2003 Volkswagen Passat: fuel pump failure

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 Nov 19, 2019 · Airbags, Brakes · 57,665 miles · CA

This car only has 65000 original one owner miles and has experienced all & more of the current recalls with same model yr, vw local dealerships (2) refuse to acknowledge the problems (one even tried to double charge me for bosch ABS part last year before the recall to fix) and numerous emails to vw have gone unanswered. Most recent issues in last 1.5yrs have been fuel pump went out and I paid to replace (dealer scammed us by throwing out dead brand new aaa stamped and warranted battery, they sd we needed new one and old one already picked up from dealer to expose of, charged $200 for that as well. I paid for the ABS light repair which I have paid and diagnosed numerous times for last 10yrs to fix and finally just paid the over $1000. To get it fixed for safety reasons. 9 months ago rear brake lights would come on randomly when parked and locked killing the battery. I would drive it to charge it up but since it is a car we don't drive often or far, it continued to do the same for a few weeks until it dawned on me that the seat warmer on those cars could leave an open current, turned that off, good for a few weeks, then found out same for the trunk light, unplugged and capped that and it is far better, but something still. After reading online vw passat forums and recalls I know 2 dealerships sd they performed the brake light sensor recall, but was it truly done and causing the issue...answer is no, vw dealers 2x after checking and billing vw for the repair falsified doing the recall. I know because I checked it and the part is original from 2002 stamped on it and I replaced it and have it along with most all other receipts from 2003 to today. Feb 11, 2019 I opened a case and supposed formal investigation with vw corporate customer care (very nice people), lied like the rest of the company and never heard a word... +++18 vw and audis personally, since 1991...done!

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).

Filed May 28, 2014 · Fuel system · 160,000 miles · RI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, it would stall. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 06v017000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Apr 3, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 127,000 miles · FL

Since after the day one of the purchase my car started shaking, vibrating. I had to have coils replaced. The car started running for 2 weeks then when I was in the traffic it started shaking then stalled. I was able to pull over in the parking lot. I had wiring harness and coils replaced again this time. The car had startup issues and then mechanic replaced camshaft sensor. After 3 weeks same problem!!!! I was on the side of the road had to be towed. Changed spark plugs and coils but after 2 months oh my goodness same problem now they think ecu is fried coils are bad maybe fuel pump no one is able to figure out and I cant spend any more thousands of dollars on a car im still financing. Very disappointed! I don't feel safe at all on the road and im scared to cause an accident because of the stalls on the road. Please help! Feel very unsafe!

Filed Oct 9, 2013 · Fuel system · 92,000 miles · CA

Fuel pump failed while I was driving on the freeway. It was highly dangerous and my car had to be towed. I go to the dealer and find out that there was a fuel pump for certain 2003 vw passats but my VIN number for my car did not fall under the category for the recall and therefore vw had refused to reimburse me for fixing the fuel pump. My dealer had told me that their were similar customer complaints for all vw 2003 but unfortunately my car didn't fall under the right VIN.

Filed Jun 5, 2012 · Fuel system · TX

2003 volkswagen passat. Consumer writes in regards to safety recall 26e5/r5 concerning underbody heat shield *tgw the consumer stated due to the recall, the fuel pump failed. The consumer was informed it would cost $ 1343.00 to replace. Recall # 08v156000 *jb the consumer stated even if the dealer performed the recall, she would not feel comfortable in the vehicle. Updated 09/13/12

Filed Jun 13, 2011 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and shut off when he noticed a strong odor of gasoline. The contact also noticed gasoline leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the fuel line inside of the fuel tank was leaking. The contact was also informed that the failure was not the same failure addressed in the federal safety agency campign id numbers: 02v026000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap), 06v017000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump), 07v375000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump), and 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jan 3, 2011 · Electrical, Fuel system · 121,752 miles · HI

I was driving my vw passat 1.8l turbo stationwagon at a speed of 40 miles per hour and the car suddenly stalled without any warning. My four month old baby was in the back in his carseat and had I been in a different setting we both could have been injured or killed. This was the first time it had occurred and once I took it to the mechanic the car started and drove fine and they could not duplicate the problem. They informed me that it was likely a parts recall issue: recall: 07v375000: fuel pump replacement. I contacted vw america, inc. And was informed that while in fact there was such a recall for 2003 passats, my VIN number was not covered in the recall and thus there was nothing they could/would do to help me despite the fact that the problem appears to be the very one indicated in the recall notice. This is very frustrating and scary.

Filed Jun 18, 2009 · Fuel system · 173,000 miles · PA

Fuel pump failure on 2003 vw passat. Driving on interstate and lost power and was lucky to be able to coast to the side of the road. Vw has a recall on this part but they claim my vehicle (the federal safety agency 06v01700 and 07v375000) is not in the VIN range covered. I feel my fuel pump should have been covered in the recall as it is a defective unit and not safe.