2004 Volkswagen Golf - Electric Vehicle Guide
The 2004 Volkswagen Golf belongs to a Volkswagen Golf lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 24 model years, from 1985 to 2012. It is an all-electric vehicle, so it skips the oil changes, spark plugs and exhaust-system service of a combustion Golf entirely. It is configured as front-wheel drive with a manual 5-spd. The 2004 sits mid-run, with both earlier (1985) and later (2012) Golf model years also documented.
The high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, separate from the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Routine upkeep centers on tire rotation, DOT 4 brake fluid, G13/G12++ battery/cabin coolant, cabin air filters and brake service rather than engine oil. Know Your Ride lists 13 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include lug nut 89 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around engine and engine cooling (3), fuel/propulsion system (3), power train (3). A representative report reads: "CAR WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN OR CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY (VERY DANGEROUS) ONCE FUEL TANK DROPS TO 1/4 TANK. I BELIEVE IT TO BE FAULTY FUEL PUMP..." There are 6 safety recalls on record; one covers: ...r 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005....
Estimated annual charging cost runs near $1,550.
Quick Specs
| Battery warranty | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Est. annual charging | $1,550 |
| Coolant | G13/G12++ |
| Open recalls on record | 6 |
| Technical service bulletins | 121 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.