VehicleVerdict

2003 Volkswagen Jetta airbags problems

The 2003 Volkswagen Jetta has 81 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 15% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

81

Airbags complaints

15%

Share of year

15

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Airbags complaints by year

Related recalls

18V406000AirbagsJune 13, 2018 · 2,564 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

What owners report

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 45 MPH. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 27, 2009 · crash

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta have?

NHTSA has 81 complaints about the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta airbags — 15% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta airbags?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the airbags: 18V406000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.