Model year guide

2003 Volkswagen Passat

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Volkswagen Passat is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 161 on record.

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

2003 Volkswagen Passat at a glance

Safety recalls7
Owner complaints641
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$2,077

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

2003 Volkswagen Passat recalls 7

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery NHTSA Campaign #08V156000 · 07/04/2008

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…

Fix: 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 VENTILAT…

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…

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #06V017000 · 23/01/2006

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #07V375000 · 28/08/2007

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.

Fix: 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).

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap NHTSA Campaign #02V026000 · 25/01/2002

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

Fix: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS W…

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 Passat common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 641 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2003 Volkswagen Passat MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,588

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

What's a 2003 Volkswagen Passat worth?

Low
$800
Typical price
$2,077
High
$3,500

From 151 comparable 2003 Volkswagen Passat listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,940
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,250
Total$19,190
Per mile$0.26

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 ($2,077) with the same model 4 model-years older ($1,084), 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 Passat trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS 1.8T · GLX · GLX 4Motion · GL · W8 4Motion · GLS V6 · GLS · W8 4Motion Sport Group
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl 170 hp · 2.8L 6-cyl 190 hp · 4.0L 8-cyl 270 hp

2003 Volkswagen Passat vehicles on record

2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8TWVWPD63B33P385147 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLXWVWRH63B73E428624 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4MotionWVWUK63B63P112972 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4MotionWVWYH63B73E141473 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLXWVWRH63B23P114724 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLWVWMD63BX3E410320 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLXWVWRH63BX3P296544 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8TWVWPD63B83E402679 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4MotionWVWUK63B43P099686 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLXWVWWH63B63E133257 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8TWVWPD63B93P457503 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4MotionWVWYH63BX3E080037 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4MotionWVWTH63B43P280006 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8TWVWPD63B23P342161 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLWVWMD63B33P098331 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLXWVWRH63B33P182479 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLXWVWWH63B83E079475 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLXWVWRH63B03P057844 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4MotionWVWTH63B13P042985 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8TWVWPD63B33P033380 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLXWVWRH63B33P431055 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8TWVWPD63B33P249455 2003 Volkswagen Passat 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4MotionWVWYH63BX3E425230 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8TWVWPD63B53P053100

Other Volkswagen Passat model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996

2003 Volkswagen Passat — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Volkswagen Passat have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Passat?

Based on 641 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system, engine, fuel system.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Volkswagen Passat get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Volkswagen Passat at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2003 Volkswagen Passat worth?

Comparable 2003 Volkswagen Passat listings run roughly $800–$3,500, typically around $2,077 (from 151 vehicles).

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