2003 Volkswagen

Passat 4motion

Auto (S5), 8 cyl, 4.0 L

Volkswagen Passat 4motion: best and worst years

Overview

Body: Midsize CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain: 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission: Automatic (S5)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain: GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel: PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl: 8EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration: Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy: 23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City: 16 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb: 18 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr: $4,300EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Elec. Range: 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Dimensions & capacity

Length: 184 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Width: 69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Height: 59 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Wheelbase: 106 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Curb Weight: 3,389 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Pass. Vol: 95 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol: 11 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls: 6
Owner complaints: 631
Reported injuries: 47

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE17%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING17%
SEATS12%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5%
POWER TRAIN4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 792 total.

Volkswagen Passat 4motion: best and worst years

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic: 4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain: 4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance: 3 yr / 36k mi
Maintenance: 2 yr / 20k mi
EV battery: 8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.