Recalls
6campaigns
2 fuel system · 2 fuel pump · 1 air bag
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
631filed
Owner reports, 1999–2008 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
23mpg combined
$2,840/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
1.8 L 4-cyl· 5-speed manual
14 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- 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.
8.3% repairedof 2,564 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V406000
Listed for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS/FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- 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 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.
Repair progress not yet reported412,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 08V156000
Listed for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
FUEL PUMP
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- 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).
Repair progress not yet reported34,358 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 07V375000
Listed for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES
Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- 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 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.
Repair progress not yet reported1,002,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 07V063000
Listed for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
FUEL PUMP
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported74,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 06V017000
Listed for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/FILLER NECK/TIRE ABRASION
Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · filler pipe and cap
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
- 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. 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.
Repair progress not yet reported487,284 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 02V026000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (631)
631 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The fuel system is mentioned most often.
14involved a crash
95involved a fire
47injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 631 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 146 | 23.1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 131 | 20.8% |
| Seats | 98 | 15.5% |
| Electrical system | 91 | 14.4% |
| Service brakes | 42 | 6.7% |
| Exterior lighting | 39 | 6.2% |
| Power train | 35 | 5.5% |
| Structure | 29 | 4.6% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 26 | 4.1% |
| Air bags | 23 | 3.6% |
How 2003 compares with other Passat years
Best and worst Passat years →1999664
2000507
2001432
2002643
2003631
2004285
2005148
2006576
2007273
2008174
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 664 | 5 |
| 2000 | 507 | 3 |
| 2001 | 432 | 3 |
| 2002 | 643 | 3 |
| 2003 | 631 | 6 |
| 2004 | 285 | 3 |
| 2005 | 148 | 3 |
| 2006 | 576 | 7 |
| 2007 | 273 | 7 |
| 2008 | 174 | 4 |
This year (2003)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 23 mpg combined
23
mpg combined
19
city
28
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,550
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 386 g/mi
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
What it costs you to run
$2,840per year
$237per month
652gallons a year
Miles ÷ 23 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 23 | $3,550 | 386 |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 23 | $3,550 | 386 |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | $3,750 | 404 |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | $3,750 | 404 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
| 4 L 8-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | $4,550 | 494 |
| 4 L 8-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | $4,550 | 494 |
| 4 L 8-cyl · 6-speed manual | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | $4,550 | 494 |
| 4 L 8-cyl · 6-speed manual | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | $4,550 | 494 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2003 Passat for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2003 Volkswagen Passat FAQ
How many recalls does the 2003 Volkswagen Passat have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 18V406000 (air bag), 08V156000 (fuel system), 07V375000 (fuel pump), 07V063000 (brake), 06V017000 (fuel pump), 02V026000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2003 Volkswagen Passat problems?
Owners filed 631 complaints with NHTSA. Fuel system (146), Engine and engine cooling (131), Seats (98) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2003 Volkswagen Passat get?
EPA rates the 1.8 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 19 city, 28 highway and 23 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2003 Passat compare with other years?
Among the 1999–2008 Volkswagen Passat model years at least five years old, the 2005 drew the fewest complaints (148) and the 1999 the most (664). The 2003 drew 631. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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