2003 Volkswagen Passat Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 2%of 628 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 2% of the 628 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“On or about feb. 1, 2013, I started my manual-transmission 2003 Volkswagen Passat gls (v6) and shifted into reverse to back out of my driveway. As soon as I took my foot off the brake, the car lurched backward even though I was not depressing the accelerator pedal. I quickly shifted into neutral, engaged the parking brake and turned off the ignition. When I tried to restart the car, it would not start and did not start until about an hour later. …”
NHTSA complaint #10507005, filed 2013-04, 112,000 miles“After a couple attempts to start the vehicle the engine turns over and runs for 2-3 seconds then dies. This happens multiple times before fully starting up and is able to be driven. While out of gear and car is running, pressing on the acceleration does nothing. Car is able to be driven short distances but stalled at one point going approx. 5 MPH. I was told my specific VIN # is not covered under warranty for fuel pump/system malfunctions. If this is a known issue of 2003 Passat's already why would some not be covered?”
NHTSA complaint #10694666, filed 2015-03, 116,000 miles“When I stepped on the gas for the passing gear, the gas pedal remained stuck to the floor. This happened on two different days. The only way I could stop was to put the car in natural,and turn off the key. Took the car to the dealer who said that there might have been ice stuck to the gas pedal cable?????????? I almost got killed with the car going 100 MPH before I could get it under control.”
NHTSA complaint #10010729, filed 2003-03, 6,630 miles“I was stopped at a light with several cars in front of me. When the light changed and the car ahead of me moved and was about 15 feet in front I took my foot of the brake and the car accelerated forward with out me touching the gas pedal. I was startled and I slammed on the brakes. The car did not slow down at all and only the rear end of the car in front of me stopped my car. I looked down at my foot to make sure I had hit the brakes and not the accelerator. My foot was squarely in the middle of the brake pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10109986, filed 2005-02, 10,700 miles“On a super highway(315), columbus, ohio,at rush hour in the morning, the engine RPM suddenly jumps from about 3000 to the red line at 7500. The car quickly accelerates to almost 100 miles an hour. I try to press the brakes as hard as I can, and maneuver the car to avoid collision with slower vehicles. It takes about seven minutes to slow the car to a relatively safe speed. In the meantime the engine is revving at 7500 RPM all the time. I stop the car safely and wothout collision. The clutch appears to be completely un-operational. The car is towed to to the dealer(mag in dublin, ohio). …”
NHTSA complaint #10061935, filed 2004-03, 2,400 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10236450Feb 17, 2016Corrosion on hood edge.
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 4 | 9% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 11 | 10% |
| 2015 | 10 | 4% |
| 2014 | 13 | 2% |
| 2013 | 15 | 2% |
| 2012 | 14 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 32 | 6% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 6 | 2% |
| 2003 | 14 | 2% |
| 2002 | 16 | 3% |
| 2001 | 19 | 4% |
| 2000 | 15 | 3% |
| 1999 | 32 | 5% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 10% |
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 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 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