2003 Volkswagen Passat Volkswagen Passat 2003

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2003 Volkswagen Passat repairs by problem area

Engine (52%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (14%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (7%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (16%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (1%)

Other (3%)

Chart based on 463 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat.

2003 Volkswagen Passat repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (11%)

$500 - $999 (16%)

$100 - $499 (41%)

< $100 (29%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 347 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Volkswagen Passat

Engine not specified

Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2014 - Jun 2014
Mar 2014

98580 mi

C $350
Check engine light on. Replaced a sensor to pass Ontario Drive Clean check. 
Jun 2014

98580 mi

C $150
Multiple failures... including timing chain 
Volkswagen Passat in Maryland, United States
Oct 2014 - Jan 2015
Jan 2015

270000 mi

US $148
oil leak in an engine seal and a flat tire. 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Dec 2014 - Dec 2014
Dec 2014

152000 mi

US $100
Heater core failure. A known weakness in Passat and other VW models. $1500 to $2000 repair, if anyone will even do it. 10 to 20 hours of labor for a $100 part. I bypassed the heater core with some fittings. Cannot drive car in cold weather. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Mar 2010
Sep 2009

70000 mi

US $900
Water pump leaking. 
Volkswagen Passat in Wyoming, United States
Aug 2011 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011

98000 mi

US $7500
Transmission needed to be replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in Missouri, United States
Jan 2017 - Jan 2018
Oct 2017

172000 mi

US $200
heater core replacement 
Volkswagen Passat in Chile
Jan 2011 - Feb 2011
Feb 2011

42780 mi

$1300
Water pump and thermostat failure at 69,000 KM. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2013
Feb 2012

119700 mi

US $350
Had check engine light on and the car was running rough when idling. Found vacuum leak due to cracked pipes and valves which were fixed. 
May 2012

123700 mi
Leaking coolant 
Sep 2012

128000 mi

US $128
ignition coil bust on Cylinder #2 Check Engine light has come on again! 
Apr 2013

134000 mi

US $480
Engine and transmission mounts broken. Ignition coil bust. Again! 
Jun 2013

134000 mi
Engine oil leaking Engine overheating 
Volkswagen Passat in Washington, United States
May 2009 - Mar 2010
Jun 2009

97000 mi

US $1527
One spark plug coil failed Headlight and 3 running lights replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in New Hampshire, United States
Aug 2005 - Dec 2009
Dec 2005

31500 mi
Engine runs rough when cold. Reset computer. 
Oct 2006

41990 mi

US $79
Oil pump replaced under warranty. 
Sep 2007

54500 mi
Temperature cooling sensor required replacement. Temp. not functioning. Brake light switch recall 
Sep 2008

65000 mi

US $550
universal joints replced. 
Jan 2009

70500 mi

US $15
Replaced low beam headlight. Done by owner with no labor costs. 
Volkswagen Passat in Georgia, United States
Apr 2015 - Jun 2015
May 2015

165300 mi

US $404
Right front CV axle replacement Secondary air intake hoses cracking/splitting. Timing magneto fault. 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2011
Aug 2010

113000 mi

US $650
replace oil pump and oil pan flex pipe between catalytic converter and muffler cracked 
Volkswagen Passat in Connecticut, United States
Feb 2016 - Jun 2018
Feb 2016

89000 mi

US $1100
Valve cover, cam tensioner gaskets, PCV valve, and plastic breather with associated hoses to fix oil leaks and oil dripping on Exhaust pipe causing oil smell. 
Sep 2016

92000 mi

US $325
Hood would not open. Unable to check under the hood. Dealer had to replace the entire hood latch assembly. 
May 2017

95359 mi

US $148
System tested and recharged with addition of Ultraviolet dye to help check for leaks. 
Jan 2018

96369 mi

US $14
tube for refilling crankcase was discovered broken during annual oil change. Replaced. 
Apr 2018

96000 mi

US $228
Check engine light on, some hesitation during warm up. Tech found diagnostic codes P0300-P0400. misfiring sparkplugs. Plugs replaced, check engine light remains off. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Nov 2019 - Dec 2020
Mar 2020

163000 mi

US $120
Alternator failed. Removed and replaced. Coolant Temp Sensor failed. Removed and replaced. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Jun 2010 - Jan 2019
Jan 2010

77890 mi

US $1325
Water pump replaced. Went ahead and changed timing belt,rollers, serpentine belt 
Jan 2011

98000 mi

US $80
CEL on. Ran VagCom. Indicated faulty MAF. Replaced with new MAF. 
Sep 2011

112000 mi

US $180
Fuel pump bad, replaced 
Apr 2012

119700 mi

US $85
Torn CV boot, replaced passenger side half shaft with new CV's and boots. 
May 2013

133000 mi

US $50
Engine hood support arm. Took 5 minutes to replace. 
Volkswagen Passat in Oklahoma, United States
- Oct 2009
Oct 2009

134000 mi

US $51
Replace broken dipstick funnel. 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2008 - Jul 2016
Apr 2008

60760 mi

C $250
Signal indicator would continue "clicking" or "click" sporadically even without lights flashing. Replaced turn signal lever (faulty contacts). 
Dec 2008

71300 mi

C $1500
Boots cracked, leaked lubricant, had to replace driveshafts (both). Head gasket leak, replaced. 
Jul 2009

75640 mi
Passenger seat heater stopped working, switch was replaced for 2nd time (original warranty recall). 
Oct 2009

79360 mi

C $300
Engine oil major leak - oil cooler failed. Replaced.  
Mar 2010

83080 mi
Seat heater does not work, replaced switch, still does not work 
Mar 2011

93620 mi

C $1000
Water pump failed, caused engine to overheat. As a result, timing belt was changed at same time. 
May 2011

95220 mi

C $250
Wheel bearings replaced 
Jan 2012

93940 mi

C $200
Oil Seals leaking, had to be replaced 
Feb 2013

121060 mi

C $200
Broken caliper 
Aug 2013

128960 mi

C $750
Check Engine Warning (Emissions) Directed to Cooling System - causing car to run too rich or lean Replaced Thermostat, Coolant Temp Sensor, Broken Coolant Recovery Tank, Coolant Flush 
Sep 2013

129580 mi
Check Engine warning still comes on, replaced PCV valve at no cost. Turbocharger intercooler also had an airleak, was replaced, no cost. 
Dec 2013

132060 mi

C $1200
brake lines cracked, replaced Electronic unit in drivers door controlling power mirrors, interior lights, lights on chimes, etc stopped working Downspout from turbo exhaust cracked and leaking - caused exhaust smell to enter cabin 
Mar 2014

