2003 Volkswagen Passat

Trims and configurations

14 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

• 1.8L · FWD · 5-speed automatic
• 1.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
• 2.8L · FWD · 5-speed automatic
• 2.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
• Passat 4motion · 2.8L · AWD · 5-speed automatic
• Passat 4motion · 4.0L · AWD · 5-speed automatic
• Passat 4motion · 4.0L · AWD · 6-speed manual
• Passat Wagon · 1.8L · FWD · 5-speed automatic
• Passat Wagon · 1.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
• Passat Wagon · 2.8L · FWD · 5-speed automatic
• Passat Wagon · 2.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
• Passat Wagon 4motion · 2.8L · AWD · 5-speed automatic
• Passat Wagon 4motion · 4.0L · AWD · 5-speed automatic
• Passat Wagon 4motion · 4.0L · AWD · 6-speed manual

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 18, 2026.

• 18V406000: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

  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.

  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…

  Reported June 13, 2018. View on NHTSA

• 14E007000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

  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…

  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.

  Reported March 7, 2014. View on NHTSA

• 08V156000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

  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)…

  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…

  Reported April 7, 2008. View on NHTSA

• 07V375000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

  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.

  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).

  Reported August 28, 2007. View on NHTSA

• 07V063000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

  ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

  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…

  Reported February 20, 2007. View on NHTSA

• 06V017000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

  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.

  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.

  Reported January 23, 2006. View on NHTSA

• 02V026000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

  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.

  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…

  Reported January 25, 2002. View on NHTSA

Data sources

• EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 18, 2026 · US Government public data
• NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 18, 2026 · US Government public data

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

• Vehicle2002Gasoline
  2002 Volkswagen Passat

  Gasoline

  Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 4.0L 8-cylinder (FFS) · Varies by configuration: AWD, FWD
  23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)

• Vehicle2004Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Diesel
  2004 Volkswagen Passat

  Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Diesel

  Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.0L 8-cylinder, 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged · Varies by configuration: AWD, FWD
  27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions