2003 Volkswagen Eurovan recalls and problems

The 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan has 1 safety recall and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
15
Crashes / fires
0 / 4
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Volkswagen Eurovan recalls

Recall 18V-406: Air Bags

Reported Jun 13, 2018 · 2,564 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2003 Volkswagen Eurovan problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Seat Belts3
Latches/Locks/Linkages2
Structure2
Electrical System2
Seats2
Unknown or Other2
Equipment1
Power Train1
Engine1
Suspension1
Wheels1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body › Door — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Equipment › Other › Labels — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 92,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · at 62,500 miles · reported Oct 5, 2020
Hit a pot hole on hi-way at approx. 70 MPH causing right rear wheel hub assembly damage. The wheel bearing overheated and started fire along side of road. The rear hub assy. And wheel where never recovered. Clare fire dept. At 207 w. Fifth st., clare, michigan 48617 incident report #19-000168 was filed about august 22 2019
Electrical System · at 100,000 miles · reported Jun 18, 2017
The heating elements in the seat which heat the seat when turned on (Seat heaters) caught fire and burned through the seat, almost burning my backside. Car was stationary. Warming up the engine for about 8 minutes in the morning before driving to work.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 92,000 miles · reported Jan 3, 2017
The contact owns a 2003 volkswagen eurovan. While the vehicle was parked or idling, there was a strong odor. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a leak in the manifold, which caused exhaust fumes to enter the vehicle through the air intake. The manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The VIN was not available. ..updated 08/22/17
Engine · at 65,000 miles · reported Aug 3, 2016
Driving about 30 MPH, straight and level down main street in woodland park , co and experienced a loud pop, noise and vibration. Engine lurched to a stop. Hard to control vehicle. We stopped immediately. We thought we had hit something. Turned out the cooling system fan blades disintegrated. Pieces (Schrapnel) punctured radiator, hoses and belts. Fire and police had to respond due to possible fire and fluid leaking. Vehicle towed to garage. Same problem as earlier recalls 1998-2000 and 2013 (?). Vw refuses to pay for repair.
Unknown or Other · at 145,000 miles · reported Jan 17, 2016
The cover of the components underneath the steering wheel fell off while driving on a highway. It landed right on top of the brake pedal and gas pedal. At first I didn't realize what happened, I just became aware that something was blocking my foot from reaching the brake pedal. Fortunately this did not result in an accident, thanks to a front seat passenger who was able to look down at my feet to see what the problem was and pull the cover away. But if it had happened at a time when I needed immediate brake access, I wouldn't have been able to stop. Please see photo of the cover. This photo…

Other Volkswagen Eurovan years

Compare all Volkswagen Eurovan years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan: 18V-406 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (3 reports), followed by seat belts (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 92,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.