2003 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Seats is the leading concern among 463 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 25 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 85 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 13, 2018
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.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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 recall is 69X3.
Campaign 18V406000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 7, 2014
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 parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
Campaign 14E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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 YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 07V063000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
463 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Aug 2, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
Air bags, Jul 26, 2004
I HIT A POTHOLE AND MY SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. VW STATES THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN THIS SITUATION AND THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS ($2196.85 IN PARTS PLUS WHATEVER THEY CHARGE FOR LABOR). *AK
Parking brake, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Jul 22, 2004, crash
I GOT MY 2003 VW JETTA IN FEBRUARY OF '03. NOW NOT EVEN A YEAR AND A HALF LATER I HAVE HUGE PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. MY BRAKE LIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY STAY ON EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. MY WINDOWS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK PROPERLY. FINALLY THE WORST WAS THAT I WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY, IT IS STEEP BUT THE SAME PLACE I HAVE PARKED DOZENS OF TIMES, WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LET GO IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND MY CAR ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVE WAY EVENTUALLY CRASHING INTO TREES. I READ ON OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT THERE WAS ONE OTHER PERSON WHO HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MANY OTHERS WHO HAD SIMILAR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WELL I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN ABOUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS AND THEY SAID THAT INDEED THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR AS A RESULT OF A FAILING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. TURNS OUT THEY HAD FAILED TO INFORM ME. I WONDER WHAT OTHER RECALLS THEY HAVE FAILED TO INFORM PEOPLE ABOUT. *JB
Air bags, Jul 19, 2004
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN THE 2002-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND 2003 HONDA ACCORD. *MR *NM *TC
Air bags, Jul 6, 2004
IN DECEMBER 2003, I WAS DRIVING ON I-495 IN THE DC AREA AND HIT A SMALL ROCK (FELT SIMILAR TO HITTING A POTHOLE). MY PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED...AFTER INSPECTION, THE DEALER SAID THAT, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR, THERE WAS A SMALL SCRATCH ON THE AIRBAG SENSOR. IT WAS CONSIDERED A COLLISION AND MY INSURANCE HAD TO COVER THE BILL (AROUND $2500). SIX MONTHS LATER (JUNE 2004), I WAS DRIVING DOWN JOPLIN RD NEAR QUANTICO, VA AND DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYS. WHILE ITS A WINDING ROAD, I DIDN'T FEEL ANY IMPACT. I JUST GOT A CALL FROM THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT. SAYING THAT (AGAIN) WHILE THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR, IT APPEARS THAT SOMETHING HIT THE INSIDE OF THE CAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TELLING THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. AGAIN, THEY SAID MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL HAVE TO COVER THE AIRBAG/SEAT REPLACEMENT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Jun 23, 2004
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE VEHICLE. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THERE WAS A SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *MR THIS RESULTED IN A COMPLETE LOST OF POWER AND A REPLACEMENT OF THE INJECTOR SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS MUDDY DIESEL FUEL BUT COULDN'T PRODUCE THE FUEL FILTER TO BACK UP THE CLAIM. THERE WAS ANOTHER INCIDENT WHERE THERE WAS A PUFF OF SMOKE AND A LOST OF POWER DOWN TO 25 MPH ON THE ROAD. THE ENGINE HAD A #3 VALVE GO THROUGH THE PISTON AND RUN UP AND DOWN THE CRANKSHAFT. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH ANOTHER INJECTOR SYSTEM AND FUEL PUMP WAS ADDED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, A HIGH PRESSURE OIL LINE BROKE FROM THE WELD AND SPEWED OIL EVERYWHERE. THE AXLE ASSEMBLY AND THE TRANSMISSION SLAVE CYLINDER WERE REPLACED AS WELL. *SC *JB
