2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
32
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
7
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
The 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF has received a total of 32 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 7 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (7 complaints), Air Bagssidewindow (4 complaints), and Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler (3 complaints).
Recalls for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, potentially affecting up to 1,076,552 vehicles.
Recall 18V406000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 2,564 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 14E007000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
| 50 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 42,540 vehicles affected
Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
View full details →Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 16,270 vehicles affected
Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
View full details →Recall 07V063000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 1,002,000 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 07E023000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
| 13,128 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
32 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bagssidewindow | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemwiring | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lightingheadlights | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Otherfuel Injection System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspensionrearaxlespindle | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The car just started on fire while I was driving and nearly killed me and my boyfriend lucky someone was honking and flagging down and when we tried stopping the car wouldn't brake and we had to jump out when it was still rolling. We were bout to get on the high way lucky someone stopped us be we did so.
THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE HAS FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WITHOUT IT, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY, IF AT ALL, IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO EVEN HELP WITH THE OVER $1,000.00 REPAIR COST. (THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS.)
THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE HAS FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WITHOUT IT, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY, IF AT ALL, IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO EVEN HELP WITH THE OVER $1,000.00 REPAIR COST. (THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS.)
MY SON WAS PARKING HIS CAR AT A STATE PARK AND DRIVING LESS THAN 2 MILES A HOUR WHEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SEVERAL PEOPLE HEARD THE LOUD SOUND AND RAN OVER TO SEE IF ANYONE WAS HURT. HIS GIRLFRIEND'S ARM BECAME RED, WITH A RASH AND SWOLLEN. THE SEAT AND HEADLINER ARE NOW DAMAGED, AND IT WOULD COST MORE TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS, SEAT AND HEADLINER THAN THE CAR IS WORTH. THE INSURANCE CO WILL NOT COVER THE COST BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. NOW, HE WILL NEED TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 107 REPORTED COMPLAINTS REGARDING AIRBAGS FOR 2001-2003 VW GOLF AND JETTA. IF MY SON HAD BEEN DRIVING ON A MAIN ROAD OR HIGHWAY, THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT, IF THAT HASN'T ALREADY OCCURRED.
I HAD THE HATCH OPEN ON MY GOLF AND STARTED TO SMELL AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. I SEEN SMOKE COMING FROM THE CARGO LIGHT AND WHEN I OPENED THE TAILLIGHT ACCESS PANEL THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE THAT I IMMEDIATLEY PUT OUT. THANKFULLY I CAUGHT IT IN TIME AND DIDN'T CLOSE THE HATCH AND WALK AWAY. IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND UPON REQUEST.
Safety Rating for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 7 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
SM 80-2019 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Parts are currently blocked from sale at this time.
TT641402 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage....
TT280109 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Be aware that there are 2 suppliers for the TDI glow plugs-Bosch and Beru. When replacing the glow plugs make sure that you do not mix stock. The vehicle must have all the same supplier or DTC P0380 (Glow Plug Monitoring) may set.
SA-28F3 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VOLKSWAGEN: (REVISED) VEHICLES MAY HAVE IGNITION COILS THAT COULD MALFUNCTION UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) WILL ILLUMINATED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE SOME DETERIORATION IN PERFORMANCE. IN SOME CASES, A MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL MAY CAUSE A VEHICLE TO EXCEED FEDERAL AND/OR...
VZ-VZ00 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
VOLKSWAGEN: CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH COMFORT SEATS; INSTALL NEW PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER SWITCH. THIS INCLUDE JETTA WAGON. *PE UPDATED 3/23/09. REVISION TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGNS FOR SEAT HEATERS. *PE UPDATED 3/17/10. *PE
0601 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
HEATED SEAT BOTTOM COVER REPLACEMENT. *KB
0301 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MULTI-FUNCTION TRIP COMPUTER, ACCURACY CONCERNS WITH AVERAGE TRIP FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATION. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE JETTA WAGON. *TT
NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- 1998 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 28 complaints
- 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 76 complaints
- 2000 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 118 complaints
- 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 152 complaints
- 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 98 complaints
- 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (current)
- 2004 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 33 complaints
- 2005 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 27 complaints
- 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 16 complaints
- 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 2 complaints
- 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 1 complaint
Other VOLKSWAGEN Models
- VOLKSWAGEN JETTA — 13,715 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 10,288 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 3,613 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN — 3,104 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS — 2,635 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN GTI — 1,916 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 — 1,568 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN CC — 1,356 total complaints