2003 Volkswagen GTI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › GTI › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Volkswagen GTI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Volkswagen GTI. Newest first.
On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. the recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06v-183, but not both. the remedy IS the same for each recall. volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the vin number of the vehicle. owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
53 complaints7 involved a crash1 involved a fire6 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
When my car gets down to 1/4 tank it cuts out and dies I’ve replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter. I believe this is a serious possibly deadly issue. Please take action on making our vehicle safe to be on the road with a recall! I’ve talked to countless owners of the same vehicle I own and they…
When my car gets down to 1/4 tank it cuts out and dies I’ve replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter. I believe this is a serious possibly deadly issue. Please take action on making our vehicle safe to be on the road with a recall! I’ve talked to countless owners of the same vehicle I own and they are having the same issue. With no luck of fixing it on our own I’ve been in countless situations when I shouldn’t be stalling in middle of intersections, and on the highway doing 65-70 it’s not safe at all. Take note it only does it at a quarter tank and below anywhere on the fuel gauge about a quarter it doesn’t do it
- Electronic stability control (esc)
I have a 2003 volkswagen GTI and it has a electrical issue my lights flicker by themselves and my hazards come on by themselves as well and I want to put in a new radio but with my electrical issues going I can't do that and when I put my heat on it messes with my head lights they turn off idk what IS going on but I can't fix it and I was on a town street when this happened so yeah I need this fixed
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle slid over ice and crashed into a tree. The contact indicated that none of the air bags deployed. A police report was filed and the driver sustained whiplash. Medical attention was not required. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle slid over ice and crashed into a tree. The contact indicated that none of the air bags deployed. A police report was filed and the driver sustained whiplash. Medical attention was not required. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the damages were repaired, but the failure was not diagnosed. The contact also stated that while driving and approaching a ramp, the curtain air bags deployed for the front passenger seat and the headliner. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin and failure mileage were not available.
- Air bags
The airbag light keeps coming on. VW votex web page (for VW enthuiasts) lists that it IS a known problem with a seat belt sensor that triggers and airbag warning light. I have had it reset three times at 60.00 a session...for a known problem. I have been driving some time with the light on. I…
The airbag light keeps coming on. VW votex web page (for VW enthuiasts) lists that it IS a known problem with a seat belt sensor that triggers and airbag warning light. I have had it reset three times at 60.00 a session...for a known problem. I have been driving some time with the light on. I have some concern that the airbag would not deploy in an accident. I have written VW about it and was given a lame excuse and then ignored.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seat belts
2003 VW GTI airbag light came on without an accident, collision, bump or crash and stayed on all the time, this condition makes the airbag system inoperative at the time of a real collision, I belong to a VW club ( vwvoertwx.com) and this seems to be very popular issue among VW GTI two door, technically this has to be a manufacturing defect that VW should be obligated to correct. *tr
- Power train
Hard downshifts from 4TH gear to 2ND gear to 1ST gear cause vehicle to slow abruptly and without warning. When approaching a red light or stop sign, transmission shifts unexpectedly from fourth to second gear and then to first gear with no warning to vehicle behind (not breaking heavily) causing…
Hard downshifts from 4TH gear to 2ND gear to 1ST gear cause vehicle to slow abruptly and without warning. When approaching a red light or stop sign, transmission shifts unexpectedly from fourth to second gear and then to first gear with no warning to vehicle behind (not breaking heavily) causing near collisions. Five speed automatic transmission with tiptronic feature causes sudden deceleration endangering occupants with possible collision with trailing vehicle. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
TL* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI. While driving at speeds of 50 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to move the vehicle from the roadway without incident. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where he was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI. While driving at speeds of 50 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to move the vehicle from the roadway without incident. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where he was advised the failure was due to failed ignition coil packs. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure recurred. The failure mileage was 78,000 and current mileage was 83,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Complainant owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI 1.8T. driving home three days ago, check engine light comes on and car starts to stagger and putter. weird clicking noise. parked car immediately, ran diag got code p0103 which indicates cylinder misfire. Checked internet and came up with many many other…
Complainant owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI 1.8T. driving home three days ago, check engine light comes on and car starts to stagger and putter. weird clicking noise. parked car immediately, ran diag got code p0103 which indicates cylinder misfire. Checked internet and came up with many many other complaining of the same problem and stating that it IS a know problem with this model of VW. called mechanic, he confirmed. Car delivered to mechanic who reconfirmed. Paid $500 for repair. if this IS a known problem, why does VW not recall? *Tr
- Air bags › Side/window
Driving to school and was about to pull into the school when I was cut off, swerved out of the way and went on to the curb at an angle to where it only hit the front right tire. I quickly came down and my side curtain airbags deployed. I was going about 30 but slowed down to about 10 mph right…
Driving to school and was about to pull into the school when I was cut off, swerved out of the way and went on to the curb at an angle to where it only hit the front right tire. I quickly came down and my side curtain airbags deployed. I was going about 30 but slowed down to about 10 mph right before impact. I have hit potholes harder and nothing happens. Seems like a clear malfunction my friend was hit by the airbag, but suffered no serious injuries. The only exterior damage was that I got a leak in my right front tire and had to get it replaced. *Tr
- Structure
My 2003 VW GTI leaks and has now developed serious mold that we haven't been able to get rid of on our own because the car keeps taking on water every time it rains. I refuse to pay thousands for a major design flaw and I can't always park it under cover. apparently these leaks are not covered under the warranty. I have a serious mold allergy and can not drive the car for long periods of time. *Tr
- Electrical system
#1 ignition coil failed. Car repaired by local repair shop, and within 50 miles, the #3 coil failed. Replaced all ignition coils at 77K miles. Seems premature for a 5 year car. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI. the contact stated that there IS a high resistance in the driver's side seat belt buckle that causes the air bag light to continuously illuminate. the dealer stated that it IS a warranty item and they would not cover the repair costs. the failure mileage was 45,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for 40,000 mile service. at that time, the contact was informed that there was an oil pan leak. the oil pan was aluminum and the oil pan drain bolt was made of steel, which has become stripped over a period of time.…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for 40,000 mile service. at that time, the contact was informed that there was an oil pan leak. the oil pan was aluminum and the oil pan drain bolt was made of steel, which has become stripped over a period of time. the stripped bolt was the cause of the oil leak. the contact would have to replace the oil pan at her expense. the current and failure mileages were 40,218.