Air bags, Jun 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO REPAIR SHOPS FOR AN INSPECTION. *AK THE CONSUMER HAD JUST ACCELERATED FROM A RED LIGHT WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE STATING IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *SC *JB.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 8, 2004
VEHICLE WAS TOWED TWICE BECAUSE THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THE ABS ECU RECALL 02V03100 OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDEDIN THE RECALL DUE TO MODEL YEAR AND VIN. *AK
Air bags, Jun 7, 2004
WHILE EXITING THE BALTIMORE HARBOR TUNNEL NORTH BOUND AT 55 MILES PER HOUR I HIT A POTHOLE. THE POTHOLE SLIGHTLY DAMAGE THE RIGHT FRONT(PASSENGER SIDE) RIM AND BROKE THE TIRE SEAL. THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. *AK ALSO CAN NOT RETRACT OR ADJUST MY SEAT BELT. MINOR MEDICAL INJURES OCURRED. DECIDED TO CHECK FOR OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS VOLKSWAGEN IN ALL THOSE CASES WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, SO I DECIDED TO FILE A COMPLAINT. WILL SPEAK TO MY DEALER ASAP.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 2, 2004
WHILE BRAKING 55 MPH VEHICLE JERKED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Air bags, May 17, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND ROLLING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. *AK
Power train, May 12, 2004
LAST JANUARY I BOUGHT MYSELF A 2003 JETTA STRAIGHT OFF THE LOT BRAND NEW. EVERYTHING WAS GOING GREAT UP TO OCTOBER ONCE THE COLD WEATHER STARTED TO SET IN. THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC AND WHEN LEAVING IT TO SIT FOR A PERIOD OF TIME I WOULD GET IN TO DRIVE THE CAR AND STARTING OUT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR IT WOULD SLAM INTO GEAR. IT WAS ABSOLUTLY HORRIBLE AND SCARY FELT AS IF THE CAR WAS GOING TO BOTTOM OUT. SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND BROUGHT IT IN FOR A CHECK, THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR SO I TOOK IT HOME AGAIN BUT THE PROBLEM KEPT HAPPENING. SO AGAIN COME MARCH I BROUGHT IT BACK THIS TIME THEY HAD IT FOR A WHOLE WK AND AGAIN TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG, SO I BROUGHT IT HOME AGAIN AND AGAIN LATER ON NOT EVEN A WEEK LATER IT STARTED TO SHIFT LATE AGAIN SO I CALLED AGAIN THIS TIME THE SERVICE REP TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING MORE HE COULD DO FOR ME. I CALLED THE VW COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE WAYI WAS DRIVING THE CAR "I WAS AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER". I CALLED THE BBB AND OPENED UP A CLAIM AND NOW AGAIN THEY HAVE MY CAR AND I HAVE A RENTAL BUT AGAIN THEY ARE TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. NEVER ONCE HAS ANYONE APOLIGIZED. NO AUTOMATIC SHOULD SLAM INTO GEAR WHEN DRIVING IT. THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO EVEN TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ALL THEY KEEP DOING IT TURNING IT AROUND ON ME AS IF IT IS MY FAULT THE WAY I AM DRIVING THE CAR.. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON MYVWLEMON.COM AND I HAVE FOUND A MILLION OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND INFORMED BARRYS OF THIS AND THEY TOLD ME UNLESS IT IS THE EXACT SAME CAR SAME ENGINE SAME STYLE THERE IS NO CASE.. THIS IS THE ABSOLUTLY THE WORST I HAVE EVER BEEN TREATED FROM A COMPANY.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, May 11, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH AIR CONDITIONER ON 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. *MR THE AIR INTAKE DUCT LEAKED WHICH CAUSED WHITE SMOKE TO EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED AFTER A 75 MILE TRIP. THE PART HAD TO BE ORDERED. THE A/C CONDENSER LEAKED WHICH CAUSED THE A/C NOT TO COOL THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THE DEALER SURMISED THAT THE DAMAGE TO THE CONDENSER WAS FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE THEREFORE REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
Power train, Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, May 11, 2004
