2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
816
Owner Complaints
7
Recalls
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.
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 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...
View full details →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).
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 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.
View full details →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....
View full details →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.
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 PE07024 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Closed
Opened:
PASSENGER/ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
- 1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 476 complaints
- 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 854 complaints
- 2000 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 625 complaints
- 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 557 complaints
- 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 772 complaints
- 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (current)
- 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 348 complaints
- 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 172 complaints
- 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 779 complaints
- 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 341 complaints
- 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 240 complaints
Other VOLKSWAGEN Models
- VOLKSWAGEN JETTA — 13,715 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 3,613 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN — 3,104 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS — 2,635 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 1,991 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN GTI — 1,916 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 — 1,568 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN CC — 1,356 total complaints