2003 Volkswagen Jetta Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 2%of 456 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,733miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta, 2% of the 456 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,733 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2003 vw Jetta tdi gls sedan was parked on a summer day (approx. 100 degrees f). Upon returning to the vehicle, I noticed a waxy, greasy, yellow substance leaking from below the doors on both sides of the vehicle. Upon further examination, I discovered that the substance was leaking from between the inside surface of the door and the rubber weather stripping. Contacted my vw service dealer (dana motors, billings, mt), and they informed me that this was a common problem with vws during hot months, that the substance was an undercoating protectant that was sprayed on at the factory. …”
NHTSA complaint #10086428, filed 2004-08, 30,000 miles“2003 Jetta's clearcoat is peeling off, it started on front hood and now it is peeling all over the car. Called Volkswagen they said it wasn't their problem. I think it is!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10652885, filed 2014-11, 55,800 miles“While driving a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta with approx 66,000 miles the motor mount bolts broke off and the engine fell to the ground. Damages were to the suspension of the car and no one suffered injuries. The speed at the time of the incident was approximately 40 miles. No signs that the motor mounts or assembly bolts were bad or loose. The car is at the dealer because they said that the motor mounts were covered under the warranty but the bolts are not. They want us to pay $2,200.00 for the repairs and the warranty cover other parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10179207, filed 2007-01, 66,000 miles“Vehicle description - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta gli. Vr6 with 6 speed manual transmission. Vin 3 v w v h 6 9 m 1 3 m 0 5 4 8 0 3. Date of purchase - 17-oct-2002. Mileage at time of NHTSA complaint - 1550. Problem: door rattle under any driving condition. The rattling was first thought to be the paneling. Teflon tape was placed between the metal part and the plastic paneling. This procedure stopped the paneling from making any noise. But the problem continued. The noise rattling is coming from the upper frame of the door. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000403, filed 2002-12, 40 miles“Rattles throughout the interior such as the speakers, dash board, and area where the emergency flashers and center air vents are located. Dents on the vehicle from the service center, I have a friend with a vw that has the same dents on his vehicle located underneath the doors on both sides of the car. Skid plate underneath the vehicle designed to protect the under parts of the engine nearly came off, several bolts missing, needed to duct tape it to make it home. Bolt fell out of door and side blinker leaked water inside which was fixed a while back. Several small annoying problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10031195, filed 2003-08, 1,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10236426Sep 23, 2016Contacting the parts helpline
- 10107841Jul 13, 2016To update model table to clarify jetta wagon applicability to tb content.
- 10128386Jun 9, 2016Corrosion may be found on the folded edge of the hood. Supersedes TB V551603
- 10095564Jun 7, 2016To update claim processing statement.
- 10121169Mar 28, 2016Technical Bulletin about Paint Finish, Reducing Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches New vehicles (prior to Retail Delivery) with swirl marks and or fine scratches from polishing or…
- 10236450Feb 17, 2016Corrosion on hood edge.
- 10121113Feb 3, 2016Document refers to Surface corrosion or corrosion perforation that can occur on various locations around the front wheel arch. It gives examples on where to check for repair…
- 10236448Feb 1, 2016Rear quarter panel corrosion.
- 10121111Feb 1, 2016The document refers to Corrosion being found where the rear bumper cover meets the quarter panel. It discusses how it can happen, and where to find warranty coverage to service…
- 10213835Jan 25, 2016Technical Bulletins.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 4% |
| 2019 | 23 | 4% |
| 2017 | 3 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 2% |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% |
| 2014 | 7 | 2% |
| 2013 | 15 | 3% |
| 2012 | 7 | 1% |
| 2011 | 20 | 3% |
| 2010 | 19 | 2% |
| 2009 | 16 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 11 | 5% |
| 2006 | 23 | 4% |
| 2005 | 12 | 5% |
| 2004 | 8 | 3% |
| 2003 | 11 | 2% |
| 2002 | 19 | 3% |
| 2001 | 43 | 6% |
| 2000 | 20 | 5% |
| 1999 | 25 | 7% |
| 1998 | 14 | 7% |
| 1997 | 7 | 13% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 10 | 5% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1991 | 2 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 16% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 3 | 21% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
100 complaintsElectrical system
97 complaintsAir bags
77 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
54 complaintsEngine cooling
45 complaintsExterior lighting
28 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology