2003 Volkswagen Passat Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Passat years
- Far more complaints than other years 4th of 28 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 6 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 628 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Volkswagen Passat. That ranks 4th out of 28 Passat model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (137 complaints, 22%), typically at around 59,641 miles. Complaints mention 14 crashes, 94 fires, 46 injuries. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 6 defect investigations involving it.
- 628owner complaints
- 6safety recalls
- 6NHTSA investigations
- 14complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2003 Volkswagen Passat problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline problems | 137 | 22% | 59,641 | “fuel pump” (65%) | $970 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling problems | 131 | 21% | 62,000 | “oil pressure” (21%) | $4,400 |
| Seats problems | 97 | 15% | 46,400 | “seat heater” (39%) | — |
| Electrical System problems | 90 | 14% | 62,359 | “ignition coil” (13%) | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 39 | 6% | 50,332 | — | — |
| Power Train | 35 | 6% | 54,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 29 | 5% | 41,250 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 28 | 4% | 26,628 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 24 | 4% | 124,084 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 23 | 4% | 44,500 | — | — |
| Engine | 23 | 4% | 136,400 | — | — |
| Visibility | 22 | 4% | 42,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 | 2% | 47,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 12 | 2% | 22,206 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 12 | 2% | 135,484 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 11 | 2% | 90,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 10 | 2% | 21,269 | — | — |
| Suspension | 10 | 2% | 39,800 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Other | 9 | 1% | 87,288 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 7 | 1% | 92,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 6 | 1% | 55,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 1% | 8,933 | — | — |
| Tires | 5 | 1% | 22,650 | — | — |
| Wheels | 3 | 0% | 47,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Air | 2 | 0% | 63,138 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 0% | 2,300 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 0% | 85,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2003 Volkswagen Passat recalls (6)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X3.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery
Problem: Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8t engines only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion/all wheel drive only) that can leak due to fracture.
Risk: A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8t engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8t vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on 4motion/all wheel drive vehicles, and replace components if necessary free of charge. The recall began on june 13, 2008. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Problem: On certain vehicles equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.
Risk: If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
Fix: Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on september 28, 20007. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-222-8987 or audi at 1-800-822-2834. This recall is a supplement to a previous campaign (please see 06v017).
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Problem: On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Risk: The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
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 06v-183, but not both. The remedy is the same for each recall. Volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the vin number of the vehicle. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Problem: On certain vehicles produced from september 2002 - march 2003, equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.
Risk: If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
Fix: Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on april 10, 2006. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-222-8987 or audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Problem: On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.
Risk: Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. Owner notification began june 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Engine Compartment Fire (EA11002) — opened Jan 26, 2011, closed Feb 17, 2012.
- Engine Compartment Fire (PE10027) — opened Jul 26, 2010, closed Feb 7, 2011.
- Fuel tank leak (PE08008) — opened Jan 31, 2008, closed May 30, 2008, led to recall 08V156000.
- Passenger engine compartment fires (EA07014) — opened Sep 28, 2007, closed Jul 7, 2008, led to recall 08V156000.
- Passenger/engine compartment fires (PE07024) — opened May 10, 2007, closed Sep 28, 2007.
- Engine stalling (DP05004) — opened Aug 11, 2005, closed Dec 8, 2005.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer…
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V017000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, coolant leaked onto the front passengerâs side floorboard. The contact stated that the coolant leak was underneath the glove compartment area. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
Vehicle has major fuel pump issue, currently at 132,000 and noticing loss of power, car shaking, and occasional stall. A code reader is unable able to detect the issue which is a major concern. I have contacted the volkswagen Manufacturer and I consistently keep getting ignored after bringing up…
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle's speed suddenly begin to reduce and smoke was present coming from the engine compartment. After stopping and exiting the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was…
Other Volkswagen Passat years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Passat | 13 | 0 |
| 2021 Passat | 18 | 1 |
| 2020 Passat | 18 | 3 |
| 2019 Passat | 12 | 1 |
| 2018 Passat | 46 | 4 |
| 2017 Passat | 110 | 7 |
| 2016 Passat | 106 | 5 |
| 2015 Passat | 243 | 7 |
| 2014 Passat | 594 | 10 |
| 2013 Passat | 748 | 9 |
| 2012 Passat | 484 | 11 |
| 2011 Passat | 16 | 0 |
| 2010 Passat | 163 | 4 |
| 2009 Passat | 146 | 4 |
| 2008 Passat | 168 | 4 |
| 2007 Passat | 262 | 7 |
| 2006 Passat | 576 | 7 |
| 2005 Passat | 148 | 3 |
| 2004 Passat | 279 | 3 |
| 2003 | 628 | 6 |
| 2002 Passat | 636 | 3 |
| 2001 Passat | 430 | 3 |
| 2000 Passat | 507 | 3 |
| 1999 Passat | 664 | 5 |
| 1998 Passat | 331 | 4 |
| 1997 Passat | 37 | 0 |
| 1996 Passat | 40 | 1 |
| 1995 Passat | 93 | 1 |
See all Volkswagen Passat problems by year, every Volkswagen model, or the Volkswagen VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners most often report fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling, seats problems. The top one, fuel system, gasoline, accounts for 137 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Volkswagen Passat?
Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2003 Volkswagen Passat a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Passat model years, the 2003 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.