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 engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (17%)

$500 - $999 (15%)

$100 - $499 (41%)

< $100 (25%)

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

Chart based on 205 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

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. 
270000 mi

US $148
oil leak in an engine seal and a flat tire. 
70000 mi

US $900
Water pump leaking. 
42780 mi

$1300
Water pump and thermostat failure at 69,000 KM. 
98580 mi

C $350
Check engine light on. Replaced a sensor to pass Ontario Drive Clean check. 
98580 mi

C $150
Multiple failures... including timing chain 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

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

97000 mi

US $1527
One spark plug coil failed 
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. 
96369 mi

US $14
tube for refilling crankcase was discovered broken during annual oil change. Replaced. 
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. 
165300 mi

US $404
Secondary air intake hoses cracking/splitting. Timing magneto fault. 
123700 mi Leaking coolant 
128000 mi

US $128
ignition coil bust on Cylinder #2 Check Engine light has come on again! 
134000 mi

US $480
Engine and transmission mounts broken. Ignition coil bust. Again! 
134000 mi Engine oil leaking Engine overheating 
113000 mi

US $650
replace oil pump and oil pan flex pipe between catalytic converter and muffler cracked 
31500 mi Engine runs rough when cold. Reset computer. 
41990 mi

US $79
Oil pump replaced under warranty. 
163000 mi

US $120
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

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. 
87300 mi

$100
AC Compressor tensioner roller 
153140 mi

$15
Coolant flange leak, replaced 
118800 mi

US $1500
Replaced clutch. 
128000 mi

US $500
coolant lean - coolant flange leaked. fixed. 
100000 mi

US $440
leaking gasket 
71300 mi

C $1500
Head gasket leak, replaced. 
79360 mi

C $300
Engine oil major leak - oil cooler failed. Replaced.  
93620 mi

C $1000
Water pump failed, caused engine to overheat. As a result, timing belt was changed at same time. 
105280 mi

C $200
Oil Seals leaking, had to be replaced 
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 
129580 mi Check Engine warning still comes on, replaced PCV valve at no cost. Turbocharger intercooler also had an airleak, was replaced, no cost. 
132060 mi

C $1200
Downspout from turbo exhaust cracked and leaking - caused exhaust smell to enter cabin 
134540 mi

C $540
Valve cover gasket leaking oil, replaced 
142920 mi

C $300
Oil leaks from oil hoses were dropping on exhaust, causing burning oil smell to enter the cabin. Hoses replaced. 
158340 mi

C $300
Coolant Recovery Tank replaces and some worn out hoses Also - fuel line leak (in another spot from previous) 
77890 mi

US $1325
Water pump replaced. Went ahead and changed timing belt,rollers, serpentine belt 
98000 mi

US $80
CEL on. Ran VagCom. Indicated faulty MAF. Replaced with new MAF. 
112000 mi

US $180
Fuel pump bad, replaced 
50840 mi

$31600
the exhaust had a defect 
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. 
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. 
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. 
50000 mi

US $600
Thermostat failed and needed replaced. 
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. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

270-horsepower 4.0L W8 6-speed manual AWD

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. 
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

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

110000 mi

US $1100
Antifreeze was leaking and had to replace water pump and have timing belt replaced 
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. 
134000 mi

US $1265
Water pump failed which caused a problem to the timing belt which had to be replaced also. 
135000 mi

US $550
Heater Core has gone out but did not fix.  However had to replace the catalytic converter 
138000 mi Car overheats, replaced the temp sensor, auxiliary fan and expansion tank. Car is still overheating 
91000 mi

US $1064
Oil leak, burning smell when drive car.  
94000 mi Small oil leak from valve cover onto exhaust. Burning smell when engine cold. 
134000 mi

US $50
Reset computer before smog check 
139000 mi

US $350
Replaced loose motor mount. 
143000 mi

US $300
Leaking heater hoses replaced, losing coolant. 
154000 mi

US $700
Heater core leaking and no heat in car. Replaced heater core. 
158000 mi

US $2000
Leaks in thermostat housing and hoses. Replaced hoses, timing belt, and other parts during repair. 
166000 mi

US $3000
Replace both catalytic converters to pass California smog test. 
173000 mi

US $1400
Replace leaking water pump and hoses. Replace leaking motor mount. 
181000 mi

US $1000
Replace transmission mounts. 
186000 mi

US $300
Thermostat leaking 
187000 mi

US $1200
Valve cover gaskets and crankcase breather parts 
195000 mi

US $1200
Replaced failed water pump. Also replaced the thermostat because the water pump was being done. 
204000 mi

US $760
Fuel pump replaced 
205000 mi

US $800
Replace radiator and thermostat. 
208000 mi Replace thermostat under warranty that failed. Shop caused the problem with a bad part. 
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

