| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI repairs by problem area
Engine (43%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)
Brakes and Traction Control (5%)
Suspension and Steering (12%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)
Other (4%)
Select a problem area
- Engine
- Transmission and Drivetrain
- Brakes and Traction Control
- Suspension and Steering
- Electrical and Air Conditioning
- Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim
- Other
Chart based on 203 repairs.
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI electrical repair cost distribution
$2500+ (0%)
$1000 - $2499 (7%)
$500 - $999 (17%)
$100 - $499 (41%)
< $100 (34%)
Chart based on 41 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
Engine not specified
| 98000 mi | Brake light panel on back of rear window is out and needs to be replaced but its 270 dollars so I opted out of fixing. Transmission fluid need to be changed very dirty and had pieces of metal shavings. Not good for future of teh car and transmission. |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| 281360 mi C $350 |
Original Starter failed after 450,000 kms, replaced with aftermarket |
| 130200 mi C $750 |
There was a draw on the battery when engine not running, such that a good battery would drain overnight. Difficult to identify as alternator tested okay while running. Turned out to be a bad circuit board, specific to vw alternator design. |
| 86200 mi £400 |
and repaired broken window regulator. |
| 196000 mi US $250 |
Recharge AC |
| 198800 mi US $1100 |
Backup lights not working, periodic full loss of power when turned off. Backup light switch replaced. |
| 251000 mi US $20 |
Brake switch replaced. Brake lights had not been working. |
| 172000 mi US $20 |
"Door closed" microswitch in driver's door failed. Replaced. |
| 82700 mi US $150 |
Intermittent, serious electrical problems. Turned out to be the power distribution board above the battery. $120 part, $30 labor. Knowing which part=priceless. |
| 89000 mi US $35 |
Replaced the fuse box above the battery. Replaced it a year ago, and that fixed all the electrical troubles. Well it started again, and this time I replaced it with a $35 knock-off. Well, if a $120 part only lasts a year...Fixed for now! |
| 101100 mi US $117 |
AC went out, so I took it to a local mechanic specializing in AC. Good news: just a fuse. Bad news $500. Fuse box above battery was melted (true). Fixed it myself for $120 and 20 minutes. |
| 155000 mi US $638 |
Front door switches inoperative. No signal that doors were open. |
| 124000 mi US $22 |
emergency flasher relay |
| 179900 mi US $965 |
alternator and pulley, parts and labor |
| 209000 mi US $413 |
starter replacement |
| 297000 mi US $253 |
Ventilation blower fan failed. It was removed and replaced for a reasonable charge |
| 347000 mi US $250 |
replaced the starter |
| 447800 mi US $226 |
Multi switch (Hi-Lo beam switch, cruise) |
| 371100 mi US $1054 |
Replaced auxiliary fan and AC compressor |
| 437000 mi US $300 |
spliced wire to AC compressor, replaced lower radiator hose, inspected timing belt, PS pump, and serpentine tensioner. |
| 528400 mi US $450 |
starter replacement |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD
| 224200 mi US $400 |
Alternator failed and was replaced. |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD
| 159000 mi | Seat belt wire broken, soldered in a new wire. Triggered air bag light. |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| 100000 mi US $200 |
Replaced starter. |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 14904 mi | 1- Poor AM reception in radio, replaced wiring to antenna. |
| 20116 mi C $2 |
1- Climate control dash lighbulb burnt out, replaced bulb labour was free. |
| 22469 mi | 1- Brake Lights stopped working. Brake light switch replaced. |
| 69502 mi | The car does not sense that the driver's door is open. Will not repair since I don't even notice it. |
| 76260 mi C $45 |
Radio reception not working. Replaced antenna at top of car. Radio now works. Radio reception not working. Replaced antenna at top of car. Radio now works. |
| 158100 mi C $750 |
Alternator failed. Replaced |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 77500 mi US $700 |
alternator. |
| 83000 mi US $2140 |
AC not working, complete system replacement. |
| 85000 mi | New air compressor seized after 200 miles, car towed to engine shop, $500 to get diagnosis, towed to shop that did air con and repaired under warranty. Broke again 100 miles later air compressor replaced, third one in six weeks. |
| 94100 mi US $350 |
drier replaced (under warranty, replaced last year), also hose replaced |
| 124700 mi US $708 |
Alt/voltage regulator failed. |
| 150300 mi US $150 |
Replace Starter |
| 115500 mi US $495 |
Starter stopped working. |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
200-horsepower 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD
| 125000 mi | Replaced alternator |
| 109000 mi US $560 |
Alternator died and had to be replaced. |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 108300 mi | Faulty electronics module in driver's door. No longer registers "door open" status -- won't switch dome light on. Lock/unlock still works, and no troubles with factory alarm system (thus far). |
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