2003 Volkswagen Passat Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 628 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,650miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the tires of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 1% of the 628 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,650 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.
“I have owned my Passat for 17 months, I have replaced tires twice, and have had a total of three flat tires, two of which were the r rear. I read other complaints in regards to the r rear tire. Notified my dealer, they wouldn't do anything, stated that I would have to contact the tire company. Well, two different brand tires, and still the same problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10104016, filed 2004-12, 20,000 miles“I purchase a new 2003 Volkswagen Passat from burlington Volkswagen 2 years ago and have taken it back to the dealership at least 7 times since then for a myriad of problems, from airbag lights coming on to check enginge light to the latest of the car shutting off in the middle of the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10129949, filed 2005-07, 47,000 miles“One continental contitouring contact tire (205 55r16) on the right rear wheel with approximately 23,300 miles failed unexpectantly at highway speed (approx 65 MPH). Tire tread separated from sidewall and damaged brake line and wheelwell liner. Was able to maintain control of vehicle which is a Passat glx with the 4 motion all wheel drive system. Had all four tires replaced when tire technician could not find any cause of tire failure (e.g. Punctures, hot spots, tire not round). Kept old tire and sidewall parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10072445, filed 2004-05, 23,300 miles“On october 2nd, I was driving on interstate 85 in durham, north carolina when I heard a faint pop and then felt my car transfer weight from the left to the right. As I looked in my review I saw a tire without a rim rolling behind me. I merged to the left shoulder and stopped under an underpass. Upon further investigation I discovered my left rear tire tread belt had blown away from both the inner and outer side walls. The tread belt was still completely intact, making it look as if it were a donut. The inner and outer side walls had remained intact to the rim. …”
NHTSA complaint #10169806, filed 2006-10Related service bulletins
- 10238972Jun 6, 2014The use of tire dressing gives your tires that shiny finish that completes the image of a clean (new) vehicle. There are many different tire dressing products available. When…
- 10120155Jun 6, 2014Tech Tips (All vehicles-Tire dressing for vehicle detailing): The use of tire dressing gives your tires that shiny finish that completes the image of a clean (new) vehicle. This…
Tires: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 4 | 2% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 1% |
| 2002 | 13 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 12 | 2% |
| 1998 | 4 | 1% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 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