2003 Volkswagen Passat Recalls
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2003, Jetta 2003, Eurovan 2003 +1 more
Reported issue: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Possible consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X3.
- Fuel system, gasoline › DeliveryCovers: Volkswagen Passat 1999–2005
Reported issue: Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8t engines only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion/all wheel drive only) that can leak due to…
Possible consequence: A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8t engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8t vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on…
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2003, Audi A4 2003, A6 2003
Reported issue: On certain vehicles equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.
Possible consequence: If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on september 28, 20007. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-222-8987 or audi at 1-800-822-2834. This recall is a supplement to a previous campaign (please see 06v017).
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2003–2005, Golf 1999–2006, GTI 1999–2006 +3 more
Reported issue: On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Possible consequence: The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. Vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06v-183, but not…
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2003, Audi A4 2003, A6 2003
Reported issue: On certain vehicles produced from september 2002 - march 2003, equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.
Possible consequence: If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on april 10, 2006. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-222-8987 or audi at 1-800-822-2834.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and capCovers: Volkswagen Passat 1998–2003, Jetta 1997–1999, Cabrio 1998
Reported issue: On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.
Possible consequence: Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. Owner notification began june 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles…
NHTSA investigations
- EA11002Engine Compartment FireClosed · Jan 26, 2011
- PE10027Engine Compartment FireClosed · Jul 26, 2010
- EA07014Passenger engine compartment firesClosed · Sep 28, 2007
- PE07024Passenger/engine compartment firesClosed · May 10, 2007
← 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.