2003 Volkswagen Passat Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 2%of 628 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,206miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the equipment of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 2% of the 628 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,206 miles. 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.
“A/c doesn't always come one went the engine is started. It blows but not cool air. I can pull back off the highway, shut the engine off and restart and it works fine. I have had it into the dealership repeatedly. The have seen the problem but can't seem to resolve it.”
NHTSA complaint #10136431, filed 2005-09, 4,000 miles“The heater core tubing in the car disintegrated at about 18,000 miles. This resulted in the check engine light appearing, coolant leaking into other parts of the engine department,and the fumes from the coolant in the passenger compartment. At this time the vehicle was under warranty, so I took it to the Volkswagen dealership. They replaced the purge valve (about an hours work) and returned the car to me. I took the car back two more times for the same problem before the warranty ran out and the dealership performed the same service. …”
NHTSA complaint #10238727, filed 2008-08, 18,000 miles“I've spent over $8000 towards vw dealership attempts at fixing the horn, radio, homelink, climate control (A/C and heat) rear passenger side window, heated seats, dashboard panel lights, and defroster flap. Vw replaced ABS and brake light module, but only fixed the horn. Vw stated they are not responsible even after I paid for them to fix the above problems and they are still unable to determine the cause of the problems. I request reimbursement from Volkswagen for the repair attempts and related expenses. Current vehicle mileage: 127,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10211082, filed 2007-12, 7,000 miles“New '03 Passat purchased in dec. '02. Feb. '03 I noticed difficulty with steering when the wheel was turned to the extreme left or right. After several trips to the dealership in which power steering fluid was found to be low and refilled, it was determined that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. In mar '03, the power steering rack was replaced by Volkswagen under warranty. Nov. '04, I again noticed difficulty with the steering in extreme left or right wheel positions. Dec. '04, vw determines that the power steering rack again needs to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10104310, filed 2004-12, 5,000 miles“Purchase car in fl, now live in iowa due to job transfer. A/c unit continues to not blow cold air in a dependable method. Have to shut off vehicle and restart to sometimes get it started again. Now torque converter light came on just after powertrain warranty expired 1 month outside of warranty. Got in contact with vw of america. Would not asist, but instead sent $2,000 good faith voucher towards to purchase of a new vehicle to make an attempt to help me with the problems. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10263558, filed 2009-03, 26,411 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10228180Dec 12, 2022Update model year applicability to include 2023.
- 10175799May 12, 2020Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
- 10174476Apr 21, 2020Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10161215Jun 12, 2019Update vehicle metadata.
- 10159010Mar 27, 2019The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10161475Nov 13, 2018Update vehicle metadata.
- 10149868Aug 20, 2018To include an additional model year applicability.
- 10157306Sep 19, 2017Update to model year applicability.
- 10157302Sep 14, 2017Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 12 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 3% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 8% |
| 1995 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1991 | 1 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
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 31, 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