CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Volkswagen Passat has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 628 complaints with NHTSA, including 14 crashes, 94 fires, 46 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Fuel System, Gasoline (146 reports).
6Recalls
628Owner complaints
14Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Passat?
2003 Volkswagen Passat recalls
Driver airbag inflator may explode, spraying metal fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can build up excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys.
Most common 2003 Volkswagen Passat problems
Problem areas named in the 628 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 146 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 133 |
| Seats | 98 |
| Electrical System | 95 |
| Exterior Lighting | 44 |
| Power Train | 35 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 31 |
| Structure | 30 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 24 |
| Air Bags | 23 |
What owners report
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 passengerâs 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 awa
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 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.
2003 Volkswagen Passat questions
Does the 2003 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat: Driver airbag inflator may explode, spraying metal fragments; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volkswagen Passat?
Based on 628 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Fuel System, Gasoline (146), Engine And Engine Cooling (133), Seats (98).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Volkswagen Passat has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
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