general problems of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat

Seven problems related to power train have 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.

1 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/24/2015

The ad blue heater failures are rampant is all Passat models 2012 to 2015. The safety issue is that in the winter time when ad blue freezes the car goes into a non restart countdown. If the car stalls during this time the person may be stuck in sub zero weather without heat. The ad blue heater is only covered under the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty because they say it does not qualify as emissions control system. The car will shut down because if the ad blue freezes the emissions goes unexpectedly high so how can this not be part of the emissions system? the cost of repair is $1,000 plus.

2 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/15/2014

Car was constantly getting the passager side (front and back) flooded w water during a rain storm. Had to get new battery cleaned out sunroof drainage. It didn't matter. Whenever it rained the battery would be dead because the control module which is there is all messed up sending mixed messages. Finely just died in the middle of the road. Not worth putting money into the car. I purchased this car less then a year ago and had this problem after the first rain and went down from their. Im so disappointed hoping buying a used vw I was going to be satisfied but had nothing trouble from day one.

3 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/06/2013

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the gear shifter could independently shift from park to drive without the contact depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000. . . Updated 12-26-13 the consumer stated property damaged resulted, due to the brake failure. Updated 12/30/13.

4 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/09/2013

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Acura mdx. The contact stated the transmission on the vehicle shuttered while driving 40 mph. The contact stated the shuttered stopped when he took his foot off of the accelerator pedal, but it started to shutter again when it was engaged. The shuttering seemed to occur between third and forth gear. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. The failure and current mileage was 66,000. Rvk.

5 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2013

I was driving on the highway around 47-50 mph all of a sudden I heard a strong hit,as if someone hit me from the rear. . . Then my dashboard started flashing and all the transmission gears got locked up, I was able to stop the car and turn it off, funny thing is this happens during summer only when it's hot outside otherwise, I don't see it. . . This can be dangerous.

6 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2008

I own a 2003 Volkswagen Passat with a 1. 8t engine. The car has 70,000 miles and I just found out it has engine sludge. I bought the car used around may 2004 with around 34,000 miles and never received any information from the dealer I bought the car from (not vw dealer) about sludge problems and never received any information from vw of America about altered oil change schedule and using fully synthetic motor oil. Being unaware of the problems these engines were having I followed the owners manual recommended oil changes of 5,000. I was not aware of saving receipts of changes and performed several myself. My display showed a stop engine low oil press message so I immediately took it to my independent mechanic who performed some tests and told me I had engine sludge. As of now I have no recourse with vw of America as far as fixing an engine they know is flawed.

7 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/05/2005

2003 Volkswagen GLS Passat with several problems. Consumer states that they have had problems with the fuel pump, cam shaft sensor and more. The vehicle stalled on 2 occasions due to a faulty fuel pump. The consumer soon discovered there was a recall on the fuel pump, however the consumers vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. The front cv boot and timing belt were replaced. The vehicle also had a transmission leak. The drivers heated seat malfunctioned.




Safety Ratings of Passat Cars
Fuel Economy of Passat Vehicles
Passat Service Bulletins
Passat Safety Recalls
Passat Defect Investigations