2003 Volkswagen Passat Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 5%of 628 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,250miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 5% of the 628 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,250 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2003 Volkswagen Passat is holding 6inches or more of water on the passenger side in the floor board and has shorted out the computer underneath, in servicing the car the technician advised he found 3 other Volkswagen passats of the same year to have the same defect. I have also been advised that a serious crash could have resulted because the computer underneath regulates the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10232663, filed 2008-06, 81,000 miles“I have had my 2003 vw Passat a year now I have just noticed in the past week that it had a leak I thought it was from the window or sun roof I went to vacuum the car out on a nice day and seen that it still had very wet carpet and then noticed the carpet was a green color like it was coolant I then had my bf check it and it is. I run a daycare and use this car daily with my children we have been breathing in this coolant for weeks now and that probably explains my daughter saying she gets headaches when we drive the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10712445, filed 2015-04, 135,800 miles“After rainy days my 2003 Passat wagon (4 motion) has 1 -2 inches of water on floor of the front passenger side. This has now been to the dealer twice (I just took it back today) - the first time they told us that it was a drain problem from the sun roof that was clogged. The carpet smells and I am afraid that the electric seats will soon short out.”
NHTSA complaint #10098898, filed 2004-11, 24,000 miles“After rainstorm, our 2003 Passat wagon began developing a musty odor with no apparent water inside the vehicle. For a couple of days, the alarm also would go off for no reason. Eventually, the odor subsided and we thought nothing of it until the next major rainstorm a few months later. After this event, water apparently leaked into the front passenger side of the car through a sunroof drain and caused the electrical system in the car to go haywire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10206976, filed 2007-10, 55,000 miles“Pollen filter and/ or sunroof drains become blocked and water leaks behind battery and into cabin of car. The water then pools under and behind the drivers seat where the convenience module is stored. I am concerned because it caused my car to be unable to start because it is affecting the electrical components of the car. In addition, the pooling under the drivers seat is troubling since it is a hub for interior electrical equipment. The convenience module in my car now has to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10275432, filed 2009-07, 42,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10236426Sep 23, 2016Contacting the parts helpline
- 10107841Jul 13, 2016To update model table to clarify jetta wagon applicability to tb content.
- 10128386Jun 9, 2016Corrosion may be found on the folded edge of the hood. Supersedes TB V551603
- 10095561Jun 7, 2016To update claim processing statement.
- 10121169Mar 28, 2016Technical Bulletin about Paint Finish, Reducing Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches New vehicles (prior to Retail Delivery) with swirl marks and or fine scratches from polishing or…
- 10236450Feb 17, 2016Corrosion on hood edge.
- 10236448Feb 1, 2016Rear quarter panel corrosion.
- 10121111Feb 1, 2016The document refers to Corrosion being found where the rear bumper cover meets the quarter panel. It discusses how it can happen, and where to find warranty coverage to service…
- 10121263Mar 2, 2015Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative issue diagnosis): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor…
- 10242998Dec 22, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 | 31 | 4% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 29 | 5% |
| 2002 | 30 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 5% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 8% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 6 | 6% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
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 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsEngine
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