Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 620 of 628 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 509 of 628 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Fuel system
179 complaint records4 fire reports1 crash report
"FUEL PUMP FALIIURE ON 2003 VW PASSAT CAR STALLED ON I-95 IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC FAMILY WAS STRANDED ON I-95 AT 1:00AM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
156 complaint records29 fire reports2 crash reports
"CAR MISSING A GETTING BAD MILAGE ...SAME CAR DOES NOT RUN WELL AND CAUGHT FIRE BY TURBO 2003 PASSAT VW 1.8 LITER TURBO. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Seats
98 complaint records51 fire reports2 crash reports
"DRIVER'S SIDE CAR SEAT STARTED SMOLDERING THEN FLAMES APPEARED. TURNED OFF CAR SEAT HEATER AND EXTINGUISHED WITH WATER. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seats parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA11002 opened Jan 2011 | closed Feb 2012 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine Compartment Fire In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline,... |
| PE10027 opened Jul 2010 | closed Feb 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine Compartment Fire ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated... |
| PE08008 opened Jan 2008 | closed May 2008 | Fuel System, Other | FUEL TANK LEAK - led to recall 08V157000 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE... |
| EA07014 opened Sep 2007 | closed Jul 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PASSENGER ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 08V156000 THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS... |
| PE07024 opened May 2007 | closed Sep 2007 | Electrical System | PASSENGER/ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES MANY OF THE FIRE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE FIRE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO IGNITION COIL FAILURE.VW PROVIDED ADDITIONAL DATA REGARDING ITS ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE FIRES AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE DIFFERENT ENGINES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS FOR THE SUBJECT... |
Show 1 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP05004 opened Aug 2005 | closed Dec 2005 | Electrical System | ENGINE STALLING BY LETTER RECEIVED ON JUNE 24, 2005, MR. RONALD M. STRICKLAND OF RALEIGH, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF AND PASSAT SEDANS.THE... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V406000 | Air Bags | 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. | Normally free |
| 08V156000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. | Normally free |
| 07V375000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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... | Normally free |
| 07V063000 | Exterior Lighting | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. | Normally free |
| 06V017000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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,... | Normally free |
| 02V026000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018316 2018-06-13 | Airbag | 368 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag could explode if the vehicle is involved in a collision that warrants an airbag deployment. |
| 2008119 2008-04-09 | Fuel System | 21,359 | On certain Passat and Passat Four Motion vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, an underbody heat shield may become damaged. If this occurs, the heat shield may contact the exhaust system, which can result in a vehicle fire. |
| 2006122 2006-05-24 | Lights And Instruments | 244,526 | On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. |
| 2006015 2006-01-19 | Fuel System | 6,630 | On certain Audi A6, A4 Quattro, and Volkswagen Passat vehicles, premature fuel pump wear can lead to pump failure. A failed fuel pump may cause stoppage of fuel supply to the engine, creating an engine stall condition. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V171901201285565 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards | |
| V171901201285562 May 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V171901201285560 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V941901201152119 Dec 2022 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2023. | |
| V271901201189422 Dec 2022 | Electrical System | Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A002155201173212 Dec 2021 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates. | |
| V871806201994714 May 2020 | Equipment | Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A | |
| V941901201152115 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Updated to include additional models and model year applicability. | |
| V011812_2014603 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | Update vehicle metadata to include pull ahead models. Also includes R32 2002-2007 and 2002-2006 Jetta Wagon. | |
| V871812-2005566 Jun 2019 | Equipment | Update vehicle metadata. | |
| SM 33-2019 Mar 2019 | Equipment | The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| TT 91 19 01 Mar 2019 | Electrical System | Alternative method for radio code retrieval. | |
| V171901-2012855 Mar 2019 | Engine | Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards | |
| Gasoline Engine Feb 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document | |
| V271901-2011894 Feb 2019 | Electrical System | Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability. | |
| V941901-2011521 Feb 2019 | Exterior Lighting | Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability. | |
| V871812-2005566 Nov 2018 | Equipment | Update vehicle metadata. | |
| TT 10 12 01 Sep 2018 | Engine | Engine replacement tip | |
| V871809-2005566 Aug 2018 | Equipment | To include an additional model year applicability. | |
