Model year guide

2003 Volkswagen Golf

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Volkswagen Golf is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 11 on record.

2003 Volkswagen Golf — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Volkswagen Golf at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints31
Combined30 mpg
Typical price$2,300

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Volkswagen Golf recalls 6

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #18V406000 · 13/06/2018

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.

Fix: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #14E007000 · 07/03/2014

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 i…

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #07E023000 · 29/03/2007

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Fix: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #07V063000 · 20/02/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

Fix: 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 O…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Volkswagen Golf common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

2003 Volkswagen Golf MPG & running costs

Combined30 mpg
City26 mpg
Highway35 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,425

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Volkswagen Golf worth?

Low
$1,200
Typical price
$2,300
High
$4,300

From 10 comparable 2003 Volkswagen Golf listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Volkswagen Golf costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,125
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,200
Total$13,325
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,300) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,585), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Volkswagen Golf trims & engines on record

Trims
GL · GLS
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 115 hp

2003 Volkswagen Golf vehicles on record

2003 Volkswagen Golf GL9BWFK61J934035900 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf GLS9BWGK61JX34050054 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL9BWBK61J534007705 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL9BWBK61J834007150 2003 Volkswagen Golf GLS9BWGK61J434051023 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL9BWFK61J234025855 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL9BWFK61J334035486 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL9BWBK61J234007967 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL9BWBK61JX34047827 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL9BWBK61J934059290 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL9BWFK61J334004027

Other Volkswagen Golf model years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

2003 Volkswagen Golf — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Volkswagen Golf have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volkswagen Golf?

Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Volkswagen Golf get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Volkswagen Golf at about 30 mpg combined (26 city / 35 highway).

How much is a 2003 Volkswagen Golf worth?

Comparable 2003 Volkswagen Golf listings run roughly $1,200–$4,300, typically around $2,300 (from 10 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.