2003 Volkswagen Passat body problems

Filed Apr 23, 2015 · Body, Engine · 135,800 miles · OR

I have had my 2003 vw passat a year now I have just noticed in the past week that it had a leak I thought it was from the window or sun roof I went to vacuum the car out on a nice day and seen that it still had very wet carpet and then noticed the carpet was a green color like it was coolant I then had my bf check it and it is. I run a daycare and use this car daily with my children we have been breathing in this coolant for weeks now and that probably explains my daughter saying she gets headaches when we drive the car. I have done some research and see it is a very common and recalled thing with the heater core and I had no idea I hope us breathing this in hasn't done any damage I have a one year old who has been in it this whole time as well.im very unpleased with this car.

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Body, Driver assistance · 140,000 miles · NC

Car was constantly getting the passenger side (front and back) flooded w water during a rain storm. Had to get new battery cleaned out sunroof drainage. It didn't matter. Whenever it rained the battery would be dead because the control module which is there is all messed up sending mixed messages. Finely just died in the middle of the road. Not worth putting money into the car. I purchased this car less then a year ago and had this problem after the first rain and went down from their. Im so disappointed hoping buying a used vw I was going to be satisfied but had nothing trouble from day one.

Filed May 13, 2010 · Body, Electrical · CA

I purchased an 03 vw passat from a vw dealer as a certified pre-owned vehicle back in 2/07. Within the first week of purchase I had brake problems. The next couple years were followed by valve cover leaks, engine leaks, auto window problems, battery problems, recall issues, water intrusion issues, ignition coil recall and the list goes on. After a water intrusion just days after the replacement of faulty ignition coils I contacted the manufacture notifying them of the problems. The manufacture had held their foot to the ground that my car is out of warranty (that I was told at time of sale I did not have) and so they are able to do nothing about any of the problems with this vehicle. However as it stands I have nearly $3000 in repairs needed to this vehicle. Not to mention the water leak/damage from what I understand may actually mean my vehicle is considered a total loss at this point. I have expressed to the manufacture that I am concerned for the safety of myself but my small children as well ever time we are in this vehicle. Among the several things that are potential to occur while I am driving I also worry about the potential for mold exposure from the water damage. Due to cost I am unable to get any of this corrected and can not afford to go thru my insurance only to be told that it is a manufacture issue and so I am stuck. I feel that at this point I am driving around in a safety hazard and don't know what to do. Every time I receive a replay from anyone I just end up back at the same place....contact the bbb, etc. I am getting no where and don't know what to do therefore am looking into any and all resources so any information would be useful. Thank you for your time.

Filed Jul 18, 2009 · Body · 25,000 miles · SC

Sunroof drains/or other source allows water to leak into car saturating the interior carpet under left drivers seat and floorboard area. Convenience module was replaced once under warranty in 2006, but water leak has returned. This is a garaged vehicle and this water leak occurs if car is parked outside at work (no trees of leaf debris) with roof closed. Dealer was aware of problem when the car was repaired originally in 2007 and said the drain hose was collapsing on itself.

Filed Jul 1, 2009 · Body, Electrical · 42,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed May 2, 2009 · Body · 39,000 miles · MD

I have a 2003 vw passat that has leaked water from the sunroof drain tubes and pollen filter. The water pooled into the floor pans under the carpet all over the car and threatens all of the electronic components stored on the floor of the vehicle. Vw dealer wants over $1000 to fix this issue even though there is nothing stated anywhere in the owner manual regarding drain tube maintenance or pollen filter leaks. These drains are neither easily accessible or visible (especially the rear drain channels). These problems are clearly engineering flaws and there are tons of documented cases all over the internet of the same problem occurring. Vw does not acknowledge this problem and the dealership is charging huge amounts of money for parts and labor to clean up all of the water damage and fried electronics. This really needs to be looked into and considered for action. In addition to water damage, mold and mildew pose significant health risks.

Filed Feb 13, 2009 · Body, Brakes · 95,100 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that a new pair of rare brakes failed on her vehicle after 14,952 miles. She usually gets over 36,000 miles on a pair of brakes. She stated that the brake pads failed and damaged the rotors. The contact feels that the pads are defective and should have lasted longer than 14,000 miles. She also feels that the dealer should cover the cost of the new pads. The current and failure mileages were 95,100. Updated 04/21/09. *lj the serpentine belt was cracked, the power steering fluid was low, the vc boot and hood strut was replaced.. Updated 04/21/09.

Filed Jul 28, 2008 · Body, Fuel system · 31,000 miles · AZ

This car was never inspected for recalls, or safety issues. The moment the car was handed to us the battery died. The dealership quickly change the battery. The car was hesitating on acceleration ever since. It was on july 27 2008 that finally the check engine light came on. Took the car to a garage and it has coast us 270 dollars to fix it so far. We have not had this car for more than a month. There are two recalls on this car that were never look at or fixed by precision toyota of tucson . One of these recalls can cause fire.

Filed Jul 10, 2008 · Body · 80,000 miles · WI

Water leaked in to the passenger compartment of the vw passat. The transmission electronic controls are located under the floor mat of the passenger side of the auto. The water shorted out the electronics for the transmission disabling the vehicle. A vw dealer repaired the passat by replacing the electronics at a cost of $2250.00 to us. They also modified the air intake to prevent future damage. This was the second time we had the auto in for cabin water. The service rep. Told me there is a problem with the cabin air intake and this was replaced under a recall on the 2000, 2001 and 2002 years of the passat. He tried vw for warranty but they declined.

Filed Jun 29, 2008 · Body, Electrical · 81,000 miles · MO

My 2003 volkswagen passat is holding 6inches or more of water on the passenger side in the floor board and has shorted out the computer underneath, in servicing the car the technician advised he found 3 other volkswagen passats of the same year to have the same defect. I have also been advised that a serious crash could have resulted because the computer underneath regulates the transmission.