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2003 Volkswagen Jetta

US · Compact Cars

The 2003 Volkswagen Jetta is listed in the US market. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine
Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder
Transmission
Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Diesel
Economy
22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 39 mpg (6.0 L/100 km) combined
Generic outline for this body type. An illustration, not a photograph.
Specifications at a Glance

Key Figures

Units:
Engine / Powertrain
1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder
Combined Economy
22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 39 mpg (6.0 L/100 km) combined
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
Automatic, Manual
Market: US·Switch units to convert the figures shown.
Compare 2003 Volkswagen Jetta ↗

Engine

Engine
SpecificationValueSource
EngineVaries by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder
Displacement1.8 L to 2.8 L
Cylinders4 to 6
AspirationTurbocharged
Fuel typeVaries by configuration: Gasoline, Diesel

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
SpecificationValueSource
TransmissionVaries by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears4 to 6
DrivetrainFWD

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
SpecificationValueSource
Combined22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 39 mpg (6.0 L/100 km)
City19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km)
Highway27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 45 mpg (5.2 L/100 km)

Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.

Trims and configurations

14 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 4, 2026.

  • 18V406000: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this…

    Reported June 13, 2018. View on NHTSA

  • 14E007000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Reported March 7, 2014. View on NHTSA

  • 07E023000: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

    Reported March 29, 2007. View on NHTSA

  • 07V063000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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

    Remedy: 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…

    Reported February 20, 2007. View on NHTSA

Data sources

  • EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 9, 2026 · US Government public data
  • NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 18, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: November 9, 2026

Data verified: November 9, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

  • 2002 Volkswagen Jetta

    Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Diesel

    Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder · FWD
    39 mpg (6.0 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)

  • 2004 Volkswagen Jetta

    Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Diesel

    Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder · FWD
    36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km)

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Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta have?

Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta?

Combined fuel economy is 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 39 mpg (6.0 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: FWD.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 4, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.