2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 57 on record.
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton recalls 0
No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
What's a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 173
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 173.
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
Bulletin V171901201285565 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Bulletin V171901201285562 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Bulletin V171901201285560 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2023Update model year applicability to include 2023.
Bulletin V941901201152119 · Equipment · Dec 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
Bulletin V271901201189422 · Electrical System · Dec 2022This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.
Bulletin A002155201173212 · Electrical System · Dec 2021Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
Bulletin V871806201994714 · Equipment · May 2020Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
Bulletin V941901201152115 · Equipment · Apr 2020Update model applicability to MY 2020.
Bulletin V011812_2014603 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards.
Bulletin V171901_2012855 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PHAETON. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Other
Certain Volkswagen Phaeton, Touareg, and Audi A8L vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 114. The steering wheel does not lock when the key is removed from the ignition switch using the optionally provided override device that permits key removal in the event of electrical system failure or when the transmission is not in the PARK position. Correction: Since this…
Transport Canada #2004187 · Jun 2004Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Volkswagen Phaeton
The Volkswagen Phaeton is a full-size sedan/saloon manufactured by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen, described by Volkswagen as their "premium class" vehicle. Introduced at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the Phaeton was marketed worldwide. Sales in North America ended in 2006 and global sales ended in 2016.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton trims & engines on record
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton vehicles on record
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D148007986
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D248009777
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D248011366
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D148007602
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D048006540
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63DX48011566
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D248009617
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ48011543
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ38003522
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ48009586
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ58003058
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ48009125
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ48006521
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ58001768
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ58000433
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ48010192
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ58001723
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ48010917
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ58003287
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ58001293
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ48011143
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ48009985
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ48010474
2004 Volkswagen PhaetonWVWZZZ3DZ48006899