Model year
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
NHTSA lists 0 recalls and 4 complaints for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1), POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER (1). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 13–16 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $5,150–$6,300, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
Recalls
No recalls are listed for this name in the matched NHTSA file.
Complaints
4 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 0, injury field 0, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phaeton · 4.2L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 14 | 21 | 16 | — | — | $5,150 |
| Phaeton · 6L · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 11 | 17 | 13 | — | — | $6,300 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.