Representative model. Photo: OSX, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2003 Volkswagen Passat recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2003 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns: 7
Park-it warnings: 0
Complaints: 641
Latest campaign: Jun 13, 2018

Recall summary by component7

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

Component	Campaigns	Latest	Campaign IDs
Fuel system, gasoline	4	Apr 7, 2008	08V156000 07V375000 06V017000 02V026000
Air bags	1	Jun 13, 2018	18V406000
Engine and engine cooling	1	Mar 7, 2014	14E007000
Exterior lighting	1	Feb 20, 2007	07V063000

Safety recalls7

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

0Park-it warnings

0Fixable over the air

Jun 13, 2018Latest campaign


Jun 13, 201818V406000	Air bags: frontal driver side 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… DetailsHide details for campaign 18V406000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Campaign NHTSA 18V406000 · Jun 13, 2018
Mar 7, 201414E007000	Engine and engine cooling: engine A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 14E007000 What's wrong The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail. Risk A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Remedy Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911. Campaign NHTSA 14E007000 · Mar 7, 2014
Apr 7, 200808V156000	Fuel system, gasoline: delivery A HEAT SHIELD THAT MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. DetailsHide details for campaign 08V156000 What's wrong 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 FRACTURE. Risk 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 4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, AND REPLACE COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987. Campaign NHTSA 08V156000 · Apr 7, 2008
Aug 28, 200707V375000	Fuel system, gasoline: delivery fuel pump IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH. DetailsHide details for campaign 07V375000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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). Campaign NHTSA 07V375000 · Aug 28, 2007
Feb 20, 200707V063000	Exterior lighting: brake lights switch THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. DetailsHide details for campaign 07V063000 What's wrong ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. Risk 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 BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987. Campaign NHTSA 07V063000 · Feb 20, 2007
Jan 23, 200606V017000	Fuel system, gasoline: delivery fuel pump IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH. DetailsHide details for campaign 06V017000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Campaign NHTSA 06V017000 · Jan 23, 2006

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Volkswagen recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2003 Volkswagen Passat? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component641

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h

641Complaints filed

14Involving a crash

95Involving a fire

47Injuries reported

Component	Complaints	%	Crashes	Fires	Injuries
Fuel system	147	23	1	3	0
Gasoline	137	21	0	2	0
Engine and engine cooling	137	21	1	22	3
Seats	99	15	2	52	31
Electrical system	95	15	0	14	5
Service brakes	42	7	1	0	0
Exterior lighting	40	6	0	0	2
Power train	36	6	0	0	2
Structure	29	5	0	0	1
Hydraulic	28	4	0	0	0
Fuel/propulsion system	26	4	0	0	0
Engine	23	4	1	7	1
Air bags	23	4	5	1	9
Visibility	22	3	0	0	1
Equipment	20	3	0	1	2

15 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number, merged from NHTSA model names Passat, Passat W8.

Latest reports

Fuel system
“The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated.”
Filed 11/26/2025 · ODI 11701679
Fuel system
“The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V017000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.”
Filed 03/19/2025 · ODI 11649242
Engine and engine cooling
“The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, coolant leaked onto the front passenger’s side floorboard.”
Filed 12/21/2023 · ODI 11561345

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2003 Volkswagen Passat recall questions

How many recalls does the 2003 Volkswagen Passat have?

NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The most recent, 18V406000 (reported June 13, 2018), concerns air bags. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What are the 2003 Volkswagen Passat recalls for?

The largest group is fuel system, gasoline, with 4 campaigns. Others: air bags (1), engine and engine cooling (1), exterior lighting (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.

What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Volkswagen Passat?

Fuel system is the most-reported component, named in 147 complaints out of 641 filed with NHTSA (23%). Across all complaints, owners reported 14 crashs and 95 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2003 Volkswagen Passat?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Volkswagen recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Volkswagen dealer.

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