Model year guide

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. 7 on record.

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton at a glance

Owner complaints4
Combined13–16 mpg
Typical price$6,929

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

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.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton MPG & running costs

Combined13–16 mpg
City13 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$5,725

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?

Low
$4,100
Typical price
$6,929
High
$10,600

From 7 comparable 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$28,625
Fuel only$28,625
Per mile$0.38

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.

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton trims & engines on record

Trims
V8
Engines
4.2L 8-cyl 335 hp

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton vehicles on record

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D148007986 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D248009777 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D248011366 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D148007602 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D048006540 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63DX48011566 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8WVWAF63D248009617

Other Volkswagen Phaeton model years

2005

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton?

Across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, suspension, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton get?

The 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton has U.S. EPA estimates of 13–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton worth?

Comparable 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton listings run roughly $4,100–$10,600, typically around $6,929 (from 7 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.