Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
My side window blew out while driving 65 MPH on mostly rural stretch of highway 94, driving eastbound near waukesha, wi. I was in the leftmost lane with no vehicles within 50 yards to the front or back of my car. I don't believe anything struck the window and I didn't see any cracks in the glass before I got on the highway. It was about 30 degrees outside and we had our heater on for about 30 minutes inside the car. I drive a 2003 vw Passat. No accident or injuries to myself or my passenger resulted from the window explosion. I didn't report anything to the police or sheriff because I have no reason to believe the window was deliberately smashed by a person with a weapon or thrown object. The window was replaced at my own expense. I have two photos of the wndow taken before the remaining shattered glass was removed. How common is this for side windows? Could it be a defect in the glass? …
I own a 2003 vw Passat, the new style windshield wipers are usless in snowy and/or icy conditions. The snow and ice accumulateon the wipping blade with no where to discharge it. This occours on every swipe not after long term use. I complained at the dealership and vw and was told nothing can be done but was told that other owners complain about the wipers. During snow conditions I have to drive at 20-25 MPH and turn the wipers off. I noticed on the 2004 models a small change in the design of the wipers, there must be a reason why a change was implemented on a one year design, but vw will not admit or change my wiper. I am not a mechanical engineer but could see the problem with the design only one hour after constantly stopping to clear the ice/snow of the wiper blade. Hope that somebody will look at this problem.
Dt*: the contact stated rain water pools into the rear of the vehicle when it rains steadily through the sunroof while it is closed. The floor of the vehicle underneath the driver seat becomes wet and there is a possibility of shock from wiring under the seat. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer who suggested checking the drain tube periodically to ensure it was not clogged. At the time the vehicle was seen by the dealer, the tube appeared to be open freely. The manufacturer was alerted of the problem. The problem still persists every time it rains.
I've spent over $8000 towards vw dealership attempts at fixing the horn, radio, homelink, climate control (A/C and heat) rear passenger side window, heated seats, dashboard panel lights, and defroster flap. Vw replaced ABS and brake light module, but only fixed the horn. Vw stated they are not responsible even after I paid for them to fix the above problems and they are still unable to determine the cause of the problems. I request reimbursement from Volkswagen for the repair attempts and related expenses. Current vehicle mileage: 127,000.
Rear view mirror was pulled off windshield by a 2 yr old, mirror separated at the ball-and-socket hinge with the base remaining glued to the windshield. No apparent damage to the mirror. Pushing mirror back together shattered the windshield in the area of the mirror. It is possible that pulling the mirror apart had already damaged the windshield (not checked before trying to put the mirror back together). I would have expected the mirror to unglue from the windshield or break before the windshield broke.
Pollen filter and/ or sunroof drains become blocked and water leaks behind battery and into cabin of car. The water then pools under and behind the drivers seat where the convenience module is stored. I am concerned because it caused my car to be unable to start because it is affecting the electrical components of the car. In addition, the pooling under the drivers seat is troubling since it is a hub for interior electrical equipment. The convenience module in my car now has to be replaced.
The rear window glass fell inside the door while traveling at 80 MPH, causing my family to get extremely alarmed. I tried to put it back up via the power window switch on the door but it was incorporative. When I took it to Volkswagen, they said a pin holding the window up broke. This is unacceptable as I had an infant next to the window at the time of the incident. Because of the infant's location, my wife's purse strap hit him in the face causing mirror injury.
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 2003 Volkswagen Passat with 7000 failure mileage the brake lights intermittently turned off. Also, the driver's side front headlight turns off, the rear passenger side window, and the horn did not operate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer several times, but they still could not determine the cause of the problems. The current mileage was 105,944.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. On May 28, 2007, the contact stated that the sunroof exploded, splattering glass all over the vehicle and into the passenger compartment. The failure occurred while driving 55 MPH. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 57,805 and failure mileage was 57,749.
Front windshield defrost/defogger not operating/blowing on windshield. If windshield began to fog or frost, there May not be enough airflow to clear the windshield, resulting in reduced driver visibility and a possible crash without prior warning. Manufacturer refusing to fix under safety warranty.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2003 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 3% of the model year's 631 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Volkswagen Passat window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Volkswagen Passat window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.