I OWN A 2003 VW JETTA. I BOUGHT IT ON 09/02. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD A VARIETY OF PROBLEMS. FIRST IT WAS MY ELECTRICAL. BY BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON AND THE KEY LESS REMOTE DID NOT WORK I COULD NOT LOCK MY CAR AND NON OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WORKED. I TOOK THIS PROBLEM TO VW AND THE SAID THAT I NEEDED TO MAKE AN APPONTMENT BEFORE THEY WOULD HELP ME. SO I HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS AND MAKE MY APPT. THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXED HOWEVER OCCASIONALY THE BRAKE LIGHTS STILL STAY STUCK ON. THIS WAS ALSO NOTED TO VW. THE SECOND TIME I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A RATTLE IN MY CLUTCH. I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO TAKE MY CAR ON A TEST DRIVE WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP (?). SO I DID AND SHE STATED SHE DID NOT HERE ANYTHING AND I TOLD HERE THAT WHEN I TAKE THE CLUTCH OUT IT DOES RATTLES VERY LOUD BUT WHEN I PUSH THE CLUTCH IN THE RATTLE STOPS. CUSTOMER SERVICE REP STATED SINCE SHE DID NOT HERE THIS SHE COULD NOT LET THE ACTUAL TECH LOOK AT IT. I DEMANDED THE TECH TO LOOK AT IT. FINALLY THE TECH AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REP TOLD ME I HAD A RATTLE IN MY CLUTCH DUE TO MY BALD TIRES.???? SINCE I DID NEED NEW TIRES, I REPLACED ALL 4. MY CLUTCH STILL RATTLED. (SHOCKER) I THEN DECIDED TO TAKE MY VW TO ANOTHER VW SERVICE DEALER, AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE RATTLE WAS A LOOSE HEAT PLATE. VW DEALER STATED THIS WAS FIXED. THE NEXT DAY THIS RATTLE WAS STILL THERE. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR IN FOR A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES FOR THIS RATTLE. I HAVE DECIDED ON GETTING A NEW NON-VW CAR. NOT ONLY HAS THE CAR DISSAPPOINTED ME BUT THE SERVCIE POEPLE HAVE TREATED ME AND MY HUSBAND LIKE IGNORANT CONSUMERS. ON EACH OF THESE VISITS TO THE VW DEALER THEY HAVE AHD TO KEEP MY CAR FOR NUMEROUS DAYS, AND NEVER WAS I ABLE TO RECEIVE A RENTAL, WHICH RESULTED IN ME MISSING WORK AND COSTING ME MORE MONEY.*MB*
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, May 7, 2004, crash
WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BRAKES FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN A REAR END COLLISION. THE INSURANCE WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVE THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE BRAKE MECHANISM. *AK
Air bags, May 6, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH CONSUMER RAN OVER A ROCK. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT A CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD INSPECT VEHICLE AND THEN MAKE A DETERMINATION. *AK
Air bags, Apr 29, 2004
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND WITHOUT NOTICE OR CAUSE THE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, INJURING THE PASSENGER. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER THE DEALER SAID THEY WILL NOT COVER IT. *AK THERE WERE MINOR SCRATCHES FOUND UNDER THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN PROOF OF A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT BUT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. (MODEL-GLS TDI WAGON) *SC *JB
Air bags, Apr 22, 2004
WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AT NO MORE THAN 1 OR 2 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. VW HAS THUS FAR CLAIMED THE VEHICLE HIT SOMETHING CAUSING THEM TO DEPLOY. *AK
Seats, Apr 21, 2004, fire
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE SEAT HEATER ENGAGED, THE CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNING ODOR ALONG WITH REAR END GETTING EXCESSIVELY HOT. CONSUMER PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, AND NOTICED THE LEATHER SEAT HAD BURN HOLES. BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP WERE CONTACTED.*AK
Parking brake, Apr 20, 2004, crash
THE CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE ON A 2 POINT GRADE, SET THE PARKING BRAKE, AND PROCEEDED INTO HIS HOUSE. APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MINUTES LATER, A FRIEND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED DOWN THE STREET AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. *AK *SC *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTS. GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE RING LOCK ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK WAS WARPED. THIS CAUSED A FUEL LEAK. *AK
Seats, Apr 2, 2004, fire
DRIVER SEAT HEATER OVERHEATED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO SEAT. *JB
Power train, Apr 1, 2004
WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE HESITATED. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. HOWEVER, DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER'S WIFE SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND SAID IT WAS AN INHERENT PROBLEM OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, DEALER SAID THAT THEY CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION IS COMPUTERIZED AND COMMUNICATES WITH THE ENGINE. *LA
Air bags, Mar 31, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH AND TALKING ON THE PHONE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED, BUT CONSUMER WAS CITIED BY THE POLICE. *AK
Air bags, Mar 31, 2004
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65 AND 70 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING FRONT AND WINDOW PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK