CarRecallDB

2003 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and problems

2 recalls and 456 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta.

2
recalls
456
owner complaints
25
complaints mentioning a crash
70
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 18V406000 · reported June 13, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 2,564 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 07V063000 · reported February 20, 2007 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 1,002,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 risk
The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 17, 2026 · Air bags

Airbag delopy

Apr 23, 2023 · Power train

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…

Feb 7, 2022 · Electrical system

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…

Nov 27, 2020 · Electrical system · 98,000 miles

RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW IS BLOCKED INSIDE DOOR

Aug 29, 2020 · Power train · 114,000 miles

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

Jetta model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 44392714
2001 66684012
2002 57023171
2003 24562570
2004 22311520
2005 4248814
2006 4580156

Across all years, the 2009 Jetta has the most complaints (889). All Volkswagen Jetta years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta, the most recent reported on June 13, 2018 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta?
Owners have filed 456 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is seats (100 complaints), followed by electrical system (97).
How many 2003 Volkswagen Jetta complaints mention a crash or fire?
25 of 456 complaints report a crash and 70 a fire; 85 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 17, 2026.