2003 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My jetta stalls without warning when the gas gauge is at a quarter of a tank or less. No engine check light or any other any other device comes on to warn me it is going to stall. My speed does not matter. It happens at freeway speeds or around town. It does not occur if the gas gauge shows more…”
filed Feb 7, 2022
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen jetta. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle overheated and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact added water to the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified…”
filed Jun 4, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V171901201285565 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 21, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285562 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285560 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
Engine problems in other Jetta years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Jetta | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 Jetta | 11 | 29% |
| 2023 Jetta | 11 | 26% |
| 2022 Jetta | 11 | 27% |
| 2021 Jetta | 5 | 8% |
| 2020 Jetta | 12 | 24% |
| 2019 Jetta | 146 | 27% |
| 2018 Jetta | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 Jetta | 32 | 20% |
| 2016 Jetta | 43 | 27% |
| 2015 Jetta | 43 | 22% |
| 2014 Jetta | 108 | 28% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.