2004 Volkswagen Passat engine problems
18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2004 Volkswagen Passat — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving the car at highway speeds it stalls and the epc light comes on. This has happened many times while merging with other traffic and can be very dangerous. I have spent well over $1000 trying to get this problem fixed, and the problem still remains. Even the vw dealership dose not have…”
filed Jul 4, 2019
“Bought this car from original owner exactly two years ago. All receipts for upkeep & maintenance were available. Car ran great for 30,000 miles. One day it starting running bad within 30 mins whole motor shut down. Motor just shut down in middle of highway. Piece of metal found under valve cover…”
filed May 15, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V171901201285565 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 21, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285562 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285560 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards.
V171901_2012855 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 25, 2019
Engine problems in other Passat years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Passat | 11 | 24% |
| 2017 Passat | 7 | 6% |
| 2016 Passat | 17 | 16% |
| 2015 Passat | 53 | 22% |
| 2014 Passat | 77 | 13% |
| 2013 Passat | 104 | 14% |
| 2012 Passat | 40 | 8% |
| 2010 Passat | 41 | 25% |
| 2009 Passat | 60 | 41% |
| 2008 Passat | 43 | 26% |
| 2007 Passat | 28 | 11% |
| 2006 Passat | 64 | 11% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2004 Volkswagen Passat
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.