One problem related to starter 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.
Vehicle would not start on Aug. 26. Starter cranked but engine failed to turn over and start. Dealer diagnosed as fuel pump failure. Vehicle has approximately 88,000 miles. We were informed manufacturer vw has recalled fuel pumps for this make and model year (2003) but not this particular VIN. We also understand vw originally limited recall to an even smaller batch of vins. We believe the fuel pump defect is more extensive than vw is willing to acknowledge. The repair is currently not under warranty and will cost our family approximately $655 to repair, plus towing and car rental costs. We are lucky the failure occurred during a cold start and not on the road, where we could have been stranded in a desert, a storm, or the middle of an intersection with oncoming traffic. This is a major safety concern. After dealer claimed to have fixed problem on Aug. 29,2007, we took the vehicle home and it again failed to start, or even crank. Dealer has towed it back and is reviewing. Updated 01-15-08. The consumer stated the second failure was diagnosed as a failed battery. Updated.