51000 mi

US $780
Check engine light: faulty camshaft sensor; used VW recommended fix - rewired connections. 
64000 mi

US $677
Replaced leaking valve cover gaskets, flushed cooling system. 
88000 mi

US $10
Secondary Air Intake Pump Vacuum lines replaced 
89000 mi

US $1500
Cam seals 
113000 mi Check Engine Light on - fault diagnosis is secondary air pump - only needed during warmup 
95100 mi

US $60
Failed timing belt tensioner. Found and fixed before catastrophic engine failure. 
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. 
101000 mi

US $375
fuel pump had to be replaced 
98000 mi

US $324
Ignition switch failing, intermittent no start. 
113300 mi Intermittent no start. Could not reproduce problem. Problem still exists. 
70000 mi Replaced both catalytic converters 
143700 mi

US $1200
Replaced spark plugs and battery and head gaskets 
122000 mi

US $300
Replaced temperature sensor 
121800 mi

US $1500
Replaced "combi" valve set 
131000 mi

US $485
Engine light reappeared dealer recommended replacing the coil pack and ignition wires. 
136000 mi

US $896
Replaced spark plugs. 
131000 mi

US $300
Car was not providing full heat dealership cleaned the heater core system. 
145000 mi

US $1900
manifold gasket needed replacement engine mounts required 
188000 mi

US $183
Heater core was cleaned due to lack of heat. 
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!!). 
185000 mi

US $2500
Head gasket. Second on this car. 
205000 mi CEL on due to malfunctioning gas gauge. 
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, 
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. 
125000 mi Secondary air system CEL back on 
134000 mi

US $110
oil pan crack developed - replaced oil pan 
135000 mi

US $500
Replaced secondary air pump, O2 sensor, and evac system components. 
137000 mi

US $110
O2 Sensor after the catalytic converter failed 
153300 mi

US $350
Replace center muffler and exhaust pipes 
165000 mi

US $495
Leaking hose. Intake manifold required to be removed for access. 
170000 mi

US $150
Belt tensioner pulley 
65000 mi

US $100
Lost fuel pump - replaced and under warranty 
95000 mi

US $1000
Had the Timing Belt and water pump replaced. 
126000 mi MIL came on for O2 sensor. Used Scan tool to monitor the output, found nothing amiss. Reset code and has not reappeared. 
149300 mi

US $10
MIL indicated. Coolant sensor failure. PIA to replace, but inexpensive part. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed manual FWD

98000 mi

US $1000
Leaky valve cover gasket; replaced 
100000 mi

US $40
Hose to EGR valve replaced 
101000 mi

US $300
Replaced both pre-cat oxygen sensors. 2 motor mounts replaced 
93000 mi

US $60
Valve cover gaskets blown due to issues with PCV system. Replaced gaskets. 
90500 mi

US $2500
PCV system components shot 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

132000 mi

US $50
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 
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

159000 mi

US $570
Fuel pump, Engine light was on. 
208000 mi

US $60
Motor mounts were leaking hydraulic fluid - replaced both of them. 
212000 mi

US $185
Coolant leak - replaced fitting on rear of engine, then radiator started leaking - replaced radiator also. 
228000 mi

US $450
tuneup - plugs and coils replaced 
69050 mi Attempted to determine why cylinder #1 was not firing. Claimed they couldn't reproduce problem. 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. 
70050 mi

US $346
Fuel injector not working. 
107000 mi vapor recovery system rebuilt 
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. 
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. 
67000 mi CEL had recently come on when sold. 
141000 mi

US $170
Sludge/condensation in oil 
118000 mi Check engine light came on, would not keep running, it was a engine failure light, and low oil pressure 
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.  
115000 mi 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. 
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. 
90000 mi

US $493
Exhaust down pipe (between cat. and front muffler) was rusted out and leaking exhaust. The vehicle was very loud. 
69000 mi

US $400
2 of 4 ignition cables were in bad shape. One had failed, leaving engine running on 3 cylinders. 
52000 mi

US $234
Replaced broken vac hose. 
70000 mi

US $670
oil leak 
74200 mi

US $1250
Coolant leak repaired by replacing coolant hose flange outlet. Engine mount also replaced. 
77000 mi

US $280
Water temperature sensor malfunction 
78000 mi

US $171
Recirculating Air Valve Malfunction 
78600 mi Replace timing belt, tensioner & water pump 
117000 mi

US $225
Replaced coil packs after misfire (at cranking) caused Check Engine light to come on. Multiple misfires recorded by computer. 
118000 mi

US $40
Oil dipstick handle broke off, and dipstick tube disintegrated. Replaced both (fairly easy replacement). 
129000 mi

