Volkswagen · Passat · 2003
7
Recalls
634
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2003 Volkswagen Passat has 7 recalls and 634 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: fuel system, gasoline (109 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Remedy Status
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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).
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.
Remedy Status
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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 was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the parts needed for the repair could not be found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V375000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was included but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
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 repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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 recall that was put out for the fuel pump. While driving on the highway my rear and front suspension failed and dropped suddenly while moving slowly during traffic. I whave only been able to repair the front shocks and struts so far, but the rear are needed as well. I would like to state that all the parts are original manufacturer parts.
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, coolant leaked onto the front passenger’s side floorboard. The contact stated that the coolant leak was underneath the glove compartment area. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was advised to have the vehicle taken to the Volkswagen dealer. The contact visited the dealer and discussed the reoccurring failure and was informed that the heater coil was designed incorrectly, and the failure was due to the design of the heater coil. The contact was informed that the heater coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
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 called to the scene and extinguished the flames and the vehicle was towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the incident but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
I PURCHASED A USED 2003 VW PASSAT FROM A PRIVATE DEALER DROVE THE CAR FIVE MONTHS AND THE TIMING BELT CAME OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BUT AVOIDED IT. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND ONES LIKE IT WAS RECALLED IN 3/7/2014 FOR ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT CAUSES THE TIMING BELT TO COME OFF WHILE DRIVING. RECALL: 14E007000 BECAUSE OF THE TIMING BELT FAILURE. I CONTACTED A VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE RECALL DIDN'T APPLY TO MY CAR. I FIND THAT INSULTING CONSIDER ING WHAT I JUST EXPERIENCED.
RECALL 26E5 VOLKSWAGEN NOT COMPLETED
MY SON WAS DRIVING (IN MOTION) ON HWY 17 IN MILLER COUNTY MO WITH SEAT HEATER ON SATURDAY NOV. 28, 2020. SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. I HAD NOTICED WHEN I HAD SEAT HEATER ON PREVIOUSLY IT BECAME SO HOT AS TO BURN LEGS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. IT COULD HAVE BURNED MY CAR COMPLETELY. VERY DANGEROUS.
FUEL TANK LEAKING WHEN FULL ON DRIVERS SIDE DIRECTLY UNDER REAR PASSENGER SEAT. WHICH HAPPENS TO BE WHERE MY CHILDREN SIT. IT LEAKS UNTIL IT'S A LITTLE OVER HALF FULL THEN STOPS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN ACTUATOR/SOLENOID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED A LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT OPEN RECALLS AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
I NOTICED A STAIN UNDER MY CAR WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN THE STREET. I FIGURED OUT THAT VW HAD A RECALL ON THE FUEL TANK VENT WHICH REQUIRED REPLACING THE WHOLE FUEL TANK. THE TANK RUNS ABOUT $922 AND IT TAKES UP TO 11 HOURS LABOR TIME. I STARTED A CHAT WITH A VWOA REP TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. SHE SAID THERE ARE NO CURRENT RECALLS OR CAMPAIGNS ON MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. SHE ALSO STATED THAT MY CAR'S 26E5/R5 RECALL, IT COVERS ALL 1999-2005 PASSAT AND PASSAT WAGON (5TH GEN) EQUIPPED WITH GAS ENGINES. INSTALL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD(S): INSPECT/REPLACE FUEL LINE, FUEL TANK: UPDATE SOFTWARE, IF NECESSARY, HAD BEEN PERFORMED ON 03/12/09 BUT HAS NO SERVICE RECORD TO TELL ME WHAT WAS DONE. IT MAY NOT HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN REPLACED. SHE ALSO SAID VWOA WILL NOT FIX NOR HELP ME FIX IT. I FEEL THAT IF A RECALL FOR AS HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT THIS IS, SHOULD NOT FAIL IN THE SAME MANOR AS THE ORIGINAL PART DID. THAT TELLS ME THEY JUST REPLACED IT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM PART IN HOPES THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T BE IN USE BY THE TIME IT FAILS AGAIN. I AM INCLUDING A FEW PICS FOR EVIDENCE. THE EXAMPLE TANK PIC HAS BEEN OUTLINED WHERE THE FUEL LEAK IS ON MY CAR. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
