2003 Volkswagen Passat Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 1%of 628 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 1% of the 628 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“While driving the car power cuts off and stops in traffic. Have to restart. It is dangerous that the car just stops in traffic. The battery continues to drain even after totally recharging the battery. After a complete battery recharge and starting the car every day, the battery still drains again after about a week. This started happening in june 2016 and I have only driven the car about 30 total miles because afraid it is going to shut down while driving in traffic. Recently, I received a recall for this problem for my 2016 Volkswagen cc but I am not having the problem with the cc. …”
NHTSA complaint #11039631, filed 2017-10, 93,000 miles“Car was constantly getting the passenger side (front and back) flooded w water during a rain storm. Had to get new battery cleaned out sunroof drainage. It didn't matter. Whenever it rained the battery would be dead because the control module which is there is all messed up sending mixed messages. Finely just died in the middle of the road. Not worth putting money into the car. I purchased this car less then a year ago and had this problem after the first rain and went down from their. Im so disappointed hoping buying a used vw I was going to be satisfied but had nothing trouble from day one.”
NHTSA complaint #10611205, filed 2014-07, 140,000 miles“I own a 2003 vw Passat. Recently. I took my car for repair as my brakes were not responding on turns. The vw dealer investigated the issue and I was told that the ABS control module is not communicating for some reason. They suggested I replace the ABS control module for around $2,216 I called vw and asked them to look into the issue and see if they can cover the expenses of the repair since this is not a normal tear and wear issue. They responded by saying that since the car is not within the warranty period, they cannot cover the expenses of this repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255877, filed 2009-01, 113,000 miles“Abs module failure, ABS light on brake light blinking and then asr light on, happens randomly, no specific reason, dry weather, humid, day or night. Still comes on randomly, no speeding, problem goes away when car is turned off.”
NHTSA complaint #10513216, filed 2013-05, 91,000 miles“At around 85,000 miles ABS/traction control lights turned on and parking brake light started flashing. I took it to the dealership and was told that the ABS module faulted and needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10376471, filed 2011-01, 85,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2015 | 4 | 2% |
| 2014 | 7 | 1% |
| 2013 | 10 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 0% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat
169 complaintsEngine cooling
131 complaintsSeats
97 complaintsElectrical system
90 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsExterior lighting
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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