Model year guide

2004 Volkswagen R32

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Volkswagen R32 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

2004 Volkswagen R32 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Volkswagen R32 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints13
Combined19 mpg

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

2004 Volkswagen R32 recalls 2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #07E023000 · 29/03/2007

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Fix: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #07V063000 · 20/02/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

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 O…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. 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 R32 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2004 Volkswagen R32 MPG & running costs

Combined19 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,350
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionManual 6-spd
Passenger volume86 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Volkswagen R32 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,750
Fuel only$21,750
Per mile$0.29

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 R32 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl 240 hp

2004 Volkswagen R32 vehicles on record

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Other Volkswagen R32 model years

2008

2004 Volkswagen R32 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Volkswagen R32 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2004 Volkswagen R32. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen R32?

Across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, power train, tires.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Volkswagen R32 get?

The 2004 Volkswagen R32 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 19 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway).

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