NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Volkswagen Jetta Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2003 Volkswagen Jetta has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 457 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2003 Volkswagen Jetta owner complaints

Owners have filed 457 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta, describing incidents dated June 6, 2002 to August 14, 2026.

Most-cited components

Seats 100 complaints
Electrical System 98 complaints
Air Bags 77 complaints
Engine 60 complaints
Power Train 54 complaints
Exterior Lighting 28 complaints

Of the 457 complaints on file, 25 report a crash and 70 a fire; across all 457 complaints, owners report 85 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11764944 · Filed September 17, 2026
Airbag delopy
ODI #11518564 · Filed April 23, 2023
Since New we noticed transmission malfunctioning, transmission would jerk on the upshifts and downshifting also, then it would take longer than normal to go into gears Im the original owner, I parked it for 11 years waiting for a recall letter, I heard the beatle had gotten a recall on this…
ODI #11450712 · Filed February 7, 2022
My jetta stalls without warning when the gas gauge is at a quarter of a tank or less. No engine check light or any other any other device comes on to warn me it is going to stall. My speed does not matter. It happens at freeway speeds or around town. It does not occur if the gas gauge shows more…

Read all 457 complaints

Owner-reported

2003 Volkswagen Jetta mileage at failure

372 of the 457 complaints on file for the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Seats	Median 55,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–90,000 miles	Based on 80 complaints
Electrical System	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–120,000 miles	Based on 90 complaints
Air Bags	Median 40,000 miles	Middle half 20,000–95,000 miles	Based on 54 complaints
Engine	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–90,000 miles	Based on 56 complaints
Power Train	Median 35,000 miles	Middle half 17,000–65,000 miles	Based on 45 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Defect Petition DP05-004: ENGINE STALLING
Closed December 8, 2005
Preliminary Evaluation PE04-081: INADVERTENT SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
Closed April 1, 2005
Engineering Analysis EA04-010: DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT OVERHEATS
Closed October 21, 2004
Preliminary Evaluation PE03-052: DRIVER SEAT OVERHEATS/BURNS
Closed March 30, 2004

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #18V406000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 13, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 2,564 vehicles

Repair completion: 8.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 69X3 · Owners notified May 2, 2019 · Vehicles built July 25, 2002 – September 28, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X3.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Water Pump may cause Failure of Timing Belt

NHTSA #14E007000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported March 7, 2014 · The Gates Corporation

Potentially affected: 50 vehicles

Repair completion: 2% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 1, 2014

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

MASTER CYLINDER LEAK

NHTSA #07E023000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported March 29, 2007 · CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Potentially affected: 13,128 vehicles

Owners notified April 2, 2007

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES

NHTSA #07V063000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported February 20, 2007 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 1,002,000 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign N4 · Owners notified April 27, 2007 · Vehicles built October 1, 2000 – November 30, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL 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.

Notes

VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. N4.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2003 Volkswagen Jetta 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

4 investigations

2003 Volkswagen Jetta 4-DR. Wagon w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

4 investigations

457 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta.

Exterior Lighting; Air Bags

ODI #11764944

Incident: August 14, 2026 · Filed: September 17, 2026

Airbag delopy

Power Train

ODI #11518564

Incident: June 1, 2010 · Filed: April 23, 2023

Since New we noticed transmission malfunctioning, transmission would jerk on the upshifts and downshifting also, then it would take longer than normal to go into gears Im the original owner, I parked it for 11 years waiting for a recall letter, I heard the beatle had gotten a recall on this failure,, the Jetta had the same motor and transmission the triptronic, I should get one also it only has 89164 miles, I’m waiting for a letter please respond thank you.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11450712

Incident: July 28, 2019 · Filed: February 7, 2022

My jetta stalls without warning when the gas gauge is at a quarter of a tank or less. No engine check light or any other any other device comes on to warn me it is going to stall. My speed does not matter. It happens at freeway speeds or around town. It does not occur if the gas gauge shows more than 1/4 of a tank of fuel. I do not know if it is an electrical problem, a fuel propulsion problem or an engine problem. From reading volkswagon forums, this is a very common problem with volkswagons of different years, including the new Tiguans. I'm sure there have been many fatalities as a result of this defect. I am surprised volkswagon has not been forced to repair this dangerous, life threatening problem before now! Maybe, a class action law suit involving products liability, merchantability, and fitness for a particular use would benefit not only owners, but the general public at large. I believe it is your duty to protect the general public from manufactures who place dangerous, defective products in the stream of commerce. Your action is required, and demanded. The first time ocurred right after I purchased the car in 2019. It has stalled many times since then, before I realized I needed to keep the fuel tank at least 1/2 full at all times. Keeping it 1/2 full at all times greatly deminishes the range of travel before I have to refill. It is inconvenient and expensive since fuel has to be purchased at places other the most economical place I usually purchase my gasoline. Thank you

Electrical System

ODI #11376725

Incident: October 25, 2020 · Filed: November 27, 2020

RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW IS BLOCKED INSIDE DOOR

Power Train

ODI #11352036

Incident: June 6, 2002 · Filed: August 29, 2020

NO TRANSMISSION FILTER .SO THERE IT IS MR VAR NO EONT GO IN ANY GEAR.I WENT TO CHONGE FILTER AND AFTER DAYS OF RESEARCH FOUND OUT THEY CAME W NO FILHER AND THAT MY FRIEND. CAN NOT BE JUSTIFIED. EVERY ONE HAS THESE PROBLEMS WHK OWNS ONE

Service Brakes

ODI #11308305

Incident: January 21, 2020 · Filed: February 10, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DICK HANNAH DEALERSHIPS 10808 NE COXLEY DR, VANCOUVER, WA 98662 (360) 605-1726 WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11289380

Incident: December 12, 2019 · Filed: December 16, 2019

I CLOSED MY TRUNK ONE DAY AND NOW IT WILL NOT OPEN WITH FOB OR INSIDE DOOR LATCH OR THE KEY.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11161955

Incident: December 15, 2018 · Filed: December 17, 2018

THE CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR WHILE IDLING WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE IS AROUND OR UNDER 1/4 OF A TANK. I HAVE READ UP ON THIS AND PEOPLE ARE DUMPING A LOT OF MONEY ONTO TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ISSUE IS AND THERE IS NO ANSWER. STALLING ON A HIGHWAY WITHOUT A MEDIAN OR PULL-OFF IS NOT ONLY INCONVENIENT BUT DANGEROUS.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #11123561

Incident: July 1, 2018 · Filed: August 30, 2018

DRIVING HELLO ALL STATE ROUTE AFTER DARK AT 55 MI./H THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND THEN CAME BACK ON IN A SHORT MATTER OF SECONDS. HAD THE ROAD NOT BEEN STRAIGHT AT THAT SECTION I COULD HAVE VERY EASILY COLLIDED WITH TREES OR GUARDRAILS. THE 1ST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS 2012-08-01. I HAD THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN EXPERT GARAGE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS STOCK. THE NEXT TIME THAT OCCURRED WAS JULY 2018. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD I HAVE NOT SOUGHT ANY REPAIRS YET.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Engine

ODI #11099851

Incident: March 20, 2018 · Filed: June 4, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED WATER TO THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,072.

Other Volkswagen Jetta model years

Check your 2003 Volkswagen Jetta VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volkswagen Jetta at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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