2004 Volkswagen R32: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Volkswagen R32: 1 recall, 13 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #07V063000 · 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch May malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Why it matters: The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
The 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 or…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #07E023000 · 2007 · 13,128 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Tires (3): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (2): the most common themes are door / lock issues (2).
The 2004 Volkswagen R32 has 13 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 4 R32 model years for complaints (well below the 32 average). Complaints peaked in 2007 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 52,250 miles.
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Volkswagen R32.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Volkswagen R32 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Volkswagen R32, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Volkswagen R32 problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (3), transmission & drivetrain (3), engine & cooling (3).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Volkswagen R32 get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.2 L, Manual 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Volkswagen R32 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.