One problem related to engine burning oil has been reported for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the 2003 Passat.
I own a 2003 vw Passat v6 awd that currently has ~37000 miles on the odometer. This car uses an excessive amount of oil ever since I bought it new in 2003. The last estimate of oil consumption (July 25, 2007), was ~0. 75 quart per 600 miles, which is what the dealer and vw have said is within the factory specification of 1 quart per 1000 miles. However, neither the dealer nor vw will provide me with written evidence or bulletins describing these specifications. In my opinion, this is excessive oil consumption, which reflects an underlying defect in the design/function of vw engines. Apparently, I am not the only one with this complaint as several of the bulletin boards and internet discussion groups have similar postings. This oil consumption problem may also be related to the accumulation of "engine sludge," which apparently led vw to extend the warranty on certain models. I do not know whether this type of problem falls within the purview of the nhsta, but I am filing this as a complaint and requesting further investigation.