- Air bags › Side/window
Driver side air bags deployed while I was driving 70mph down I 75 n in ohio. I did not hit, clip or graze another vehicle. Clear malfunction, have pictures to prove it. Luckily it was 5:30am monday august 4TH, 2008 and there were few cars on the road. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Driving on highway, oil pressure light came on and beeped. pulled over within five minutes at next exit, had car towed to shop, told it was likely the oil pickup that was clogged. called dealership told they would not repair under warranty. *Tr
- Visibility
2003 volkswagen GTI. During a rain storm, my wipers stopped working and were stuck mid way. The next day I discovered the nut slipped off the bolt connecting the wiper assembly to the wiper motor causing the wipers to stop working while the motor still works. *tr
- Exterior lighting
Noticed a smell as I was driving. Glance out window & noticed my back light was on fire. Pulled over , and tried to extinguish it with a shirt. Almost had it out, but couldn't quite extinguish it. Within 10 minutes the car was totally engulfed in flames. I had to stand there and watch my car burn.…
Noticed a smell as I was driving. Glance out window & noticed my back light was on fire. Pulled over , and tried to extinguish it with a shirt. Almost had it out, but couldn't quite extinguish it. Within 10 minutes the car was totally engulfed in flames. I had to stand there and watch my car burn. it took two fire trucks to extinguish it and I ended up with burnt hands( from melting rubber sticking to my skin) , trying to smother it. how could something like this happen from a back light? I have had the car less than 1 year. It was in perfect condition, with only about 45,000 miles on it. I am out a car, with no recourse! I found that there was a recall back in april 2007, prior to my owning this vehicle. although , their recall makes no mention of the car bursting in flames! This IS a serious problem that needs to be looked into! I am lucky that I saw the fire when I did, or I could have been hurt even worse than I was. I am a carpenter and need my car to get to my jobs. I am out a car, lost a day of work, and now am working with bandaged hands, and the worst thing is...i called volkswagen and got sympathy, and an offer to pay my medical bill, but I am still out a car! are they kidding? this IS a serious electrical problem! what if I had my grandchild in the back seat of that car? once the headliner caught flames, it was all over. flames were 20 feet in the air! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
(1) car overheated august 2007 (2) originally assumed thermostat was the problem, however both radiator fans were determined faulty (did not operate in low speeds) and replaced (parts covered by corporate, labor by consumer). Problem determined resolved. Next month (september 2007), check engine…
(1) car overheated august 2007 (2) originally assumed thermostat was the problem, however both radiator fans were determined faulty (did not operate in low speeds) and replaced (parts covered by corporate, labor by consumer). Problem determined resolved. Next month (september 2007), check engine light comes back on, but car not overheating. Service technical says thermostat shut open and ect temp sensor needs to be replaced at owner's expense ($546). Engine cooling system could overheat in hot weather. Will determine outcome with VW corporate and/or service center. *tr
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Routine usage from adjacent seat mechanism caused wire to fail inside driver's side seat belt harness, causing air bag light to illuminate. Was told by dealer that this IS a common occurrence for 2-door golfs and gtis. Was told that air bags will not inflate in a crash until the seat belt harness…
Routine usage from adjacent seat mechanism caused wire to fail inside driver's side seat belt harness, causing air bag light to illuminate. Was told by dealer that this IS a common occurrence for 2-door golfs and gtis. Was told that air bags will not inflate in a crash until the seat belt harness was replaced. It seems to me that there should be a recall for such a safety related problem due to a design flaw of the automobile. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI. the air bag warning indicator light illuminated. the dealer stated that the passenger air bag was defective because the resistance in the igniter was too high. the dealer stated that the air bag needed to be replaced. no repairs were made. the current and failure mileages were 68,000. updated 01/11/08. *lj updated *jb
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Entire clutch assembly. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
(1) car engine overheated with air conditioning unit on with 35K miles (4 year old car). (2) dealer repair service technician discovered both auxilary fans (290" and 345") failed to spin at low speeds and operate only at high speeds causing engine to overheat when car IS between 0 to 30 mph. Dealer…
(1) car engine overheated with air conditioning unit on with 35K miles (4 year old car). (2) dealer repair service technician discovered both auxilary fans (290" and 345") failed to spin at low speeds and operate only at high speeds causing engine to overheat when car IS between 0 to 30 mph. Dealer directed consumer parts were not covered under powertrain warranty (4 years, 50,000 miles) and considered electrical parts and to repair at consumer's expense ($918). Corporate office eventually covered part and consumer covered labor expenses. several other electrical issues have occured with the car including bulb replacements on a/c console, brake lights, and battery failure after 4 years pointing to possible electrical design or integration flaw. (3) fans were replaced and problem was resolved. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen GTI. while driving 20 mph, the vehicle struck a pothole and the air bags deployed. the dealer stated that the failure emulated a crash and are not responsible for the repair. the contact has pictures. the vin and engine size were unavailable. the current mileage IS 60,000 and failure mileage was 45,000. updated 06/08/07. *Jb
