2003 Volkswagen Passat: engine stalls while driving

Filed Nov 26, 2025 · Fuel system · 133,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the parts needed for the repair could not be found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 07V375000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was included but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

Filed Dec 28, 2022 · Fuel system, Suspension · PA

Vehicle has major fuel pump issue, currently at 132,000 and noticing loss of power, car shaking, and occasional stall. A code reader is unable able to detect the issue which is a major concern. I have contacted the volkswagen Manufacturer and I consistently keep getting ignored after bringing up the recall that was put out for the fuel pump. While driving on the highway my rear and front suspension failed and dropped suddenly while moving slowly during traffic. I whave only been able to repair the front shocks and struts so far, but the rear are needed as well. I would like to state that all the parts are original manufacturer parts.

Filed May 8, 2018 · 138,718 miles · NC

Car loses power and stalls out after coming to a stop. Epc light illuminates and car must be put in park and started up again to move. Today, it stalled as I pulled out to make a left turn and I was stuck in the middle of road with oncoming traffic coming at me.

Filed Dec 1, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 172,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled. The vehicle inadvertently shifted in reverse and the brakes stopped working. The contact had to apply the parking brake. The contact mentioned that the gear shifter was stuck in park. Also, the check engine, tire pressure, and epc indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to heritage volkswagen of south atlanta at (678) 263-3711 (4305 jonesboro rd, union city, ga 30291) where it was diagnosed that the ignition control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact was advised to call the federal safety agency. The approximate failure mileage was 172,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2017 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · 93,000 miles · NC

While driving the car power cuts off and stops in traffic. Have to restart. It is dangerous that the car just stops in traffic. The battery continues to drain even after totally recharging the battery. After a complete battery recharge and starting the car every day, the battery still drains again after about a week. This started happening in june 2016 and I have only driven the car about 30 total miles because afraid it is going to shut down while driving in traffic. Recently, I received a recall for this problem for my 2016 volkswagen cc but I am not having the problem with the cc. I am having the described recall problem with my 2003 passat but did not receive a recall notification for it. I am the original owner and my passat needs this repair.

Filed Dec 14, 2016 · Electrical · 144,604 miles · NE

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated the vehicle was previously included in a recall that called for the ignition coil to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Due to the fact the vehicle was previously repaired per the recall, the manufacturer was not able to assist. The federal safety agency campaign number was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 144,604.

Filed Nov 18, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 130,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at various speeds. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed diagnostic testing. The engine oxygen sensor, coil spring, sparks plugs, and wires were replaced; however, the failure was not corrected. The contact stated that the tail lights also failed. The tail lights were not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Aug 24, 2015 · Transmission · CA

The ad blue heater failures are rampant is all passat models 2012 to 2015. The safety issue is that in the winter time when ad blue freezes the car goes into a non restart countdown. If the car stalls during this time the person may be stuck in sub zero weather without heat. The ad blue heater is only covered under the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty because they say it does not qualify as emissions control system. The car will shut down because if the ad blue freezes the emissions goes unexpectedly high so how can this not be part of the emissions system? The cost of repair is $1,000 plus.

Filed Jul 29, 2015 · Engine · 83,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine exhibited sludge. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The mechanic recommended that the engine be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

Filed May 8, 2015 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14e007000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Mar 16, 2015 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 116,000 miles · OR

After a couple attempts to start the vehicle the engine turns over and runs for 2-3 seconds then dies. This happens multiple times before fully starting up and is able to be driven. While out of gear and car is running, pressing on the acceleration does nothing. Car is able to be driven short distances but stalled at one point going approx. 5 MPH. I was told my specific VIN # is not covered under warranty for fuel pump/system malfunctions. If this is a known issue of 2003 passat's already why would some not be covered?

Filed Sep 22, 2014 · Fuel system · 170,000 miles · TX

Recently had the vehicle maintenance done, brought the car home and found that when it cooled and all fluids settled overnight, the fuel pump was having trouble- resulting in car not starting. After one hour of turning the key over-and-over, then giving it gas, it eventually started. Excited, I took the car out for a test drive, it stalled in the middle of a for way intersection. Thankfully I live in a very small town, if that had happened on a highway there would be potential for an accident. Considering I bought this car a couple years ago, I don't feel I'm at fault for not taking advantage of the dealerships recall and it's in my best interest to investigate further to see if I'm eligible for the free replacement by the dealer. I would appreciate someone getting back to me via e-mail or text message(cannot make or receive phone calls) top let me know as soon as possible. Thank you, very much [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).