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Model year record

2003 Volkswagen GTI recalls & problems

The 2003 Volkswagen GTI has 1 safety recall and 53 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (19 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints53filed by owners
Crashes · fires7 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths6 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingFeb 20, 2007

Brake lights › Switch

Recall 07V0630001,002,000 vehicles

Problem
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
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

GTI

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel

GTI

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

GTI

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 27 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

GTI

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 27 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window1980650,600 mi
Power trainClutch assembly; Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)1500026,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Switch1000031,850 mi
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Exhaust system800032,950 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door30003,000 mi
Equipment2000—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Drum; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip2101—
VisibilityGlass, side/rear2100—
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system2000—
Exterior lightingBrake lights › Switch2011—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly2000—
Unknown or other1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations