2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

816

Owner Complaints

18 Crashes 102 Fires

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

8

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

The 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has received a total of 816 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY. 8 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump (85 complaints), Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler (81 complaints), and Engine And Engine Cooling (63 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, potentially affecting up to 2,012,256 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.

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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.

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Recall 08V156000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

| 412,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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...

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Recall 07V375000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 34,358 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.

Remedy: 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).

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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...

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Recall 06V017000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 74,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 02V026000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

| 487,284 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: 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....

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

816 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 85 1 Fire
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 81 44 Fires 25 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 63 9 Fires 3 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 53 9 Fires 4 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 38 2 Fires
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 38 1 Fire
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 24 2 Fires
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 24
Engine
Complaints: 23 1 Crash 7 Fires 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 21
Air Bags
Complaints: 15 3 Crashes 1 Fire 7 Injuries
Structure
Complaints: 15
Seats
Complaints: 13 1 Crash 6 Fires 3 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 12 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 12
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 12
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 12
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 11 1 Fire
Power Train
Complaints: 11
Service Brakes
Complaints: 11 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 9 6 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Fire
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 8
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 7 2 Fires
Equipment
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 7
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 7
Structurebody
Complaints: 7
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 7
Steering
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes
Suspension
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Fire
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 5 2 Injuries
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Fire
Tires
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 4
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 3
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 3
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 3
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Visibility
Complaints: 3
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestorage
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 2 2 Injuries
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingback Up Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsconcealment Devices
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Diesel
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1 2 Injuries
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11701679 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 133,000 miles
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.
#11649242 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | N/A miles
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.
#11561345 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 72,000 miles
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.
#11499252 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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.
#11499252 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
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.

View all Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 8 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TB551406 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Corrosion on the rear lid in the cut-out sections for the license plate light / handle assembly (Figures 1 and 2).

TT451301 — STEERING:STEERING WHEEL /HANDLE BAR:YAW/ANGLE SENSOR

After replacing a Bosch 5.7 ABS module, refer to the table below to determine correct module coding value based on vehicle PR codes. Listed login code must be entered under Access/authorization before coding is attempted. After completing coding, G85 steering angle sensor basic settings must be performed before cycling key....

TB-01-12-04 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VOLKSWAGEN: GASOLINE ENGINES HAVE ROUGH IDLE, HAVE SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF POWER OR STALLING WITH REDUCED PERFORMANCE. *PE

M2M200 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. INSTALL DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER REPAIR KIT. CAMPAIGN EXPIRATION DATE IS EXTENDED TO 6/30/09. *PE CSC LETTER WAS ADDED TO BULLETIN. 10/20/08. *PE UPDATED 3/30/09. *PE

2 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

HEATED SEATS MAY HAVE A SEAT HEATER ELEMENT THAT CAN MALFUNCTION WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS ON AND THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH IS ON. INSTALL DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER REPAIR KIT. *TT UPDATED 2/20/08. *NJ

748 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

2003-2004 MODEL YEAR PASSAT WITH HEATED SEATS INSTALL NEW PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER SWITCH. *NJ

0419 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

UPDATE PROGRAMMING - EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS (EVAP) SELF-TEST REVISION. *TT

0206 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES 00778 AND 01044 STORED IN BRAKE ELECTRONICS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE MEMORY. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT.

Investigation PE10027 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Closed

Opened:

Engine Compartment Fire

Investigation PE07024 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Closed

Opened:

PASSENGER/ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

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Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

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