VehicleVerdict

2003 Volkswagen Passat airbags problems

The 2003 Volkswagen Passat has 23 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 3% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

23

Airbags complaints

3%

Share of year

5

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.

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2003 Volkswagen Passat have?

NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 2003 Volkswagen Passat airbags — 3% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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.