134540 mi
Valve cover gasket leaking oil, replaced Brake lines replaced by Dealer in Dec 2013 were found to be bubbled and almost ruptured by independent shop. Car returned to dealer, where they were replaced without question. 
Sep 2014

140120 mi

C $200
broken brake calliper, some fluid leak 
Nov 2014

142920 mi

C $300
Oil leaks from oil hoses were dropping on exhaust, causing burning oil smell to enter the cabin. Hoses replaced. 
Nov 2015

158340 mi

C $300
Coolant Recovery Tank replaces and some worn out hoses Also - fuel line leak (in another spot from previous) 
Feb 2016

162380 mi

C $1500
Clutch bearing disintegrated, required replacement of pressure plates and related parts (flywheel OK). Clutch had about 100,000km on it but still had plenty of life if not for the bearing failure. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Dec 2011 - Jan 2014
Jan 2012

115800 mi

US $1500
Replaced clutch. 
Sep 2013

128000 mi

US $500
coolant lean - coolant flange leaked. fixed. 
Jan 2014

130000 mi
replaced driver side axle due to torn cv boots 
Volkswagen Passat in Kenya
May 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

50840 mi

$31600
the exhaust had a defect 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2007 - Mar 2010
Nov 2009

115320 mi

C $344
Replaced both low beam headlight bulbs (1 burnt out). 
Volkswagen Passat in Moscow City, Russia
Nov 2009 - Jun 2018
May 2010

70040 mi
Steering column universal joint squeak 
Jul 2010

71600 mi

$50
Right horn (low-pitch tone) died 
Sep 2010

73160 mi

$85
Flex joint on downpipe was about to fail. Joint has been damaged by road roughness in countryside far before. Whole downpipe replaced. 
Sep 2012

85560 mi

$15
Steering column U joint replaced 
Nov 2012

87300 mi

$100
AC Compressor tensioner roller 
Jun 2013

90520 mi

$60
Rear wiper washer fluid tube seized up within wiper arm shaft, fluid nozzle rotated with wiper arm 
Jun 2016

153140 mi

$15
Coolant flange leak, replaced 
Mar 2017

158100 mi

$100
Front pads and rotors replaced 
Dec 2017

159960 mi
Brake lights switch contacts cleaning 
Jun 2018

159960 mi

$16
Brake lights switch (brake lights were not lighting up) Recharge of the AC System with R134a DIY kit. Last recharge was in 2009. 
Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States
Apr 2007 - Dec 2012
Dec 2007

50000 mi

US $600
Thermostat failed and needed replaced. Illumination for HVAC controls went out. Bulb replaced. 
Feb 2008

52000 mi

US $600
Coolant temperature sensor failed, causing CEL to illuminate. Recently received a letter in the mail noting that there will be a warranty extension regarding this exact problem. Have not yet received reimbursement. 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Dec 2006 - Nov 2018
Jan 2007

33500 mi
No repairs, rr door trim replaced on warranty at month no.2 
May 2007

35000 mi
"MIL" light on for 200 mile trip back to dealer. No mileage or performance degradation. Dealer says fuel pump relay coded and replaced. 
May 2008

41000 mi

US $140
CV joint boot failed, after hours of argument and research dealer agrees repair is covered by extended warranty purchased with the new car. Poor business practice at dealer. 
Jun 2009

49000 mi

US $50
right front outer CV boot replaced. Alot of different style VW Passat cv joints; options to get correct part: auto or manual, 4 or 6 cyl engine, fwd or awd, model year, vin #(production month/year). 
Jan 2011

60000 mi

US $485
solid check engine engine light. code was cooling system and sensor. R&R thermostat and sensor, add coolant. Dealer great but awful expensive. 
Oct 2012

76000 mi

US $160
I thought coolant leak (very slight a pint every month) was from head gasket. Shop could have charged $2000 but this honest shop found flange corroded on rear of head. My go to shop and I provide free advertising for him. 
Dec 2016

115000 mi
split boot LF. boot replaced but clicking still on left turns when cold. Have replacement CVj oint from Pelican. Will replace it first quarter 2017. 
Feb 2017

117000 mi

US $85
New OEM CV joint replacement from Pelican parts. LF, neglected split boot too long. CV joint clicked on left turns. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Nov 2010 - Oct 2011
Apr 2011

100000 mi

US $440
leaking gasket 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

270-horsepower 4.0L W8 6-speed manual AWD

Volkswagen Passat in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2011 - Sep 2014
Jun 2011

114080 mi

C $180
Thermostat on blink. Since repair would cost $1200, and there didn't seem to be a major problem with overheating, we have left it for the time being. 
Aug 2014

143920 mi

C $1500
Failed thermostat. Part very expensive and hard to get at. Also needed new serpentine belt which cost $170 plus an hour's labor. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

270-horsepower 4.0L W8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2011
Mar 2010

111000 mi
Cam chain adjuster throwing error codes. Problem solved through early oil change combined with Seafoam to remove varnish. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Mar 2006 - Mar 2010
Mar 2007

51000 mi
Roof rain gutter rails, or whatever they are called, have had history of not staying in track at the back of the station wagon. Brand new rails put in at one time. Dealer tried to glue them down. Didn't work 
Jul 2007

52000 mi

US $434
Wire to memory seat buttons had gotten crimped and you had to hold the button while seat adjusted rather than push and release the button. Door lock sensor was bad so remote would lock all doors at one time, unlock drivers door, unlock rear hatch, but would not unlock all four doors and hatch at one time. Also caused warning bell to not sound when opening door with headlights still on. 
Mar 2009

61000 mi

US $329
Rain-sensing wipers run double time even when driving 5-10 miles an hour in light mist. Dealer first thought was a wire problem, then thought was speed switch on wiper lever, and now wants to see car again to try to figure out source of problem. 
Volkswagen Passat in Georgia, United States
May 2010 - Jul 2016
Jul 2010

110000 mi

US $1100
Antifreeze was leaking and had to replace water pump and have timing belt replaced 
Aug 2011

133000 mi

US $345
Leak in the coolant system had to replace the coolant container. Also, electrical switch was clicking and had to repair this also. 
Apr 2012

134000 mi

US $1265
Water pump failed which caused a problem to the timing belt which had to be replaced also. 
Jun 2012

135000 mi

US $550
Heater Core has gone out but did not fix.  However had to replace the catalytic converter 
Sep 2013

138000 mi
Car overheats, replaced the temp sensor, auxiliary fan and expansion tank. Car is still overheating 
Sep 2015

168000 mi

US $650
A short developed by the sunroof and caused all electricals on the dashboard and AC to stop. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Dec 2008 - Mar 2022
Feb 2009

91000 mi

US $1064
Oil leak, burning smell when drive car.  
Jun 2009

94000 mi
Small oil leak from valve cover onto exhaust. Burning smell when engine cold. 
Oct 2009

