2003
Volkswagen Passat
EPA MPG:
22 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
22 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.
The 2003 Volkswagen Passat has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2003 Volkswagen Passat has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat
NA
vs. Similar Cars
Honda Accord
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry
Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Powertrain
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Engine Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Engine Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Transmission Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Drive System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Exhaust
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Brakes
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Climate System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Build Quality
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Body Hardware
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY

AIR BAGS
Jun 13, 2018
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
18V406000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
2564
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 07, 2014
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
14E007000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
50
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Apr 07, 2008
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
VWOA RECALL NO. 26E5/R5.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
08V156000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
412000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Aug 28, 2007
IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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).
For more information:
VW RECALL NO. M7 AND AUDI RECALL NO. JL.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
07V375000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
34358
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 20, 2007
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. N4.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
07V063000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1002000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jan 23, 2006
IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
VW RECALL NO. M7 AND AUDI RECALL NO. JL.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
06V017000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
74000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jan 25, 2002
FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
02V026000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
487284
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN