2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Problems and Repair Histories
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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More about the
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTIs for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories that follow it.
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2003 | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | 38 Golf / GTIs, 7.1 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 118000 miles Note high average odometer for the TDI.75 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs see lemon odds |
| 2003 | Volkswagen Golf diesel | 25 Golf diesels, 10.4 months of data per Golf diesel, average 211000 miles Note high average odometer for the TDI.116 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs see lemon odds |
Non-members can see only ten 2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
Engine not specified
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Saskatchewan, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 41540 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 42780 | 500 | coolant temp sensor failed, common on VR6 |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 65000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 66000 | 1247 | Water pump failure. Replace timing belt |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2007 | 0 | Driver seat adjuster and upright seat. The adjuster broke off in my hand, maybe pulled too hard, the seat back started to squeak in the frame, dealer replaced both. | |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 118000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 128000 | 60 | Front W.B. failures - replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 135000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Manitoba, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 73160 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 76880 | 0 | Timing belt tensioner replaced due to faulty tensioner installed at timing belt change 20,000km ago. Parts and Labor covered by VW. |
| Jun | 2009 | 84940 | 400 | worn front rear lower control arm bushings, worn struts. |
| Mar | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2004 | 0 | Clutch switch, covered under warranty. | |
| Nov | 2004 | 455 | alternator pulley | |
| Oct | 2005 | 22 | emergency flasher relay | |
| Jul | 2006 | 188 | serpentine belt tensioner | |
| Sep | 2006 | 965 | alternator and pulley, parts and labor | |
| Mar | 2007 | 211000 | 413 | starter replacement |
| Apr | 2007 | 1102 | clutch and flywheel replacement, parts and labor | |
| Aug | 2007 | 236000 | 600 | water pump failed |
| Sep | 2009 | 297000 | 253 | Ventilation blower fan failed. It was removed and replaced for a reasonable charge |
| Jun | 2010 | 314000 | 60 | exhaust pipe clamp needed replacement |
| Dec | 2011 | 347000 | 250 | replaced the starter |
| Jan | 2012 | 349500 | 226 | Multi switch (Hi-Lo beam switch, cruise) |
| Mar | 2012 | 362000 | 1232 | L&R tierods, L tierod boot, R ball joint, PS rack boot (SCI, MPLS) Replaced timing belt, water pump, and related roller/idlers |
| May | 2012 | 372000 | 1254 | Replaced auxiliary fan and AC compressor Replaced wheel bearing. Also performed maintenance on wear items. |
| Jun | 2012 | 377000 | 2125 | Differential failed and blew hole in side of transmission. Installed rebuilt transmission and clutch disk. At same time, replaced front axles.0 |
| Jan | 2013 | 413000 | 170 | replaced oil cooler seals, heater core hose, and replaced hood release lever and coolant reservoir |
| Mar | 2013 | 422000 | 74 | right-side axle replaced under warranty |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 96000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2008 | 98000 | 0 | Brake light panel on back of rear window is out and needs to be replaced but its 270 dollars so I opted out of fixing. Transmission fluid need to be changed very dirty and had pieces of metal shavings. Not good for future of teh car and transmission. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 250000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 250000 | 1200 | Replace transmission |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 78740 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 81620 | 320 | Replaced left and right control arm bushings. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 76000 | 67 | Brake booster hose cracked. $57 part $10 labor. |
| Jan | 2011 | 82000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 157000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 159000 | 0 | Seat belt wire broken, soldered in a new wire. Triggered air bag light. |
| Jun | 2010 | 188000 | 650 | Timing belt replacement, normal maintenance |
| Jul | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 1800 | Shift fork in transmission broke. | |
| May | 2012 | 500 | Water pump was leaking and needed replacement. Timing belt done at the same time. | |
| Jun | 2012 | 300 | OEM front struts were leaking and blow. | |
| Nov | 2012 | 165500 | 200 | Water pump was leaking and needed replacement. Timing belt done at the same time. |
| Feb | 2013 | 167000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 300 | Bad wheel bearing in the rear drivers side. | |
| Feb | 2009 | 0 | Flex section of exhaust fell apart. Have not fixed yet. | |
| Aug | 2009 | 30 | Thermostat had to be replaced. | |
| Jul | 2010 | 100000 | 800 | water pump broke, car wasn't driven for a month till I could afford repairs. Timing belt was done at the same time since 90 percent of the work had to be done to get to the water pump. |
| Jan | 2011 | 100000 | 200 | Replaced starter. |
| Mar | 2011 | 100000 | 0 | Exhaust was still broken when I turned it over to the Honda dealer |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2003 | 0 | 1-Repaired condensation in side marker blinker. 2-Repaired loose door trim under passenger door 3-Ignition Coils replaced (under recall) | |
| Mar | 2004 | 0 | 1- Poor AM reception in radio, replaced wiring to antenna. | |
| Jul | 2004 | 2 | 1- Climate control dash lighbulb burnt out, replaced bulb labour was free. | |
| Sep | 2004 | 0 | 1- Brake Lights stopped working. Brake light switch replaced. | |
| Dec | 2004 | 0 | 1- Waterpump replaced. | |
| Apr | 2005 | 0 | 1- Driver side wheel bearing replaced | |
| Oct | 2006 | 0 | 1-Sunvisor clip snapped and replaced. | |
| Mar | 2007 | 52600 | 210 | Passenger Front Wheel Bearing Replaced. |
| Mar | 2008 | 67860 | 0 | The car does not sense that the driver's door is open. Will not repair since I don't even notice it. |
| Sep | 2008 | 75620 | 45 | Radio reception not working. Replaced antenna at top of car. Radio now works. |
| Oct | 2008 | 379 | When coming to a stop, car began shuddering. Check engine light appeared. Symptoms would go away while driving and appear stopped at idle. Dealer replaced vacuum pump and associated hoses. | |
| Sep | 2009 | 91100 | 1000 | Banging into gear (auto transmission), check engine light appeared, transmission speed sensor defective. |
| Jan | 2010 | 96880 | 100 | Check engine light appeared while driving on freeway. Thermostat replaced. |
| Dec | 2010 | 106640 | 250 | Car would randomly die after about ~15 minutes of driving. After the stall, within a minute later it would start back up. No codes. Read up online and changed the crank position sensor. Success |
| May | 2011 | 113460 | 340 | Leaking oil on garage floor. Valve cover gasket replaced While examining engine , Pcv valve and associated tubes were separated. Replaced Pcv valve and hoses as well. |
| Jun | 2011 | 116860 | 0 | Replaced rear hatch with new one. Rust on bottom of rear hatch. First confirmation that it will be covered under warranty by phone call and parts were ordered. Called again after new rear hatch panel arrived and painted. |
| Mar | 2012 | 126480 | 400 | Fans do not turn on, only when A/C is on and only when it already is overheating. |
| Jun | 2012 | 129580 | 75 | Coolant low light came on. Coolant was empty. Brought to mechanic slight crack in the plastic coolant reservoir. Replaced reservoir and filled with coolant. |
| Aug | 2012 | 131120 | 180 | Passenger front wheel bearing bad. Airplane noise coming from the front of car when driving and turning. |
| Mar | 2013 | 137640 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 750 | Leaking engine seals | |
| Aug | 2010 | 1550 | Repair to dent in rear hatch and rear quarter panel. | |
| Nov | 2010 | 700 | alternator. | |
| Aug | 2011 | 83000 | 2140 | AC not working, complete system replacement. Also water leak, coolant temp sensor not working, and a new set of tires (BF Goodrich, $117 per tire, not in total). |
| Sep | 2011 | 85000 | 0 | New air compressor seized after 200 miles, car towed to engine shop, $500 to get diagnosis, towed to shop that did air con and repaired under warranty. Broke again 100 miles later air compressor replaced, third one in six weeks. |
| Feb | 2012 | 90000 | 200 | Glove box assembly fell out of dash. Epoxied brackets to mount it back in dash. |
| Aug | 2012 | 93700 | 350 | drier replaced (under warranty, replaced last year), also hose replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 97000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 79980 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 81840 | 600 | Driver side bearing went, after passenger side went earlier in the year. |