99000 mi

US $240
Replace torn front CV joint boot. 
May 2011

122300 mi

US $700
replace front wheel bearings. Control arm broke during repair and was replaced free by dealer. 
Dec 2011

134000 mi

US $50
Reset computer before smog check 
Mar 2012

139000 mi

US $350
Replaced loose motor mount. 
Jun 2012

143000 mi

US $300
Leaking heater hoses replaced, losing coolant. 
Feb 2013

154000 mi

US $700
Heater core leaking and no heat in car. Replaced heater core. 
May 2013

158000 mi

US $2000
Leaks in thermostat housing and hoses. Replaced hoses, timing belt, and other parts during repair. 
Dec 2013

166000 mi

US $3000
Replace both catalytic converters to pass California smog test. Replaced front torn CV boots and axles. 
Sep 2014

173000 mi

US $1400
Replace leaking water pump and hoses. Replace leaking motor mount. 
Mar 2015

178000 mi

US $1500
Replace upper control rods, bushings, and struts. 
Jun 2015

181000 mi

US $1000
Replace alternator, belts. Replace transmission mounts. 
Sep 2015

182000 mi

US $1500
Replace lower control arms and bushings 
Feb 2016

186000 mi

US $300
Thermostat leaking 
Mar 2016

187000 mi

US $1200
Valve cover gaskets and crankcase breather parts 
Dec 2016

195000 mi

US $1200
Replaced failed water pump. Also replaced the thermostat because the water pump was being done. 
Jun 2017

200000 mi

US $300
Replaced rear turn signal electrical connectors. Changed brake fluid. 
Oct 2017

204000 mi

US $760
Fuel pump replaced 
Dec 2017

205000 mi

US $800
Replace radiator and thermostat. 
Mar 2018

208000 mi
Replace thermostat under warranty that failed. Shop caused the problem with a bad part. 
Nov 2021

231000 mi

US $110
Check engine light on, car failing Calif smog test. Did not repair car. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Volkswagen Passat in Georgia, United States
Sep 2009 - Oct 2013
Oct 2009

88000 mi

US $10
Secondary Air Intake Pump Vacuum lines replaced 
Feb 2010

89000 mi

US $1500
Cam seals 
Sep 2011

113000 mi
Check Engine Light on - fault diagnosis is secondary air pump - only needed during warmup 
Oct 2013

139000 mi

US $360
Bearing noise 
Volkswagen Passat in Arizona, United States
Aug 2009 - Feb 2011
Feb 2011

101000 mi

US $375
fuel pump had to be replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2009 - Sep 2014
Dec 2009

126000 mi
Brake caliper bolts needed to be replaced due to binding. MIL came on for O2 sensor. Used Scan tool to monitor the output, found nothing amiss. Reset code and has not reappeared. 
Feb 2010

127300 mi

US $27
Blown headlight bulb. Passenger side again. Seems to need one every 18 months or so. Driver's is fine. 
Jan 2012

129300 mi

US $10
MIL indicated. Coolant sensor failure. PIA to replace, but inexpensive part. 
Volkswagen Passat in Connecticut, United States
Jul 2009 - Jul 2012
Nov 2009

51000 mi

US $780
Check engine light: faulty camshaft sensor; used VW recommended fix - rewired connections. 
Dec 2010

64000 mi

US $677
Replaced leaking valve cover gaskets, flushed cooling system. 
Volkswagen Passat in Utah, United States
Mar 2010 - Jan 2017
Nov 2011

95100 mi

US $60
Failed timing belt tensioner. Found and fixed before catastrophic engine failure. 
Sep 2014

143000 mi

US $300
Replaced control arms. 
Sep 2016

161000 mi

US $140
2nd Coil pack went south as reported by VCDS. This one was a non OEM part that was only one year old. Going back to OEM for better longitivity. 
Volkswagen Passat in Maine, United States
Feb 2007 - Jun 2011
Nov 2007

65000 mi

US $100
Lost fuel pump - replaced and under warranty 
Jan 2008

66000 mi

US $100
ABS light came on - switch replaced ($4.00) part. Car is starting hard in winter and will be checked again. 
Mar 2010

95000 mi

US $1000
Had the Timing Belt and water pump replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Washington, United States
Aug 2006 - Mar 2010
Dec 2006

48000 mi

US $1100
This was the 2nd of two trips to the dealer for a flashing Engine light that would come on intermittently. Car would also shudder and lose power a few seconds when the light was on. It would always go off after a few seconds and drive normally. This time, 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Mar 2007 - Jul 2013
Jun 2007

82000 mi

US $150
Rear power window acctuator 
Jan 2008

98000 mi

US $500
Power Window Actuator Oil and filter change 
Nov 2009

128000 mi

US $950
Alternator. Required car to be put into 'Service Position' (remove entire front end) to replace altenator. 
Sep 2010

138000 mi
still had ATF leak after accident repair was completed. Returned and the shop fixed issue (loose ATF hose to radiator). 
Apr 2012

158800 mi

US $450
Emissions issues caused CEL to light. Had to clear codes to get car smoged. Evaporator canistor and nose had deteriorated due to exposure to gas fumes (function is to vent gas fumes!!). 
Feb 2013

185000 mi

US $2500
Head gasket. Second on this car. 
Jul 2013

205000 mi
CEL on due to malfunctioning gas gauge. 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2008 - Jan 2022
Jul 2008

70000 mi
Replaced both catalytic converters 
Jan 2011

136200 mi

US $1200
Replaced spark plugs and battery and head gaskets 
Mar 2011

122000 mi

US $300
Replaced temperature sensor 
Jan 2012

121800 mi

US $1500
Replaced "combi" valve set 
Mar 2012

131000 mi

US $485
Engine light reappeared dealer recommended replacing the coil pack and ignition wires. 
Sep 2012

136000 mi

US $896
The steering wheel began to squeak like an old creaky door. Replaced steering wheel grommet.  Replaced spark plugs. 
Jan 2013

131000 mi

US $300
Car was not providing full heat dealership cleaned the heater core system. 
Aug 2013

145000 mi

US $1900
Worn bushings in upper control arms replacement manifold gasket needed replacement rear differential leak engine mounts required 
Jun 2015

162000 mi

US $500
Starter replaced 
Jul 2017

175998 mi

US $215
Noise from front end replaced one control arm 
Jun 2019

185565 mi

US $700
Replace leaking transmission pan Replace faulty alternator 
Dec 2019

188000 mi

US $183
Heater core was cleaned due to lack of heat. 
Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
Dec 2010 - Jan 2014
Dec 2011

98000 mi

US $324
Ignition switch failing, intermittent no start. 
Oct 2013

113300 mi
Intermittent no start. Could not reproduce problem. Problem still exists. 
Nov 2013

113600 mi

US $187
Loose connection at starter produced intermittent no start. 
Volkswagen Passat in Rhode Island, United States
Apr 2012 - Feb 2016
Jun 2012

124000 mi

US $310
CEL indicated low secondary air pump flow. Pump not working replaced. CEL remained with same code. Valve and vacuum hose replaced. 
Jul 2012

125000 mi
Secondary air system CEL back on 
May 2013

134000 mi

US $110
oil pan crack developed - replaced oil pan 
Jun 2013

135000 mi

US $500
Replaced secondary air pump, O2 sensor, and evac system components. 
Jul 2013

137000 mi

US $110
O2 Sensor after the catalytic converter failed 
Apr 2015

153300 mi

US $350
Replace center muffler and exhaust pipes 
Jul 2015

156700 mi

US $700
Rear calipers were frozen and were replaced as were the rotors and pads. 
Sep 2015

165000 mi

US $495
Leaking hose. Intake manifold required to be removed for access. 
Feb 2016

170000 mi

US $150
Belt tensioner pulley 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011
Nov 2010

104000 mi

US $450
rebuilt front axle. Tear in CV, leaking grease and thump sound while driving. 
Volkswagen Passat in Washington, United States
Aug 2010 - Mar 2013
Jun 2012

93000 mi

US $60
Valve cover gaskets blown due to issues with PCV system. Replaced gaskets. Replace PCV system and gaskets blown out as a result of PCV problems 
Jan 2013

95800 mi

US $2500
Control arm bushings worn out. Replace all control arms. PCV system components shot 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Apr 2017 - Nov 2017
May 2017

98000 mi

US $1000
Leaky valve cover gasket; replaced Bad CV joint; drive axle replaced 
Jun 2017

100000 mi

US $40
Hose to EGR valve replaced 
Jul 2017

101000 mi

US $300
Replaced both pre-cat oxygen sensors. 2 motor mounts replaced 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2017 - Oct 2017
Sep 2017

130000 mi
There is a vacuum related sensor and cable that was a pain to change but only about $100 in terms of the part - not far removed from another vacuum part - so at 15 years old, vacuum system starting to fail Seized rear left caliper , was disassembled, exercised, lubricated and seems ok. May chance caliper and will change brake fluid before winter . , 
Oct 2017

134000 mi

US $200
Exhaust - car was purchased with marginal flex. Section and unserviceable coupling on the exhaust pipe - seems original 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Sep 2016 - Dec 2016
Dec 2016

74000 mi
The ABS module was out. I could have driven without ABS, but it beeped almost randomly all the time. Estimate near $1000 to repair a car worth less than $1000. 
Volkswagen Passat in South Dakota, United States
Sep 2009 - Jun 2011
Feb 2010

72000 mi

US $250
Replaced front right CV boot 
Volkswagen Passat in South Carolina, United States
Sep 2015 - Feb 2017
Dec 2015

208000 mi

US $60
Motor mounts were leaking hydraulic fluid - replaced both of them. CV boot ripped - replaced both inner/outer boots. 
May 2016

212000 mi

US $185
Coolant leak - replaced fitting on rear of engine, then radiator started leaking - replaced radiator also. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Jun 2015 - Oct 2015
Sep 2015

88000 mi

US $350
driver side window 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Jun 2011 - Dec 2012
Feb 2012

113000 mi

US $90
I replaced the Left and right Motor mounts, front snub mount. Parts were about $90 and I did the work myself. 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2011 - May 2012
Dec 2011

69050 mi
Attempted to determine why cylinder #1 was not firing. Claimed they couldn't reproduce problem. Replace right, outer CV boot Replace valve cover gasket, timing chain tensioner seal, and coolant flange on the back of the cylinder head. Investigated why cylinder #1 was not firing. Injector #1 losing pulse signal after 5 min, suspect ECU, which only dealer can replace. 
Jan 2012

US $346
Fuel injector not working. 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2015 - Dec 2016
Dec 2016

107000 mi
vapor recovery system rebuilt 
Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
Feb 2015 - Mar 2016
Oct 2015

66000 mi

US $200
Replaced water pump with loose plastic impeller, timing belt w/ tensioner and pulley, serpentine belt and AC belt. Overheating incorrectly diagnosed as A-thermostat and B-fan clutch. Paid shop for both repairs. Saved $1,100 by doing this one myself. 
Mar 2016

66000 mi
Was told by new owner that it needed axles (CV joints)? Replaced boots at 58k and axles were good. 
Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Sep 2011 - May 2013
Jun 2012

218000 mi

US $80
ABS warning light on. ABS module may be damaged. Vehicle i still not repaired. clicking sound from dashboard for turn signal. Sound continues after turn signal stalk disengages. 
Dec 2012

228000 mi

US $450
alternator replaced tuneup - plugs and coils replaced 
May 2013

231000 mi
ABS never fixed 
Volkswagen Passat in Minnesota, United States
Apr 2015 - Jul 2018
Aug 2015

146900 mi

US $250
3 brake light in back 
Dec 2015

159000 mi

US $570
Fuel pump, Engine light was on. 
Feb 2017

165000 mi

US $400
New rotors New cv boot 
Volkswagen Passat in North Carolina, United States
Oct 2015 - Mar 2018
May 2016

89300 mi

US $600
broken exhaust tubes, change timing belt and pump. 
Oct 2017

101000 mi

US $260
left side tie rod 
Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2018
Jun 2010

70000 mi

US $1500
Water pump broke, timing belt also changed. 
Jan 2011

77000 mi

US $650
Coil springs broke 
Dec 2012

100000 mi

US $300
CV joint 
Sep 2013

109000 mi

US $215
Coolant leaks 
Oct 2016

164200 mi

US $500
water pump needed replacement, was leaking. 
Volkswagen Passat in Maine, United States
Jun 2008 - Mar 2010
Jul 2008

44000 mi

US $480
CV Joint and boot replaced for 480 dollars 
Volkswagen Passat in Michigan, United States
Apr 2007 - Jun 2009
Jul 2007

80000 mi

US $120
Fuel system coolant temperature sensor G62 was out of spec and needed to be replaced. It was accurately diagnosed by a DTC stored in the engine controller memory. 
Mar 2008

90000 mi

US $493
Exhaust down pipe (between cat. and front muffler) was rusted out and leaking exhaust. The vehicle was very loud. 
Jan 2009

101000 mi

US $795
Alternator replacement. 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Mar 2007 - Sep 2011
May 2007

49000 mi
The drivers side heated seat stuck on high, even with engine and key off, causing dead battery. Dealer repaired under warranty (on Saturday morning). 
Nov 2007

