Structure Related Problems of the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton

Table 1 shows two common structure related problems of the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.

Table 1. Structure related problems of Volkswagen Phaeton

Problem Category Number of Problems
Trunk Lid problems
1
Body problems
1

Trunk Lid problem #1

2004 vw Phaeton trunk wire housing - the sleeve over the wire housing came off and then the plastic tube that covers the wires broke away from the joint that enables the wires to compress back into the trunk lid when it is closed. When having my tires rotated the service department closed the trunk lid but the plastic tube was caught between metal and rear glass shield. The glass broke and was replace. 2 weeks later, while having the 80,000 mile service the technician closed the trunk and again the plastic piece was caught and the rear glass broke. Dealer estimate to "fix" is $1,300 but it seems like a product defect. Internet blogs and posting suggest a widespread problem and vw issued a technical bulletin to dealers on how to "fix" - technical bulletin (tb) number 97-04-07.

Body problem #2

Trunk emergency escape/entrapment prevention handle not working due to defective trunk wiring harness. Only applies to vehicles with automatic trunk.



Fuel Economy of Phaeton Vehicles
Phaeton Service Bulletins