2003 Volkswagen Passat Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 628 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 1% of the 628 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles.
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 opening my trunk lid, the passenger side hinge broke. The lid, dropped, down and I caught it, with out harm. But it could have easily hurt my hand or head. I called the dealer to order a replacement part, he indicated it was very popular.”
NHTSA complaint #10263610, filed 2009-03, 55,000 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“Brake failure light appears even after multiple brake repairs. Driver?s side rear upper brake light replaced for 29th time in less than 2 yrs. Multiple coolant leaks still present even after repair and water pump replacement. Radio/amplifier not functioning even after replacement (radio was only used twice in vehicle?s lifetime). Diagnostics show airbag malfunction. Regulator pin on rear passenger side window keeps breaking (3rd replacement since 2003). Engine cover below car keeps falling off due to rusted bolts. Homelink system keeps malfunctioning. Fuses keep blowing out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10256502, filed 2009-01, 2,300 miles“Headlights fails proper function. They have been replaced. Seat belts and sun roof do not work properly. Engine replaced; steering wheels - car pulls to the right everytime an alignment was done and they calibrated the wheels. - problem continued - this problem caused the tires to be destroyed in a few kms - less 20 000; water infiltration - for now it is fixed; trunk was hard to open and close - problem fixed. Front doors vibrated - the rubber of the doors are being exhibiting signs of damage; the front glass ( windscreen ) isn't from the same year of all the others.”
NHTSA complaint #10184288, filed 2007-03Related service bulletins
- 10243022Sep 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 3 | 0% |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% |
| 1997 | 4 | 11% |
| 1996 | 5 | 13% |
| 1995 | 9 | 10% |
| 1992 | 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