55000 mi

US $71
repaired driver's side seat heater per recall, but passenger side quit working. driver side mirror defroster stopped working. while in shop for recall repair had it diagnosed ($39.00 charge). ordered part for future repair. scheduled trip to both repair passenger seat heater and repair driver sideview mirror defroster; was told element was "in" by service. was not in and will need to return (25 miles) for final repair. repair driver sideview mirror defroster; cost to repair $71, plus $39 for diagnosis. 
Dec 2007

55000 mi
this was follow up (third trip) to correct an earlier recall problem with seat heater. the problem appears to be corrected. 
Volkswagen Passat in Wisconsin, United States
Jun 2012 - Jul 2015
May 2013

133300 mi

US $300
Broken u joint 
Aug 2013

138000 mi

US $500
Blower motor turns on and off sporatically 
Nov 2013

141000 mi

US $170
Sludge/condensation in oil Blower motor went out, no heat 
Aug 2014

148600 mi

US $800
Fell off the lift broken spring. UV joints also 
Jul 2015 Check engine light came on, would not keep running, it was a engine failure light, and low oil pressure 
Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Oct 2008 - Apr 2009
Nov 2008

85000 mi

US $500
cv joint replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in South Carolina, United States
Jan 2009 - Jan 2014
Feb 2009

117000 mi

US $225
Replaced coil packs after misfire (at cranking) caused Check Engine light to come on. Multiple misfires recorded by computer. 
Mar 2009

118000 mi

US $40
Oil dipstick handle broke off, and dipstick tube disintegrated. Replaced both (fairly easy replacement). 
Sep 2009

129000 mi

US $100
Check engine light on. Computer says "running lean". Replaced gas filter and MAF. 
Dec 2009

134000 mi

US $360
Replaced thermostat. 
Jan 2010

134000 mi

US $200
Small coolant leak that I could not find. Mechanic also had trouble finding, had to remove parts (covers, hoses, maybe valve cover?) to find leaking hose and o-ring behind engine. 
Feb 2010

134000 mi

US $145
Coolant leakage continued. Had to replace plastic coolant piece (containing 3 orings) on rear of engine. 
Jan 2011

179000 mi

US $120
coolant fluid leaking from flange on rear of engine. Bought new flange, o-rings and replaced them. Also replaced coolant since I had drained radiator. 
Jan 2012

160000 mi

US $239
Rough downshift from 2 to 1. Replaced N91 solenoid on valve body. Also replaced filter and fluid for 4th time. 
Feb 2012

161000 mi

US $140
Transmission fluid temperature sensor gave intermittent failure message in computer log. Had to replace solenoid wiring harness inside transmission, which meant dropping pan again. 
Mar 2013

175000 mi

US $275
PCV system needed replacing. Plastic hoses had broken and cracked. Had to remove intake manifold to get to all items. Replaced plastic pipes, vacuum hoses, pcv valve. Had exhaust smell entering cabin. 
Nov 2013

189000 mi

US $160
Secondary air pump, which only runs at startup, became very loud. Replaced pump. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Feb 2008 - Jun 2012
Apr 2008

52000 mi

US $234
Replaced broken vac hose. Replaced a/c panel bulb. 
Dec 2010

70000 mi

US $670
oil leak cv boot 
Jul 2011

74200 mi

US $1250
Coolant leak repaired by replacing coolant hose flange outlet. Engine mount also replaced. 
Dec 2011

77000 mi

US $280
Water temperature sensor malfunction 
Mar 2012

78000 mi

US $171
Recirculating Air Valve Malfunction 
May 2012

78600 mi
Replace timing belt, tensioner & water pump 
Volkswagen Passat in Alabama, United States
Mar 2006 - Feb 2009
Mar 2006

45000 mi
replaced heater in front passenger seat. This was a recall item and so was for no cost. 
Apr 2006

49000 mi
Tensioner spring that assists in raising the driver seat broke. It was covered under warranty and repaired by the dealer. 
Jul 2007

59000 mi

US $200
Right outer CV joint went bad. Probably because outer boot failed. Replaced entire right axle assemble and left outer boot. I did the work myself. Right outer CV joint went bad. Probably because outer boot failed. Replaced entire right axle assemble and left outer boot. I did the work myself. Left boot was also splitting as so was replaced. 
Aug 2008

69000 mi

US $400
2 of 4 ignition cables were in bad shape. One had failed, leaving engine running on 3 cylinders. 
Jan 2009

70000 mi

US $65
Driver's side axle CV joint worn out. Entire axle was replaced. The hood strut simply gave out and wouldn't hold the hood up any more. Replacement was simple. 
Volkswagen Passat in Connecticut, United States
Mar 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010

88000 mi

US $1500
Sludge build up engine. Replaced oil pump, oil pick up tube and flush engine. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Feb 2010 - Mar 2010
Mar 2010

67000 mi
CEL had recently come on when sold. 
Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Sep 2008 - Oct 2009
Oct 2008

84000 mi

US $4500
All rear exterior bulbs out-taillights, rear trunk license plate, etc. Told it was a wiring harness problem that needed replacing. Dealer replaced wiring and all bulbs. Interior of car flooded during heavy rains. Per VW due to pollen in sunroof drains-water backs up and floods rear seat carpet. Computers under front seats destroyed. All carpets and electronics replaced via insurance claim. 
Nov 2008

88000 mi

US $800
Drivers side window fell and shattered inside door. Motor, clips, and glass replaced. 
Dec 2008

94000 mi

US $900
Heater core and control flap replaced. Core was leaking and fogging windows. 
Jan 2009

96000 mi

US $6000
"low oil pressure-stop driving" light came on. Turned out to be the dreaded oil sludge problem. New engine. Waiting on VW response to the issue. Oil changes always synthetic, but not always done at dealer and they don't want to cover it.  
Feb 2009

96000 mi

US $100
Monsoon Radio dead. Need to purchase new head unit. Will find one on eBay. Pulling fuse fixed this temporarily but dealer says head unit now needs replacing.  
Jun 2009

112000 mi
Trunk will not open using release or keyfob. Dealer wants to replace entire release mechanism for 800.00. Will try to find a good independent. 
Jul 2009

113000 mi
Replaced head unit. 
Oct 2009

115000 mi
Car sold with trunk release not repaired. There were always a myriad of issues with the Passat-it was intermittently running hot but could not be duplicated and same with the "low oil" so even though it was well maintained it was wisely dumped for fear of sludge issue again. 
Volkswagen Passat in Georgia, United States
Oct 2009 - Nov 2009
Nov 2009

