2003 Volkswagen Passat Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 4%of 628 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 136,400miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 4% of the 628 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 136,400 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving the car to work 2 miles from my houses oil warning come on return to my house to get a second car park the car and left 5 minute later get a phone call my car is on fire thanks god I went back home call vw they said no recalls but national safety investigation I lost my car because don't have full cover insurance”
NHTSA complaint #10734619, filed 2015-07, 111,352 miles“While driving the on the capitol beltway (495 inner loop) I started to smell a burning smell. Moments later within about 30 seconds the engine burst into flames. I was able to stop the vehicle safely and exited the car. Needless to say the vehicle is totaled. I would describe the incident as a spontaneous engine fire. There was no warning. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10487555, filed 2012-12, 137,000 miles“I purchased a used 2003 vw Passat from a private dealer drove the car five months and the timing belt came off while I was driving. I almost got into an accident but avoided it. This particular vehicle and ones like it was recalled in 3/7/2014 for engine and engine cooling engine problems that causes the timing belt to come off while driving. Recall: 14e007000 because of the timing belt failure. I contacted a vw dealership and they said the recall didn't apply to my car. I find that insulting consider ing what I just experienced.”
NHTSA complaint #11416513, filed 2021-05, 180,000 miles“The car ran out of gas so I went to the gas station to purchase gas to put into the car. I put the gas into the car. Tried to start the car but would not start. I let it sit for a few minutes then I tried to start the car again. This time the car started but I heard a loud bang. Flames started shooting out of the hood. Before I knew it the whole front of the car was engulfed in flames. I called the fire department to extinguish the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10691938, filed 2015-03, 140,000 miles“Since after the day one of the purchase my car started shaking, vibrating. I had to have coils replaced. The car started running for 2 weeks then when I was in the traffic it started shaking then stalled. I was able to pull over in the parking lot. I had wiring harness and coils replaced again this time. The car had startup issues and then mechanic replaced camshaft sensor. After 3 weeks same problem!!!! I was on the side of the road had to be towed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10577118, filed 2014-04, 127,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10159016Mar 12, 2019Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 10150856Sep 28, 2018Engine replacement tip
- 10126870Oct 20, 2016Update to include additional model year applicability.
- 10241340Sep 2, 2014Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10120329Sep 2, 2014Technical Bulletin (Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard): This document informs of a sample list of products generally available in the North American market…
- 10241339Aug 22, 2014Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10124418May 9, 2014Tech Tips (Models with 1.8T Engine - Pressure Loss issues): Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then…
- 10124302Mar 26, 2014Technical Bulletin The use of contaminated gasoline, seasonal fuel changes (summer/winter fuel) or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or…
- 10242375Nov 25, 2013VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10155922Oct 3, 2013Technical Bulletin (Oil Consumption Measurement): Customers have stated oil consumption is higher than the Volkswagen oil consumption standard of up to 0.5 quarts per 600 miles…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% |
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2020 | 4 | 22% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 11 | 24% |
| 2017 | 7 | 6% |
| 2016 | 17 | 16% |
| 2015 | 53 | 22% |
| 2014 | 77 | 13% |
| 2013 | 105 | 14% |
| 2012 | 40 | 8% |
| 2011 | 6 | 38% |
| 2010 | 41 | 25% |
| 2009 | 60 | 41% |
| 2008 | 43 | 26% |
| 2007 | 28 | 11% |
| 2006 | 64 | 11% |
| 2005 | 12 | 8% |
| 2004 | 18 | 6% |
| 2003 | 23 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 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 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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