05/01/2019 CAR HAD A DEAD BATTERY---CHARGE OVER NIGHT STILL WOULD NOT START---HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AUTO SHOP--UPON ARRIVAL WITH KEY ON APPROX. 15 MIN DRIVE--SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING---DISCONNECTED BATTERY---DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER COMPLETELY MELTED--MECHANIC SAYS UNIT PULLING 30 AMPS--THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL--NOT SURE IF TOTALLY CORRECTED--DONOT WANT TO REPLACE IMMEDIATELY--PLEASE ADVISE
THIS CAR ONLY HAS 65000 ORIGINAL ONE OWNER MILES AND HAS EXPERIENCED ALL & MORE OF THE CURRENT RECALLS WITH SAME MODEL YR, VW LOCAL DEALERSHIPS (2) REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEMS (ONE EVEN TRIED TO DOUBLE CHARGE ME FOR BOSCH ABS PART LAST YEAR BEFORE THE RECALL TO FIX) AND NUMEROUS EMAILS TO VW HAVE GONE UNANSWERED. MOST RECENT ISSUES IN LAST 1.5YRS HAVE BEEN FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AND I PAID TO REPLACE (DEALER SCAMMED US BY THROWING OUT DEAD BRAND NEW AAA STAMPED AND WARRANTED BATTERY, THEY SD WE NEEDED NEW ONE AND OLD ONE ALREADY PICKED UP FROM DEALER TO EXPOSE OF, CHARGED $200 FOR THAT AS WELL. I PAID FOR THE ABS LIGHT REPAIR WHICH I HAVE PAID AND DIAGNOSED NUMEROUS TIMES FOR LAST 10YRS TO FIX AND FINALLY JUST PAID THE OVER $1000. TO GET IT FIXED FOR SAFETY REASONS. 9 MONTHS AGO REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON RANDOMLY WHEN PARKED AND LOCKED KILLING THE BATTERY. I WOULD DRIVE IT TO CHARGE IT UP BUT SINCE IT IS A CAR WE DON'T DRIVE OFTEN OR FAR, IT CONTINUED TO DO THE SAME FOR A FEW WEEKS UNTIL IT DAWNED ON ME THAT THE SEAT WARMER ON THOSE CARS COULD LEAVE AN OPEN CURRENT, TURNED THAT OFF, GOOD FOR A FEW WEEKS, THEN FOUND OUT SAME FOR THE TRUNK LIGHT, UNPLUGGED AND CAPPED THAT AND IT IS FAR BETTER, BUT SOMETHING STILL. AFTER READING ONLINE VW PASSAT FORUMS AND RECALLS I KNOW 2 DEALERSHIPS SD THEY PERFORMED THE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR RECALL, BUT WAS IT TRULY DONE AND CAUSING THE ISSUE...ANSWER IS NO, VW DEALERS 2X AFTER CHECKING AND BILLING VW FOR THE REPAIR FALSIFIED DOING THE RECALL. I KNOW BECAUSE I CHECKED IT AND THE PART IS ORIGINAL FROM 2002 STAMPED ON IT AND I REPLACED IT AND HAVE IT ALONG WITH MOST ALL OTHER RECEIPTS FROM 2003 TO TODAY. FEB 11, 2019 I OPENED A CASE AND SUPPOSED FORMAL INVESTIGATION WITH VW CORPORATE CUSTOMER CARE (VERY NICE PEOPLE), LIED LIKE THE REST OF THE COMPANY AND NEVER HEARD A WORD... +++18 VW AND AUDIS PERSONALLY, SINCE 1991...DONE!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT HOLD FUEL AND THE TANK HAD TO CONSTANTLY BE REFILLED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ELLIS MOTORCARS INC (2235 E SOUTH BLVD, MONTGOMERY, AL 36116, (334) 280-1021) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLANT SYSTEM AND THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE LOW COOLANT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND AN ABNORMAL BEEPING SOUND WAS HEARD WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLANT LEAK WAS DUE TO AN ENGINE FAILURE THAT WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,675. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
CAR LOSES POWER AND STALLS OUT AFTER COMING TO A STOP. EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND CAR MUST BE PUT IN PARK AND STARTED UP AGAIN TO MOVE. TODAY, IT STALLED AS I PULLED OUT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC COMING AT ME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY SHIFTED IN REVERSE AND THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN PARK. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE, TIRE PRESSURE, AND EPC INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE VOLKSWAGEN OF SOUTH ATLANTA AT (678) 263-3711 (4305 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR POWER CUTS OFF AND STOPS IN TRAFFIC. HAVE TO RESTART. IT IS DANGEROUS THAT THE CAR JUST STOPS IN TRAFFIC. THE BATTERY CONTINUES TO DRAIN EVEN AFTER TOTALLY RECHARGING THE BATTERY. AFTER A COMPLETE BATTERY RECHARGE AND STARTING THE CAR EVERY DAY, THE BATTERY STILL DRAINS AGAIN AFTER ABOUT A WEEK. THIS STARTED HAPPENING IN JUNE 2016 AND I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN THE CAR ABOUT 30 TOTAL MILES BECAUSE AFRAID IT IS GOING TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. RECENTLY, I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR MY 2016 VOLKSWAGEN CC BUT I AM NOT HAVING THE PROBLEM WITH THE CC. I AM HAVING THE DESCRIBED RECALL PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 PASSAT BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR IT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND MY PASSAT NEEDS THIS REPAIR.
WHEN IN MOTION CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING
IGNITION COILS KEEP FAILING. JUST REPLACED IN FEBRUARY AGAIN IN MAY AND WILL HAVE TO AGAIN HERE ANY DAY.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2003 Volkswagen Passat has 7 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 634 owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat are fuel system, gasoline (109 reports), engine and engine cooling (107 reports), seats (90 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 7 recalls on record for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.