65000 mi

US $329
No one could seem to tell me why my car was misfiring and running rough until I did some research on the VW's and there it was another recall, on the coil pack. Some minor engine repairs. Also, VW never specified synthetic oil, but since turbos run very hot the regular oil turns to sludge. VW just started sludge recall in November, and mine was included. Sold it because feared future problems. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2007 - Mar 2009
May 2008

34100 mi

C $2
Right rear window would not roll down, only up. Replaced plastic clip to hold glass to window regulator. 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2014 - Jun 2015
Mar 2015

151900 mi

C $900
Linking oil and had camshaft work. 
Volkswagen Passat in Maine, United States
May 2015 - Jul 2016
Oct 2015

166000 mi

US $175
torn cv joint boots,  coolant leak,  vacuum hose leaked 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2006 - May 2008
Feb 2006

87279 mi

US $989
Water pump failure. Timing Belt replaced 
Jun 2006

98000 mi

US $81
Replaced belly pan and dowel pins as old one ripped off. Replacement was for W8 engine. 
Apr 2007

11000 mi

US $256
Replace Leak Detection Pump and Gas Cap 
Apr 2008

130000 mi
Trade-in, repairs required: Air Conditioning Compressor Exhaust Brakes Purge Valve 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Oct 2017 - Jun 2018
Nov 2017

79000 mi

US $100
CV boot R&R 
Mar 2018

82000 mi

US $400
Low voltage output from Alt, battery voltage below spec, too. Replaced alternator with rebuilt unit & installed new battery. 
May 2018

83000 mi

US $400
Rumbling sound when A/C running on hot day. Replaced auxiliary cooling fan; not it. Replaced viscous fan clutch--yes!. Also replaced engine snub mount & engine mounts due to obvious wear. 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2007 - Sep 2013
Aug 2008

58000 mi

US $450
Rear window won't go down. Needs new regulator. 
Dec 2008

64400 mi

US $360
Thermostat found to be faulty. Coolant temp sensor also faulty. 
Aug 2009

72000 mi

US $225
Water coming in through drivers door seals. 
Dec 2010

83000 mi

US $1350
Cam valve cover gasket was leaking oil. Had gasket and cover replaced. Drivers side rear window would not go down. Had to have entire regulator assembly replaced. CV boots busted, axles were clicking around turns. Had axles/cv replaced. Now car vibrates badly when driving. Motor mount leaking. 
Feb 2011

84400 mi
After having axles replaced, car vibrates noticeably at certain speeds and rpms. Shop claims that it's normal but it is only occurring after their "repair". 
Mar 2013

102000 mi

US $600
CV Boot cracked AGAIN, boot unable to be removed from axle, had to replace entire drivers side axle. 
Volkswagen Passat in Michigan, United States
Mar 2006 - Jun 2022
Oct 2009

83000 mi

US $1
High mount LED brake light stopped working. It turned out that there was a protective diode inside the assembly that went out. Instead of buying a new part ($100) the diode was replaced ($1 at Radioshack) within half an hour. 
Apr 2010

89000 mi

US $25
Intermittent Coolant Temperature Sensor failure triggered the Check Engine Light. Replaced the sensor. DIY took about 30 minutes and $25 for parts. 
Aug 2010

95000 mi

US $100
Failed Diverter Valve replaced. Torn CV boot replaced on the passenger side. Torn CV boot replaced on the passenger side. 
Jul 2011

105000 mi

US $35
Torn driver side CV boot. Replaced the boot myself. $35 for parts. 
Aug 2012

120500 mi

US $250
Noisy right front wheel bearing. Replaced. 
Jul 2013

129700 mi
Brake switch stopped working. Had an outstanding recall for the brake switch. Dealer did the replacement for free. 
Nov 2013

133000 mi

US $125
Driver door ajar switch stopped working. Replaced the whole door latch assembly with OEM unit. Found DIY online. 
Jul 2014

138300 mi

US $75
Turn signal relay started clicking on its own. This is, in most cases, not the relay fault. This is caused by dirty turn signal switch which causes current leakage that triggers the relay. Instead of cleaning, I decided to replace the switch 
Sep 2015

149000 mi

US $300
Water pump leak. This WP was replaced during the first Timing Belt job. Replaced WP along with (second) Timing Belt job which was due later this year anyway. 
Apr 2016

155300 mi

US $35
Torn passenger side CV boot (again). Replaced the boot myself. $35 for parts. 
Nov 2016

159700 mi

US $25
Replaced leaking plastic coolant flange at the back of the cylinder head. $25 and three hours of work in the tight spot. 
Jan 2017

160500 mi

US $10
Rough idle, CEL. Diagnostic scan showed multiple misfires and fuel mixture too lean: indication of vacuum leak. Plastic tee adapter under the intake manifold broke. Replaced with metal one from local auto shop. Took 15 minutes. 
Jun 2017

165000 mi

US $400
Flex pipe broke. Replaced with factory part. Replaced worn engine mounts (worn engine mounts contribute to excessive drive train movement which shortens flex pipe life). Factory parts used as well. 
Jul 2017

165000 mi

US $400
Shocks replaced on all 4 corners. 
May 2018

173000 mi

US $120
Battery died. Car won't start. Battery is replaced with OEM unit. 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2014 - Sep 2016
Dec 2014

147000 mi
turbo vacuum tubing decayed in the cold weather. 
Jul 2015

150200 mi

US $1000
4 new disks, 4 new sets of pads (done myself), new master cylinder, new left rear caliper (done by mechanic, caliper was my fault). 
Oct 2015

151200 mi

US $250
Front-left CV joint clicking, replaced CV joint and axle with cheap chinese part. 
Nov 2015

151600 mi

US $300
Coolant flange was leaking, had it replaced. 
Aug 2016

156000 mi

US $200
Both tie rod ends were shot, replaced both myself and then paid Sears for an alignment. 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2013 - Aug 2014
Apr 2013

134200 mi

US $250
Car was making noise when turning steering wheel to left; replaced front drive axle Exhaust flex pipe developed a crack and was making a very loud noise; replaced flex pipe. 
Aug 2013

136100 mi
All struts and shocks preemptively replaced. The suspension was making noise when going over rough patches of pavement, but there weren't any real problems. I'd say it was mostly preventive. 
Aug 2014

142000 mi
Window regulator was disconnected from the glass. Reattached. Windshield washer fluid sensor was stuck on low fluid warning. Replaced sensor. Break backing plate was loose and making noise. Straightened out plate. 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2012 - Dec 2014
Jul 2012

100440 mi

C $1400
Blew out the clutch learning to drive standard on it. Shop installed a new Valeo single-mass flywheel and clutch for $1400. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Jul 2011 - Nov 2015
May 2013

