2003 Volkswagen Passat Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 4%of 628 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the visibility of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 4% of the 628 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“I own a 2003 vw Passat, the new style windshield wipers are usless in snowy and/or icy conditions. The snow and ice accumulateon the wipping blade with no where to discharge it. This occours on every swipe not after long term use. I complained at the dealership and vw and was told nothing can be done but was told that other owners complain about the wipers. During snow conditions I have to drive at 20-25 MPH and turn the wipers off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10062202, filed 2004-03, 10,000 miles“The rear window glass fell inside the door while traveling at 80 MPH, causing my family to get extremely alarmed. I tried to put it back up via the power window switch on the door but it was incorporative. When I took it to Volkswagen, they said a pin holding the window up broke. This is unacceptable as I had an infant next to the window at the time of the incident. Because of the infant's location, my wife's purse strap hit him in the face causing mirror injury.”
NHTSA complaint #10131419, filed 2005-08, 51,000 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“My side window blew out while driving 65 MPH on mostly rural stretch of highway 94, driving eastbound near waukesha, wi. I was in the leftmost lane with no vehicles within 50 yards to the front or back of my car. I don't believe anything struck the window and I didn't see any cracks in the glass before I got on the highway. It was about 30 degrees outside and we had our heater on for about 30 minutes inside the car. I drive a 2003 vw Passat. No accident or injuries to myself or my passenger resulted from the window explosion. …”
NHTSA complaint #10149869, filed 2006-02, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123011Jul 22, 2015Technical Bulletin (Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear): Windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. To avoid unnecessary…
- 10122956May 8, 2015Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open…
- 10122911Apr 20, 2015Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor operates but the…
- 10242998Dec 22, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242997Dec 15, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239541Sep 24, 2014Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10243022Sep 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 12 | 5% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 23 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 8 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 4% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 13 | 5% |
| 2003 | 22 | 4% |
| 2002 | 27 | 4% |
| 2001 | 31 | 7% |
| 2000 | 26 | 5% |
| 1999 | 33 | 5% |
| 1998 | 27 | 8% |
| 1997 | 16 | 43% |
| 1996 | 12 | 30% |
| 1995 | 20 | 22% |
| 1994 | 2 | 8% |
| 1993 | 17 | 25% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1991 | 6 | 25% |
| 1990 | 8 | 24% |
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 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 30, 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