2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle Recalls

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

Recalls Found

Radar Detector GPS Tracker OBD2 Scanner Car Refrigerator Jump Starter Dash Cam

As an Amazon Associate, ForCar.org earns from qualifying purchases.

All Recalls

The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.

NHTSA 14E007000

Report Date

07/03/2014

Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Manufacturer

The Gates Corporation

Consequence: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy / Corrective Action

Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 76,900 MY 2004-2005 NEW BEETLE AND MY 2003-2005 NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED (DUAL-STAGE) AIR BAG SYSTEM. THIS SYSTEM MAY HAVE AIR BAG FRONTAL CRASH SENSORS THAT CONTAIN A SOLDER JOINT ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD THAT MAY CRACK UNDER CERTAIN HIGH TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS. IF THIS OCCURS, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE FALLBACK ALGORITHM WILL ENSURE THAT THE FRONT AIR BAGS ALWAYS DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL CRASH IN WHICH THE VEHICLE'S DECELERATION IS HIGH ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS.

NHTSA 08V178000

Report Date

17/04/2008

Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Manufacturer

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Consequence: IN LOW-SEVERITY FRONTAL IMPACTS, THE FRONT AIR BAGS MAY DEPLOY MORE FORCEFULLY THAN DESIGNED, INCREASING THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO OUT-OF-POSITION FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS.

Remedy / Corrective Action

DEALERS WILL INSPECT EACH VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THAT THE SPECIFIC DEFECT CRASH SENSOR IS PRESENT ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. ALL OF THE DEFECT CRASH SENSORS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

NHTSA 09E012000

Report Date

07/04/2009

Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Manufacturer

SABERSPORT

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy / Corrective Action

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

NHTSA 07V063000

Report Date

20/02/2007

Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Manufacturer

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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

Remedy / Corrective Action

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.

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

NHTSA 07E023000

Report Date

29/03/2007

Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Manufacturer

CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy / Corrective Action

CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

4.5/5.0

18 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Recall Check

To check for recalls on your 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle for Recall Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Recall Verification

Each character in your 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle 17-digit VIN helps identify specific recalls affecting your vehicle. Learn how the VIN structure works for accurate recall lookup.

2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle VIN Structure for Recall Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle Recalls in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Enter VIN in Checker

Input your VIN into our free recall checker tool above to search NHTSA database for safety recalls, TSBs, and service campaigns specific to your vehicle.

Review & Schedule Repair

Check the recall details including affected components, consequences, and remedy. Contact your VOLKSWAGEN dealer to schedule free recall repair appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle have?

The 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle currently has 5 recalls according to NHTSA records. All recall information is sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database.

Are 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle recalls free to fix?

Yes! All safety recalls for 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle vehicles must be repaired free of charge by authorized dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. Contact your local VOLKSWAGEN dealer to schedule a recall repair.

How do I check if my 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in our VIN decoder tool. The 17-character VIN can be found on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on the driver's side dashboard visible through the windshield.

Where can I find my 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle VIN number?

Your 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

What should I do if my 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle has a recall?

Contact your nearest VOLKSWAGEN dealership immediately to schedule a free recall repair. Bring your vehicle registration or VIN number. All safety recalls must be fixed free of charge by the manufacturer, regardless of vehicle age or mileage.

Are NHTSA recalls mandatory to fix on 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle?

While not legally required for vehicle owners to fix recalls, it's strongly recommended for safety. However, dealerships and manufacturers must offer free repairs for all official NHTSA recalls on 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle vehicles.