149500 mi

US $254
Driver's side window got loose from drive motor, etc. window got stuck almost all of the way down and was out of its guides. Back end fell down in the door and the front of the window glass was sticking up (did not break). 
Jan 2014

147100 mi

US $14
Replaced the left headlight bulb (low beam H-7) 
Apr 2014

157851 mi

US $599
cv joint was replaced with a new part. RH side Both right and left outer CV boots were split open. Right CV Joint also had to be replaced. 
Dec 2014

165000 mi

US $210
Mysteriously, there was a small hole in the brake fluid reservoir. It was near the top at the RH rear corner of the reservoir. Brake fluid reservoir was replaced. MIL was lighted, the engine stalled once, this was what made me go to the mechanic. Per mechanic, fault codes seemed to indicate a bad crank sensor. Crankshaft sensor was replaced. It helped some, but engine light came back on the next day. When the sensor replacement didn't fix problem, mechanic suggested I had used poor quality oil (Mobil1). He recommended "engine flush" and then use higher quality oil. This worked! Light has not come on since. Oil sludging had been the cause 
Nov 2015

170000 mi

US $75
Multifunction Indicator Light is on again. It was determined that the car would not pass smog test without repairs. Cost would be around $2000 because trouble is with cam timing. Car runs ok, just won't pass smog. Selling... 
Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Jul 2011 - Aug 2013
Aug 2011

175000 mi

US $100
coil replaced Oil warning light came on occasionally. Shop replaced oil pressure switch. 
Jan 2012

184000 mi

US $280
Replace power window regulator, driver door. 
Nov 2012

195700 mi

US $130
seized caliper 
Mar 2013

200000 mi

US $280
1. replaced ignition coil 2. replaced spark plugs 3. read and reset check engine light 4. engine tune 
Apr 2013

200700 mi

US $170
Replace 3 ignition coils Hole in exhaust system 
Aug 2013

204000 mi
Broken coil spring, front driver-side 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Oct 2008 - Jun 2011
Mar 2009

67000 mi

US $390
Both left and right CV axles were replaced beacause of torn outer CV boots. 
Mar 2010

77000 mi

US $40
replaced cam tensioner and seal valve cover gaskets 
Volkswagen Passat in Missouri, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2012
Jan 2011

94700 mi

US $321
2 CV axles replaced. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

270-horsepower 4.0L W8 6-speed manual AWD

Volkswagen Passat in Nebraska, United States
Jan 2012 - Mar 2013
Mar 2012

116000 mi

US $500
CV boots were torn upon buying car, CV joints were bad, replaced axles. Parking brake cable ceased. 
May 2012

118000 mi

US $200
Passenger side motor mount failed, motor mount fluid leaked out. Replaced with upgraded solid rubber mounts (as opposed to fluid filled "active" variable stock mounts). Aftermarket replacement axle failed due to defective product. Was replaced under warranty. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

270-horsepower 4.0L W8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Volkswagen Passat in Tennessee, United States
Aug 2007 - Jun 2018
Oct 2007

54000 mi
Torque converter seal was leaking transmission fluid between the engine and transmission bell housing. Engine and transmission removed to replace torque converter seal. 
Dec 2008

63000 mi

US $15
Torn right front outer CV boot. CV joint still good, but replaced complete axle for $200 - put down $15 b/c a boot was all that was really needed. 
Feb 2010

78000 mi

US $600
Electric cooling fan was bad. Shop diagnosed and ordered part, owner installed. Transmission output shaft seal was replaced 
Dec 2010

87000 mi

US $500
Driver side half axle was replaced. Outer CV boot was ripped. 
Jan 2014

107000 mi

US $800
Front calipers rebuilt Replaced bushings and ball joints on front suspension Front struts replaced 
Nov 2015

118000 mi

US $500
Radiator leaking. Also replaced water pump as preventive maintinance 
Sep 2017

141000 mi
ripped cv boot 
Jan 2018

144000 mi

US $500
Passenger side rear caliper seized. Replaced both rear calipers then flushed and bled brake system. 
Volkswagen Passat in Nevada, United States
Sep 2013 - Oct 2013
Oct 2013

120000 mi
took in for diagnostic for intermittent engine light. needs new transmission. can't justify cost at this time and will be trading in. Loved this car, but maintenance costs are high 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Nov 2009 - Mar 2010
Jan 2010

US $500
Timing retarded when warmed up. Labor was diagnosed at $2200 and parts at $7500. Same issue was covered under factory warranty at 42,xxx miles. 
Volkswagen Passat in Minnesota, United States
Dec 2006 - Mar 2010
Nov 2007

62000 mi
Radiator was weeping. Replaced radiator under manufacturer CPO program. 
Jan 2008

67000 mi

US $1267
Blown valve cover gasket resulting in oil leak. Replaced several gaskets and seals. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Jun 2010 - Jul 2018
Jul 2010

58000 mi

US $65
Alternator failure & serpentine belt replaced. Engine temp sensor failure. Defective Thermal switch for cooling fan replaced. 
Sep 2017

131874 mi

US $1300
Flex joint connector & exhaust clap replaced oil pan crack. re -welded 
Jul 2018

140000 mi
Engine support mounts worn Worn tie rod Wheel alignment needed Front tires worn out. Rear tires at 75% worn. Leaking front brake hoses. 
Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Jun 2004 - Jul 2015
Mar 2004

11283 mi
Brake booster vacuum leak. 
Apr 2006

36943 mi
Recall on fuel pump. 
May 2006

36977 mi
Replace blower motor. 
Jul 2006

39007 mi
Replace temperature sensor. 
Sep 2006

41982 mi
Cannister leaking charcoal. 
Nov 2006

43180 mi
Replace vent motors. 
May 2007

49702 mi

US $55
Fuel system leak. 
Mar 2010

80012 mi

US $200
CV boot replacement. Replace CV Boot Rear break pad replacement and service. 80,000 mile service. 
Mar 2011

88000 mi

US $1300
Drive axle replaced. $270 Valve cover gaskets replaced. $160 
Sep 2012

104000 mi

US $175
Replace drive boot. 
Nov 2013

115100 mi

US $125
Replace torn boot. 
Jun 2014

119000 mi

US $350
Water pump leaking. This was a replacement water pump that had been changed as part of the timing belt service 18 months earlier. 
Dec 2014

122000 mi

US $425
Problem was oil drips hitting exhaust creating smoke in engine compartment that would often enter the cabin. Replaced both valve cover gaskets and one camshaft end plug seal. 
Volkswagen Passat in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2009 - Sep 2010
Mar 2009

