Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Volkswagen Passat owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at various speeds. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed diagnostic testing. The engine oxygen sensor, coil spring, sparks plugs, and wires were replaced; however, the failure was not corrected. The contact stated that the tail lights also failed. The tail lights were not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Driving at night, 65mph, interstate hwy. Low beam headlights went out. High beams did work. Replaced both headlight bulbs. Did not fix. Cost $95. Replace headlight relay. Did not fix. Cost in excess of $200. Recall for later year Passat for same problem caused by "hood slam?"
Brake failure light appears even after multiple brake repairs. Driver?s side rear upper brake light replaced for 29th time in less than 2 yrs. Multiple coolant leaks still present even after repair and water pump replacement. Radio/amplifier not functioning even after replacement (radio was only used twice in vehicle?s lifetime). Diagnostics show airbag malfunction. Regulator pin on rear passenger side window keeps breaking (3rd replacement since 2003). Engine cover below car keeps falling off due to rusted bolts. Homelink system keeps malfunctioning. Fuses keep blowing out. Dashboard panel lights out (odometer, fuel gauge, etc.). Ccm module keeps breaking down. Car needs to be jumpstarted when not in use for over 48 hrs. Climate control (A/C and heater) works only sporadically. All repairs performed by vw dealership, yet same issues keep reappearing just a few weeks after repairs. …
While driving 2003 vw Passat the engine stalled out (no fuel) causing near accident by passing vehicles. Drifted to side of road. After 100 mile tow to vincent Volkswagen dealer in rochester, they found no problem. Car did run two days. The same stall-out occurred three days later. Another tow to a dealer (schmitts garage) to attempt to repair. Not sure what the problem is but strongly suspect fuel pump or control system for fuel or fuel line system. There have been previous recalls on some 2003 Passat fuel system items including fuel pumps (potential to cause crash when fail) . Was told my Passat was not part of the other 2003 Passat fuel pump/system recall. However, are more fuel pump units bad that vw doesn't realize which could cause major accidents, head on collisions during passing. Filed this with vw customer care. …
My brake light switch went out and I didn't know I didn't have brakes until someone at a light told me. Who knows how long I've drove around like that. And it seems very odd that so many other people have had this problem too. I own two vw's (2003 Passat & 2004 golf), both have had this switch failure. The 2004 was replaced/fixed under warranty; the 2003 was not under warranty & costs were exorbitant. The service dept and service managers both admitted that this is a very common problem and oftentimes their mechanics will break the new switch while installing it. I broke two switches myself attempting a simple install. What was done to correct the failure was that the switch was replaced & yes I have both the original broken part, plus another newer revision of the switch that I personally broke, plus the now working switch installed in both vw's.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance when the dealer noticed a failed exterior brake light switch. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in recall number 07V063000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch). The contact felt that the recall should be expanded to include his vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 72,000. Updated 02-01-08 the consumer stated this is the 3rd recall the vehicle was not included in due to the VIN number. The consumer stated the fuel pump problem the company fixed because they could not dispute it. Updated 02/01/08
Tl contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the brake lights would constantly shine on and off at random. The light would illuminate while driving and would dim when the brakes were applied. The contact discovered recall number 07V063000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch). He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact stated that his vehicle is experiencing the same failure as noted in the recall. The failure speed was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 67,085. Updated 02/01/08. Updated 02/01/08
Tl contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 65 MPH or attempting to stop, the vehicle loses power and shuts off without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and the speed sensor was replaced. However, the vehicle continues to shut off. The contact stated that the brake lights also malfunction and the electrical switch was replaced. The vehicle is currently at the dealer and they are unable to determine the cause of failure. The vehicle's warranty has been charged for each replacement. The current mileage was 57,006 and failure mileage was 47,000.
Radio not functioning, air conditioning unit works intermittently, airbag malfunction recognized, operation unit in steering wheel malfunctions, no communications with brake control unit, brake light switch causes drivers side brake light to malfunction. Horn not functioning nearly caused 2 accidents within a month. I drove over an island to avoid one collision from the other non-attentive driver and ended up scraping the transmission pan. Cost of replacement: $550. After thousands of dollars in repairs and diagnostics, vw dealerships still unable to fix any of the above!
Tl* - the contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat with a current mileage of 52,000 miles. The brake lights were not functioning, after checking the fuse the contact found no failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, livingston Volkswagen, and the brake light switch was replaced. The contact had to pay for the repair, but was told by the manufacturer before going to the dealer, that it would be free. When the contact called the manufacturer back he was told that the vehicle was not under recall.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch May malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
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.
Headlight complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2003 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the lights of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 6% of the model year's 631 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights › switch (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Volkswagen Passat headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-063 (switch, Feb 20, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Volkswagen Passat headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.