| V011812-2014603 Aug 2018 | Electrical System | Update content and include additional models and model year applicability. | |
| A971861 2013504- Jun 2018 | Electrical System | This information bulletin contains instructions for checking the pins/terminals for contacts and nano contacts. | |
| 561065760A Dec 2017 | Electrical System | Installation of original remote start feature accessory | |
| TT001703 Nov 2017 | Electrical System | Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan | |
| TT 961011 Sep 2017 | Equipment | Update to model year applicability. | |
| TT 271002 Sep 2017 | Equipment | Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability. | |
| TT 200901 Aug 2017 | Equipment | Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking. | |
| V171701 2012855 Jul 2017 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 17 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards | |
| SM 44-2017 EN Jun 2017 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward. | |
| VHW-17-11 Jun 2017 | Equipment | VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide | |
| Quick Reference Mar 2017 | Electrical System | Quick Reference of vehicle concerns. Includes a list of Software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns Updated | |
| 1-2017 Update Feb 2017 | Equipment | This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests. | |
| V691601 2010479 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2017. | |
| TT 00-16-02 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Reminder for dealers to reference the repair manual and replace all necessary fasteners (bolts, nuts) that cannot be re-used | |
| V871622 2019947 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update to model year applicability. | |
| V011615 2014815 Oct 2016 | Engine | Update to include additional model year applicability. | |
| V871620 2005566 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update model and model year applicability. | |
| TT 97-12-02 Sep 2016 | Equipment | Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability. | |
| TT001601 Sep 2016 | Equipment | Contacting the parts helpline | |
| V551613_2039446 Jul 2016 | Structure | TO UPDATE MODEL TABLE TO CLARIFY JETTA WAGON APPLICABILITY TO TB CONTENT. | |
| V551612-2039446 Jun 2016 | Structure | Corrosion may be found on the folded edge of the hood. Supersedes TB V551603 | |
| V551610-2038996 Jun 2016 | Equipment | To update claiming process statement. | |
| V531602-2040536 Jun 2016 | Equipment | To update claim processing statement. | |
| V501505_2038981 Jun 2016 | Structure | TO UPDATE CLAIM PROCESSING STATEMENT. | |
| Ref. - Reflash U May 2016 | Electrical System | Quick Reference Update Guide of the vehicles expected upgraded software level. The latest corresponding technical bulletins that address the issues, and concerns that have been had with the vehicles. | |
| V501604 2014370 Mar 2016 | Structure | Technical Bulletin about Paint Finish, Reducing Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches New vehicles (prior to Retail Delivery) with swirl marks and or fine scratches from polishing or cleaning. The document also have infromation about where to find warrenty coverage for the service | |
| V551603 2039446 Feb 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Document discusses Corrosion that may be found on the folded edge of the hood. The corrosion may be found on this edge anywhere around the hood. It discusses how to service it, and document that service. | |
| TB551603 Feb 2016 | Structure | Corrosion on hood edge. | |
| Edition173 Feb 2016 | Equipment | Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults | |
| Update 02122016 Feb 2016 | Electrical System | Quick Reference of vehicle concerns. Includes a list of Software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns Updated | |
| UpdateGuide Feb 2016 | Equipment | Quick reference update guide. | |
| V501603 2038981 Feb 2016 | Wheels | Document discusses issues with The wheel liner touches the arch area of the fender and rubs off the paint in the contact area. The corrosion is caused by dirt accumulations and movements of the wheel liner. It discusses how to service the corrosion issue, and how to document it | |
| TB501603 Feb 2016 | Wheels | Corrosion on wheel arch. | |
| V011602 2014815 Feb 2016 | Fuel System | Technical tips on what to do if improper gasoline has been added to the vehicle. | |
| TB011602 Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Gasoline quality. | |
| V531601 2040536 Feb 2016 | Structure | The document refers to Corrosion being found where the rear bumper cover meets the quarter panel. It discusses how it can happen, and where to find warranty coverage to service the parts | |
| TB531601 Feb 2016 | Structure | Rear quarter panel corrosion. | |
| Airbag Jan 2016 | Air Bags | Airbag Issues. | |
| V921502 2026253 Jul 2015 | Visibility | Technical Bulletin (Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear): Windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. | |
| V871508 2005566 Jul 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Technical Bulletin (HVAC, Unpleasant Odor): Unpleasant odor is coming from Heating and Ventilation system. Odor mainly occurs after vehicle has been sitting (unused) at least 5 hours and within 20 to 60 seconds after vehicle is first started. | |
| V871506 2019947 Jul 2015 | Equipment | Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system component) has failed and debris from the compressor or component is circulated throughout the... |
Showing 60 of 192 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run every power seat adjustment and check the seat frame.Motors that stall and seats that rock on their tracks are this vehicle's seat complaints.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Passat →