2003 Volkswagen Passat - Electric Vehicle Guide
The 2003 Volkswagen Passat belongs to a Volkswagen Passat lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 22 model years, from 1989 to 2021. It is an all-electric vehicle, so it skips the oil changes, spark plugs and exhaust-system service of a combustion Passat entirely. It is configured as 4-wheel or all-wheel drive with an automatic (s5). The 2003 sits mid-run, with both earlier (1989) and later (2021) Passat model years also documented.
The high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, separate from the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Routine upkeep centers on tire rotation, DOT 4 brake fluid, G13/G12++ battery/cabin coolant, cabin air filters and brake service rather than engine oil. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include lug nut 89 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around engine and engine cooling (109), fuel system, gasoline (109), seats (91). A representative report reads: "The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights..." There are 7 safety recalls on record; one covers: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999.....
Estimated annual charging cost runs near $3,050.
Quick Specs
| Battery warranty | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Est. annual charging | $3,050 |
| Coolant | G13/G12++ |
| Open recalls on record | 7 |
| Technical service bulletins | 117 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.