2003 Volkswagen Passat
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Fuel System
Fuel System leads by volume: 169 of 628 complaints (27%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Body, Seats & Latches include more reported injuries (34) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 636 in 2002 to 628 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Midsize Station Wagons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,350–4,300 | 3,350–4,300 | 3,350–4,300 | 3,300–4,300 | 3,300–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 18–23 | 18–23 | 18–23 | 18–27 | 19–27 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15–20 / 22–29 | 16–19 / 23–28 | 15–19 / 22–28 | 15–23 / 22–34 | 17–23 / 24–34 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 386–494 | 386–494 | 386–494 | 377–494 | 377–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 430 | 636 | 628 | 279 | 148 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 14 | 10 | 14 | 9 | 7 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 14 | 46 | 94 | 25 | 11 | |
| Injuries reported | 11 | 19 | 46 | 23 | 4 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Volkswagen Passat have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Volkswagen Passat?
Fuel System: 169 of 628 NHTSA complaints (27%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Volkswagen Passat get?
EPA rates it 18–23 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Volkswagen Passat?
EPA estimates $3,350–$4,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (14)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S5) | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 386 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 386 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (S5) | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 13 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 14 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
Show 1 more configuration
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 153 | 2 | 29 | 4 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 35 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 169 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 90 | 0 | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Brakes | 46 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 27 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 14 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 131 | 2 | 51 | 34 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 59 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Other | 24 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 18V406000 · Jun 20, 2018
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 14E007000 · Mar 12, 2014
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY · Campaign 08V156000 · Apr 7, 2008
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 07V375000 · Aug 22, 2007
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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).
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 07V063000 · Feb 21, 2007
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 06V017000 · Jan 25, 2006
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP · Campaign 02V026000 · Jan 26, 2002
Defect: 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.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: 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 WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.