| Dec | 2011 | 89900 | 200 | Engine threw a code citing cooling system malfunction; cleared code, didn't come back. |
| Jul | 2012 | 97100 | 400 | Control arm bushing worn, which caused premature replacement (under warranty) of struts. |
| Oct | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Nebraska, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 109000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 120000 | 850 | Turbo seals have been leaking oil causing the turbo to leak and burn oil. Problem has been known about for several months. Replaced with an upgraded remanufactured part. |
| Feb | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 158000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2011 | 161500 | 32 | Bad coil. |
| Mar | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 33480 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 35120 | 300 | Replaced upper strut bearings as they were worn |
| Sep | 2011 | 45880 | 800 | timing belt and tensioner and water pump change. Preventative maintenance as all parts were 8 years old |
| Oct | 2011 | 46500 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 86000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 116000 | 495 | Starter stopped working. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 400 | Engine Coils/Plugs | |
| Dec | 2009 | 800 | o2 sensor, thermostat | |
| Jan | 2010 | 900 | New Cat | |
| Nov | 2010 | 110000 | 371 | Engine Coils |
| Dec | 2010 | 110000 | 2800 | New Head - Timing Chaing Broke |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 103000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 103000 | 675 | Timing belt. At the same time the water pump was replaced and the oil was changed w/ synthetic motor oil. |
| Mar | 2011 | 104000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
200-horsepower 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 106000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 109000 | 785 | Ignition coil needed replacement Alternator died and had to be replaced. |
| Sep | 2010 | 110000 | 560 | Required a new clutch slave and flywheel. |
| Dec | 2010 | 113000 | 600 | Check Engine Light for a Secondary Air Intake malfunction. Tubing had to be replaced. |
| Jun | 2011 | 116000 | 700 | Ingition Coil needed to be replaced. While the car was in, I had the shop replace other old coils and spark plugs. |
| Jan | 2012 | 124000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2013 | 125000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2013 | 125000 | 0 | Replaced alternator |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 95000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 96000 | 470 | Front CV joint replaced |
| Apr | 2010 | 99000 | 0 | Water leak when sold. VW, after years of forum chats, issued TSB for clogging sunroof drains. Not clogged on mine or many others. Forums suspect cabin air filter and duct system gets clogged. Requires taking dash out! Or windshield seal. |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in District of Columbia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2012 | 111000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 112000 | 550 | Ignition coils replaced |
| Dec | 2012 | 112000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 1000 | Front struts (Bilstein) Front springs (OEM) | |
| Apr | 2012 | 109700 | 0 | Faulty electronics module in driver's door. No longer registers "door open" status -- won't switch dome light on. Lock/unlock still works, and no troubles with factory alarm system (thus far). |
| Jul | 2012 | 115000 | 0 | Catalytic converter failed; Check Engine light with code for catalyst efficiency, and raspy noise from exhaust. Did not replace, as I was trading car in for a new one. Speed sensor failed. Speedometer needle would fluctuate between 50-70mph at speeds above 60mph. Did not repair; involved too much labor. |
2002.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
Engine not specified
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2012 | 61000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 65000 | 570 | Cooling therm replaced |
2002.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
200-horsepower 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 81000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 81000 | 1500 | shifter fork over $1500 since the clutch was replaced at the same time |
| Jun | 2010 | 87000 | 816 | drivers side axle leaking, throwout bearing and slave cylinder leaking |
| Apr | 2011 | 98000 | 280 | PS axle went bad. Vibrating intermittently at highway speeds. |
Expert 2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Repair Advice
Non-members can see only ten 2003 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
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