the problem was only happening every month or so. Now it is a constant problem. The check engine light is on, the car shakes in drive, reverse, and neutral. Acceleration is especially a problem when on the freeway...it is both dangerous and scary. I have been told multiple times that the dealer is waiting for a software update. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161761, filed 2006-07Related service bulletins
- 10236450Feb 17, 2016Corrosion on hood edge.
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 4 | 9% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 11 | 10% |
| 2015 | 10 | 4% |
| 2014 | 13 | 2% |
| 2013 | 15 | 2% |
| 2012 | 14 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 32 | 6% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 6 | 2% |
| 2003 | 14 | 2% |
| 2002 | 16 | 3% |
| 2001 | 19 | 4% |
| 2000 | 15 | 3% |
| 1999 | 32 | 5% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 10% |
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 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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