MotorDeets

2003 Volkswagen Eurovan: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan: 1 recall, 15 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
15owner complaints
0mention a crash
16best combined mpg
2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #18V406000 · 2018 · 2,564 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling3
Seat belts2
Latches & locks2
Body & structure2
Electrical2
Seats2
Other / unknown2
Equipment1

What owners describe

The 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan has 15 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 11 Eurovan model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 20). Complaints peaked in 2011 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 81,400 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (35 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (1 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.8 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive151816Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan manual

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FAQ

Does the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan problems?

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (3), seat belts (2), latches & locks (2).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan get?

EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (2.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Eurovan years

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