Model year
2003 Volkswagen Jetta
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 456 complaints for the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 0 recalls and 2 complaints under JETTA WAGON. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER (69), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (65), AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW (45). NHTSA lists 4 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 22–39 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,450–$3,750, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 439 complaints
- 2001 668 complaints
- 2002 702 complaints
- 2003 456 complaints
- 2004 231 complaints
- 2005 248 complaints
- 2006 580 complaints
- 2007 201 complaints
- 2008 188 complaints
- 2009 889 complaints
- 2010 852 complaints
- 2011 607 complaints
- 2012 500 complaints
- 2013 518 complaints
- 2014 387 complaints
- 2015 194 complaints
- 2016 161 complaints
- 2017 160 complaints
- 2018 31 complaints
- 2019 549 complaints
- 2020 54 complaints
- 2021 69 complaints
- 2022 43 complaints
- 2023 43 complaints
- 2024 46 complaints
- 2025 30 complaints
- 2026 6 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
18V406000 · Jun 13, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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…
07V063000 · Feb 20, 2007
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Complaints
456 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 25, fire flag on 70, injury field 85, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| JETTA WAGON | 0 | 2 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE03052 | DRIVER SEAT OVERHEATS/BURNS · SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER | Nov 19, 2003 | Mar 30, 2004 |
| EA04010 | DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT OVERHEATS · SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER | Mar 30, 2004 | Oct 21, 2004 |
| PE04081 | INADVERTENT SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW | Dec 16, 2004 | Apr 1, 2005 |
| DP05004 | ENGINE STALLING · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE | Aug 11, 2005 | Dec 8, 2005 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta · 1.9L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel · Diesel | 29 | 40 | 33 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Jetta · 1.9L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel · Diesel | 35 | 44 | 38 | — | — | $2,500 |
| Jetta · 2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Jetta · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 29 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| Jetta · 2.8L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 27 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
| Jetta · 2.8L · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 28 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
| Jetta Wagon · 1.9L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel · Diesel | 29 | 40 | 33 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Jetta Wagon · 1.9L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel · Diesel | 35 | 45 | 39 | — | — | $2,450 |
| Jetta Wagon · 2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
| Jetta Wagon · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Jetta · 1.8L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 21 | 28 | 24 | — | — | $3,400 |
| Jetta · 1.8L · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 27 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
2 more configurations are in the EPA file and are not listed in this table. The fuel-cost calculator lists every configuration.
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Volkswagen Jetta at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.