US $100
Check engine light on. Computer says "running lean". Replaced gas filter and MAF. 
134000 mi

US $360
Replaced thermostat. 
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. 
134000 mi

US $145
Coolant leakage continued. Had to replace plastic coolant piece (containing 3 orings) on rear of engine. 
159000 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. 
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. 
189000 mi

US $160
Secondary air pump, which only runs at startup, became very loud. Replaced pump. 
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. 
88000 mi

US $1500
Sludge build up engine. Replaced oil pump, oil pick up tube and flush engine. 
89300 mi

US $600
broken exhaust tubes, change timing belt and pump. 
70000 mi

US $1500
Water pump broke, timing belt also changed. 
109000 mi

US $215
Coolant leaks 
164200 mi

US $500
water pump needed replacement, was leaking. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

151900 mi

C $900
Linking oil and had camshaft work. 
147000 mi turbo vacuum tubing decayed in the cold weather. 
151600 mi

US $300
Coolant flange was leaking, had it replaced. 
166000 mi

US $175
coolant leak,  vacuum hose leaked 
64400 mi

US $360
Thermostat found to be faulty. Coolant temp sensor also faulty. 
83000 mi

US $1350
Cam valve cover gasket was leaking oil. Had gasket and cover replaced. Motor mount leaking. 
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. 
95000 mi

US $100
Failed Diverter Valve replaced. Torn CV boot replaced on the passenger side. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
134200 mi

US $250
Exhaust flex pipe developed a crack and was making a very loud noise; replaced flex pipe. 
175000 mi

US $100
coil replaced Oil warning light came on occasionally. Shop replaced oil pressure switch. 
200000 mi

US $280
1. replaced ignition coil 2. replaced spark plugs 3. read and reset check engine light 4. engine tune 
200700 mi

US $170
Replace 3 ignition coils Hole in exhaust system 
165000 mi

US $210
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 
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... 
87279 mi

US $989
Water pump failure. Timing Belt replaced 
98000 mi

US $81
Replaced belly pan and dowel pins as old one ripped off. Replacement was for W8 engine. 
130000 mi Trade-in, repairs required: Air Conditioning Compressor Exhaust Brakes Purge Valve 
77000 mi

US $40
replaced cam tensioner and seal valve cover gaskets 
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. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

270-horsepower 4.0L W8 6-speed manual AWD

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). 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

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

96000 mi

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. 
62000 mi Radiator was weeping. Replaced radiator under manufacturer CPO program. 
67000 mi

US $1267
Blown valve cover gasket resulting in oil leak. Replaced several gaskets and seals. 
87000 mi

US $150
Fuel purge valve replaced. 
78000 mi

US $600
Electric cooling fan was bad. Shop diagnosed and ordered part, owner installed. 
118000 mi

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

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

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

65000 mi

US $400
Ignition coils were replaced for the 3rd time in 2 years. 
58000 mi

US $65
Engine temp sensor failure. Defective Thermal switch for cooling fan replaced. 
131874 mi

US $1300
Flex joint connector & exhaust clap replaced oil pan crack. re -welded 
140000 mi Engine support mounts worn 
36943 mi Recall on fuel pump. 
39007 mi Replace temperature sensor. 
41982 mi Cannister leaking charcoal. 
49702 mi

US $55
Fuel system leak. 
88000 mi

US $1300
Valve cover gaskets replaced. $160 
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. 
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. 
82000 mi

US $550
CEL came on, sensor replaced. 
145000 mi Flex couplings and catalytic converter were determined to be bad 
69000 mi Replaced EVAP Purge Valve 
76000 mi

US $183
Check Engine light, replaced purge valve 
90000 mi

US $500
Very Small Evap Leak, Code P0456 
93000 mi

US $200
Exhaust leak at flex joint 
94000 mi

US $80
Replaced breather tube and broken vacuum line. 
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

139000 mi

US $1100
Motor mounts. Other repairs 
58280 mi

C $200
Ignition Control Modules needed to be replaced ( 2 were damaged/worn out) 
115320 mi

C $2400
3 month tune up found issues. Had recommended service completed. Engine gaskets. Catalytic converter. 
122140 mi

C $900
Engine light ended up being MAF and cat and muffler assembly. 
122760 mi

C $1700
engine light on again. reflashed computer and changed maf and hoses/clamps 
123560 mi

C $900
Car hesistates on acceleration. Changed MAF and vaccuum hoses. 
127720 mi

C $900
Again, hesitation with acceleration, dealer cannot find the problem as checked vac hoses etc, maf and not faulty. 

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2003 Volkswagen Passat 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel manual 2WD

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

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

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2003 Volkswagen Passat Engine Problems

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.