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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Volkswagen > PASSAT

2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX
Sedan 4 DR
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used VOLKSWAGEN.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 5 of 5  
Passenger Rating 5 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 4 of 5  
Rear Seat Rating 4 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 4 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   G
Structure/Safety Cage   G
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   G
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   G
Restraints/dummy kinematics   A
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Volkswagen Passat was redesigned for the 1998 model year.</p> Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, its head moved toward the window sill as floor deformation tipped the driver seat toward the door. Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. 1998 Volkswagen Passat GLS 4-door 3170 front seat-mounted torso airbags 106 184 68 1.8 L turbocharged 4-cylinder 21 31

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 87 Average
Collision Index 106 Average
Theft Index 48 Better than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 74,000
NHTSA campaign number: 06V017000
Defective part or component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Description: On certain vehicles produced from September 2002 - March 2003, equipped with 1.8L turbo, 2.8L V6, or 3.0L engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall. If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash. Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about March 31, 2006. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-222-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834.


This 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 3.5 of 5
  Performance Rating 3.5 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 3.5 of 5
  Style Rating 3.5 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 2 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 2 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 2.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 3 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Mass Air Flow Sensor. The cost to repair the Mass Air Flow Sensor is estimated at $320.00 for parts and $32.50.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat-rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Moderate Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Comfort Control Module. The cost to repair the Comfort Control Module is estimated at $290.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat-rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Moderate Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    Passat GLX V6 4 Dr Sedan:
Depreciation $11,883
Financing $3,705
Insurance $7,110
State Fees $488
Fuel $4,604
Maintenance $1,860
Repairs $727
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $30,377

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 4 years or 50,000 miles  
Drivetrain 5 years or 60,000 miles  
Emissions No data from source  
Corrosion 12 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable No data from source  
Roadside Assistance No data from source  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Eurovan powertrain coverage is 5/50,000. Roadside assistance administered by Cross Country. Adjustments 1/12,000. Includes original and subsequent owners. 1998-1999 B5 Passat, Beetle, and 1999 new style Golf and new style Jetta have 12/unlimited corrosion. Eurovan coverage is 8/unlimited. Cabrio coverage is 6/unlimited.  

This 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Stellar interior, European ride and handling.
By John Matras and Mitch McCullough, NewCarTestDrive.com

Volkswagen Passat is the refined European member of mid-size sedans. It's slightly smaller than its competitors, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, among them. Passat also tends to be priced higher than comparably equipped models. Passat's value is the refinement and quality it offers. Passat also comes loaded with features that are options on other sedans, so there's no real need to order extra-cost options. This is the car to get if you appreciate quality and attention to detail.

Passat GL with five-speed manual ($21,750) is our choice. It's fun to drive, relatively affordable, and beats the V6 by several miles per gallon. Yet it delivers the Volkswagen quality. GLS V6 with the automatic ($26,460) is an excellent choice for someone who wants a responsive, well-equipped sedan with an automatic. Spring for the GLX sedan ($28,750) if you want a real luxury car.

Passat W8 ($37,900) will place you in an exclusive group of drivers. There is no other W8 engine in the world, nor is there likely to be one, and owners of a W8 can expect to explain the difference between it and a V8 many, many times. It probably won't garner the cachet of, say, a Mercedes C320 sedan, but you'll be driving an excellent automobile and will gain respect from enthusiasts. Its features make the W8 a good deal for the money, even if it is priced higher than any previous VW. Volkswagen plans to sell only 5,000 W8s per year, which makes it something of a halo car for the Passat line.

Overview:

Volkswagen Passat is the refined member of the mid-size class. It offers a high-quality interior and a high-quality driving experience.

Passat is a true midsize car, competing against the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima. Arguably, Passat offers more style and character than any of them, without sacrificing midsize practicality.

Its innovative, sophisticated engines are smooth and powerful. Passat is now America's best-selling German-built car. Six years ago, Volkswagen sold about 15,000 Passats annually; in 2002 Volkswagen sold 96,142 of them.

Volkswagen freshened up the Passat last year, with bolder contours and new lights front and rear. A stiffer chassis improved ride and handling as well as body panel fit. For 2003, VW has further expanded the Passat line, with a new base model called the GL; while the GLS now comes with alloy wheels and a power sunroof.

Read the complete 2003 Volkswagen Passat review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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