2004 Volkswagen GTI recalls and problems

The 2004 Volkswagen GTI has 1 safety recall and 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
7
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Volkswagen GTI vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Volkswagen GTI recalls

Recall 07V-063: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 20, 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

Risk: The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.

Fix: 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.

2004 Volkswagen GTI problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags4
Electrical System4
Exterior Lighting1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Unknown or Other1
Power Train1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 2
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 33,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Volkswagen GTI complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Sep 18, 2008
The airbag light on my 2004 vw gti 1.8t has come on for absolutely no reason. I have had the car scanned with proper equipment, scanned the ECU, found no codes, cleared the codes and the light continues to reappear.
Power Train · at 33,000 miles · reported Nov 28, 2007
Clutch failed on car at only 33,000 miles. Not covered by warranty considered normal. Wear and tear. Clutch and flywheel replaced at dealership for $2300.
Electrical System · reported Feb 27, 2007
I drive a 2004 gti 1.8t and for the past two years it has been in the shop for the following: defective hood latch, defective radio, defective alarm, window recall, defective battery, and numerous defective head lights, tail lights and break lights. Each time, the problem is fixed, due to the warranty, then I AM told that its just defective parts. Is the whole car defective???
Air Bags · at 11,180 miles · reported Jul 8, 2005
Bumped a curb and side impact air bags deployed. No physical damage to vehicle other than scraped wheels and deployed air bags. Engine no longer starts on first key turn. Taken to insurer recommended shop to have airbags and all related components replaced. Engine still not starting on first key turn.
Air Bags · at 11,180 miles · reported Jun 24, 2005
Consumer bumped a curb causing minor wheel scraping and deployment of side impact airbags (Drivers curtain and seat). Resulting repair total in excess of $4,000.

Other Volkswagen GTI years

Compare all Volkswagen GTI years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Volkswagen GTI: 07V-063 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volkswagen GTI?

Owners report air bags problems most often (4 reports), followed by electrical system (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 33,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.