2004 Volkswagen R32 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 23%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Volkswagen R32, 23% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,500 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.
“Car: 2004 Volkswagen golf R32 whinning noise coming from the rear differential. Alot of Volkswagen R32 owners are starting to hear a whine from the rear differential, usually on deceleration or lifting off of the gas pedal. We communicate with each other through a vw enthusiast forum. The majority of us who encounter this noise have checked and changed our rear differential fluids and have found that our fluid is low from the factory!! The capacity of our rear differentials is 1 liter, per specifications. …”
NHTSA complaint #10189450, filed 2007-05, 61,000 miles“I purchased the car in nov 2006 and since then had numerous problems with the car, right form the start. Tire pressure light was on for 10 months, unable to fix, remote garage opener not working properly, remote control doesn't open the car, back door doesn't open at all, one of the studs underneath broke on freeway going to las vegas, engine light on, car overheating.”
NHTSA complaint #10213125, filed 2007-12, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10238600Jul 4, 2014Incorrect torque converter or flywheel/flexplate installation can result in transmission damage. When installing an engine, flywheel or transmission, please follow the…
- 10041250Jun 6, 2011Volkswagen: the gear box has a momentarily delay while accelerating.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 82 | 71% |
| 2004 | 3 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2004 Volkswagen R32
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Volkswagen R32
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