- Power train › Clutch assembly · Power train › Clutch assembly › Bell housing · Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
I had a total loss of clutch hydraulic pressure on 6 speed manual transmission. The pedal was stuck to the floor and I had to move it back up with my hand. I then depressed it again with my foot and the same results. I've done some research on VW enthusiast web sites seeing it''s a common problem…
I had a total loss of clutch hydraulic pressure on 6 speed manual transmission. The pedal was stuck to the floor and I had to move it back up with my hand. I then depressed it again with my foot and the same results. I've done some research on VW enthusiast web sites seeing it''s a common problem amongst 6 speed manual transmission .from that conclusion I figured it was either the master cylinder or slave cylinder. I had the car towed to the dealer, and it was discover a bad slave cylinder. Obviously it IS a trend and a costly one at that. Since the slave cylinder IS located in the bell housing, it leaked hydraulic fluid all over my clutch. So now I have to replace a perfectly good clutch. *Ak
- Air bags › Side/window
Was driving the speed limit down interstate 5 in washington, adhering to the speed limit. when my passenger curtain airbag and side seat air bag deployed for no apparent reason. it IS a 2003 volkswagen GTI. my friend sitting in the passenger seat was bruised up rather neatly. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Inadvertent side-airbag deployment
The subject vehicles are equipped with side-thorax and side-head curtain airbags to protect the front and rear outboard occupants in a side-impact crash.this investigation identified a total of 499 reports (482 owners reports and 17 warranty claims).the crash sensing system?s algorithm may recognize certain non-crash…
The subject vehicles are equipped with side-thorax and side-head curtain airbags to protect the front and rear outboard occupants in a side-impact crash.this investigation identified a total of 499 reports (482 owners reports and 17 warranty claims).the crash sensing system?s algorithm may recognize certain non-crash impacts (wheel, tire and undercarriage impacts) as deployable events.the 97 alleged injuries were minor in nature and consist of abrasions, bruises, ear ringing and headaches.there was no alleged loss of control crash as a result of side-airbag deployment.odi also obtained counts of alleged inadvertent side-airbag deployments from peer manufacturers.the data shows that the subject vehicles are not unique in being subject to such allegations.the complaint rate for non-subject individual model vehicles varies widely.the rate for the subject vehicles IS comparable to three peer models, each with compact chassis/wheelbases.odi has not identified any component failure or manufacturing trend that may relate to a component or manufacturing issue.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10252204Air Conditioning Does not Operate
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241749Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241335Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241333Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241310Software Version Management
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239541Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10239534HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239533HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239532HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239403If key blade is found to stick or bind when opening or closing, check position of roll pin that secures key blade to mechanism. If roll pin is sticking out on either side (as shown below), do not replace key. Instead, use appropriate sized punch and hammer to drive in the roll pin so that it is flush with edge of mechanism.
- 10239270Volkswagen Warranty Policies and Procedures ? April 2014
- 10239262In SAGA, the time units for the Volkswagen DoubleCheck labor operation were reduced in error from 50 time units to 30 time units during the system update posted on July 4th.
- 10239202Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10238972The use of tire dressing gives your tires that shiny finish that completes the image of a clean (new) vehicle. There are many different tire dressing products available. When choosing a product please pay close attention to its contents. Always use a water based product.
- 10238960To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not allow fault to clear.
- 10238959To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not allow fault to clear.
- 10238935When performing SVM updates, the scan tool should be hardwired to the vehicle and the Bluetooth physically turned off. A hard wired internet connection is also recommended.
- 10238932If a needed service part is on back order, upgrade the daily order to a red order and check the ?Car Down? box to escalate the order. If parts assistance is needed, please call 800-767-6552 to speak with a VWGoA Parts Specialist.
- 10238931If a needed service part is on back order, upgrade the daily order to a red order and check the ?Car Down? box to escalate the order. If parts assistance is needed, please call 800-767-6552 to speak with a VWGoA Parts Specialist.
Every Volkswagen GTI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.