69000 mi
Replaced EVAP Purge Valve 
Aug 2009

76000 mi

US $183
Check Engine light, replaced purge valve 
Nov 2009

80000 mi

US $700
Alternator 
May 2010

90000 mi

US $500
Very Small Evap Leak, Code P0456 
Jun 2010

93000 mi

US $185
Clip holding rear window broke 
Aug 2010

93000 mi

US $200
Exhaust leak at flex joint 
Volkswagen Passat in Puerto Rico
- Nov 2008
May 2007

25000 mi

US $800
shock absorbers needed to be replaced 
Nov 2008

29500 mi

US $3000
AC replacement, engine bolts replaced due to vibration 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Feb 2016 - Mar 2017
Feb 2016

65000 mi

US $400
Ignition coils were replaced for the 3rd time in 2 years. Drivers side, seat heater burned a hole in the leather seat. 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2006 - Mar 2010
Feb 2008

82000 mi

US $550
CEL came on, sensor replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Oregon, United States
Oct 2014 - Jul 2016
Jan 2015

US $80
Replaced breather tube and broken vacuum line. 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2015 - May 2015
May 2015

145000 mi
Flex couplings and catalytic converter were determined to be bad 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2015 - Jun 2018
Sep 2016

238080 mi

C $2013
driver window regulator 
Volkswagen Passat in New Zealand
Aug 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013

110980 mi

$5000
Working great one day. Dead the next. Wouldn't shift into any gears, dealer called and said it had failed and needs to be removed to detail further. Gutted. 
Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
Mar 2014 - Mar 2016
Feb 2015

78100 mi

US $700
Oil leak. Replaced cam tensioner seals. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Maryland, United States
May 2014 - Jun 2017
Jun 2016

139000 mi

US $1100
Motor mounts. Other repairs 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2009 - Jun 2012
Dec 2010

115320 mi

C $2400
3 month tune up found issues. Had recommended service completed. Engine gaskets. Catalytic converter. 
Sep 2011

122140 mi

C $900
Engine light ended up being MAF and cat and muffler assembly. 
Oct 2011

122760 mi

C $1700
engine light on again. reflashed computer and changed maf and hoses/clamps 
Nov 2011

123560 mi

C $900
Car hesistates on acceleration. Changed MAF and vaccuum hoses. 
Jun 2012

127720 mi

C $900
Tie rod changed on both sides, alignment needed Car shuts down, does not start upon turning key. Take several times. Again, hesitation with acceleration, dealer cannot find the problem as checked vac hoses etc, maf and not faulty. 
Volkswagen Passat in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2010 - Dec 2012
Dec 2012

58280 mi

C $200
Ignition Control Modules needed to be replaced ( 2 were damaged/worn out) 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel manual 2WD

Volkswagen Passat in Great Britain
Jan 2013 - Jun 2013
Mar 2013

109000 mi

£400
No heat from Heater.Motor to Marix,radiator and thermostat replaced 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

Volkswagen Passat in Romania
Oct 2007 - Feb 2008
Nov 2007

71920 mi
A soft noise coming from the dashboard like boiling of water, persistent for months. 

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2002.5 Volkswagen Passat

Engine not specified

Volkswagen Passat in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2010 - Jul 2012
Jul 2012

83000 mi

US $940
AC Hose needed replacement 
Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

124000 mi

US $150
I took my car in to fix my window that was messed up on my front drivers door 
Dec 2010

129000 mi

US $227
heater core flashed and vacuum tube replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
Dec 2014 - Mar 2015
Dec 2014

142000 mi
TCM flooded, gears only shifting in triptonic manual mode 
Jan 2015

143000 mi

US $300
Window regulator failure 
Mar 2015

144000 mi

US $500
Tensioner broke off 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Dec 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013

US $99
Replaced rear pads and rotors. Replaced brake fluid reservoir which had crack due to age. I think I'm finally going to have to buy a new car. After putting a lot of money in. I'm faced with a Turbo that's starting to fail, oil intake pump needs replacement, clutch is almost gone and the interior roof and side liner is separating. 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
May 2012 - Jun 2012
May 2012

93000 mi

C $900
power steering rack replaced with a rebuilt 

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2002.5 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2007 - Aug 2011
May 2008

58000 mi

US $370
Drivers side CV boot was torn. Had to have the entire drivers side axle replaced. 
Aug 2008

60000 mi

US $235
Vehicle would stall while driving....sometime would not start on the first two to three attempts. Problem was a "Speed Sensor" that needed to be replaced. Successful outcome of repair. 
Jun 2009

65000 mi

US $350
passenger side CV joint boot was torn. axle was clicking when taking turn. Had the entire passenger side axle replaced with a new one. 
Dec 2010

74000 mi
Check engine light, engine felt like it was misfiring. Coil packs were bad...there was an open recall/TSB for them and the dealership replaced them. 

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2002.5 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Barbados
Feb 2010 - Sep 2016
Jun 2011

62620 mi

$30
Noise from worn control arm bushing Right rear passenger internal grab handle broke, door had to closed from outside. 
Sep 2011

63240 mi

$150
CV joint boot replacement 
Oct 2011

63340 mi
Accessory belt 
Jul 2012

65200 mi

$1000
Exhaust was white/blue smoking which was especially noticed while idling. Finally lost turbo charger boost.Turbo charger had to be replaced. 
Dec 2015

72540 mi
Noticed lack of boost which on inspection was due to a loose return hose from turbo air cooler. 
Aug 2016

73360 mi

$650
The steering although working fine started leaking until I was forced to have work done due to the rapid loss of fluid. Initially the seals on the steering was replaced but eventually the problem was corrected by replacing the steering rack 
Sep 2016

73780 mi

$10
Rapidly losing coolant. Replaced seal on coolant temp sensor behind engine. 

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2002.5 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in New Hampshire, United States
Mar 2003 - May 2008
Jan 2003

51000 mi
Replace 3 ignition coils, failed, under warranty, Prior to recall 
Jul 2004

105700 mi

US $80
Diagnose door remotes, no longer working. Dealer failed to repair. 
Dec 2004

120000 mi

US $368
Replace door latch assy 
Sep 2005

147400 mi

US $1660
Replace Cam Chain Adjuster, Cam Seals, Timing Belt and Adjusters 
Dec 2006

197000 mi

US $800
Driver door window regulator failed. Gaskets replaced because of leaks. 
Sep 2007

223000 mi

US $600
Alternator failure. "Alternator Workshop" message on dash and Battery light on. Battery went dead before able to get to dealer (75 miles at night), so had to tow($125) 
Mar 2008

239000 mi

US $175
Temperature gauge reading erratic. Replaced ETC sensor. 
May 2008

239000 mi
It was going to need a catalytic converter in order to pass the inspection, along with a timing belt and tune up. I felt that the financial cost was too high (about the value of the car) to pursue the repairs. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Wagons.
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2003 Volkswagen Passat Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Volkswagen Passat problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.