RoadVitals

2008 Volkswagen Jetta Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
188
Latest Jul 3, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

41
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Ignition key is stuck in the vehicle with the ignition on will not come out

NHTSA ID 11748168 · filed Jul 3, 2026

Sometimes I feel as if my car is possessed I own a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and sometimes the passenger headlight works sometimes it doesn't I've replaced the bulbs doesn't matter. My sunroof All of a sudden stopped working. My turn signals on the right side don't work when the headlight is not on. I have no sound from my stereo cuz my speakers automatically went out. It has a lot of electrical issues not sure why.

NHTSA ID 11724289 · filed Mar 14, 2026
All 41 reports naming electrical

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IN TAKE OFF HARD CLUTCH KICKING, DURING DRIVE HARD SHIFTING, PROBLEMS WITH REVERSE AND GEARBOX NOT RESPONDING. THE MECHATRONIC UNIT WAS CHANGED IN MY VEHICLE AFTER IT WAS WORKING FINE DUE TO A RECALL AND NOW THE CAR HAS SEVERE PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10410283 · filed Jul 1, 2011

1. NO PRIOR WARNING BEFORE FAILURE OCCURRED; 2. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE; THIS OCCURS EVERYTIME AFTER THE INITIAL INSTANCE; CONSEQUENCE IS THAT THE CAR CAN NOT BE BACKED UP; 3. THE DEALER HAS REVIEWED AND WANTED NEW TRANSMISSION BUT NO GUARANTEE IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. HAVE ALSO TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT SERVICE FOR VWS AND SERVICED TRANSMISSION BUT INDICATED INTERNAL MECHANISMS NEEDED TO BE INSPECTED BY VW DEALER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10393013 · filed Mar 27, 2011
All 28 reports naming transmission

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE SAFETY ANTI-LOCK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE STARTED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS THEN UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE OR REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH EXTRA EFFORT SHE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. SUNTRUP VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 6000 S LINDBERGH BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63123, (314) 892-8200, WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.

NHTSA ID 11331740 · filed Jun 30, 2020

THIS VEHICLE WILL NEED $1500. OF WORK TO PASS NYS INSPECTION.THE REAR MAIN SEAL HAS FAILED WHICH CAUSES A VACUUM LEAK THAT RESULTS IN AN EMISSIONS FAILURE. CEL. MY RESEARCH HAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE.

NHTSA ID 11252668 · filed Sep 1, 2019
All 26 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and swaying in the rear of the vehicle. The contact slowed down and proceeded to drive. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,349.

NHTSA ID 11465946 · filed May 24, 2022

JUST AFTER I PURCHASED THE USED VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING SLAMMED INTO SECOND GEAR, SENDING MY FACE INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, WHILE THE CARS TRAVELLING BEHIND ME HAD TO BRAKE TO AVOID COLLISION. I PULLED OVER, AND TURNED THE CAR OFF TO ASSESS THE REASON, TO NO AVAIL. WHEN I RE-STARTED THE CAR AND PUT IT IN GEAR, IT DROVE FINE UNTIL THE NEXT TIME I DROVE IT. THEN IT DID A REPEAT OF THE PREVIOUS ACTION, SENDING THE TRANSMISSION INTO SAFE MADE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR PROVOCATION, AND AGAIN, WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE IT DROVE PERFECTLY NORMAL WHILE I DROVE IT DIRECTLY HOME. WHEN I PERFORMED AN OBDII SCAN, IT GENERATED P0746 AS THE PROBLEM, WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS BEING REPORTED. I AM REPORTING THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, IT COULD HAVE HAVE ENDED VERY BADLY HAD SOMEONE ELSE BEEN BEHIND THE WHEEL, SUCH AS A MOTHER WHO MAY BE DISTRACTED BY HER CHILDREN AT THE TIME, AND I FEEL THIS MATTER SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY. PRIOR EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT ME THAT HIGHWAY ACCIDENTS SELDOM ONLY HAPPEN TO ONE VEHICLE AT A TIME, AND ALMOST ANYONE THAT EXPERIENCES THIS PROBLEM ON A HIGHWAY COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO MULTIPLE CARS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ID 11407606 · filed Apr 12, 2021
All 26 reports naming powertrain (other)

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ENGINE LIGHT ON

NHTSA ID 11193503 · filed Apr 2, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND ABS WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND A BEEPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND THE PARKING BRAKE HAD TO BE APPLIED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ID 11000732 · filed Jun 22, 2017
All 23 reports naming brakes

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 253,000.

NHTSA ID 11624015 · filed Nov 7, 2024

Airbag warning light is on.

NHTSA ID 11604154 · filed Jul 23, 2024
All 20 reports naming airbags

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I would like to report driver door lock actuator goes bad over time, and could become an issue of getting out of the driver side of the door in a safely manner. I had to get door fixed a mechanic.

NHTSA ID 11467171 · filed Jun 2, 2022

I UTILIZED MY SEAT WARMER ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND ONLY HAD THE SETTING ON 2 (OUT OF 5). AFTER APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR OF MY TRIP HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, I STARTED TO FEEL MY LOWER BACK (ON MY RIGHT) BURN BECAUSE THE SEAT WAS EXCESSIVELY HOT. WHEN I REACHED MY HAND BEHIND MY BACK TO FEEL THE SEAT THAT IS WHEN I DISCOVERED THE HOLE IN MY SEAT AND I BURNT MY HAND IN THE PROCESS.

NHTSA ID 11163359 · filed Dec 25, 2018
All 17 reports naming interior & seats

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR STARTED SHAKING AND WHEN I CHECKED THE OIL THERE WAS NO OIL ON THE DIPSTICK.NO OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC HE STATED THAT THE REAR SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 120,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I CALLED THE VW DEALER IN SACO MAINE I WAS TOLD THAT WHEN IT IS REPAIRED I SHOULD ALSO HAS THE PVB VALVE CHANGED THAT IT IS NOW MADE OUT OF A BETTER MATERIAL- HE STATED THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THAT SPECIFIC MOTOR THAT WHEN THE PVB VALVE PUTS TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON THE SEAL CAUSING IT TO BREAK BUT STATED THERE IS NO WARRANTY COVERAGE OR RECALL. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR AS THEY NEED TO COMPLETELY REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ID 10887820 · filed Jul 22, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE UP TO 30 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A RECURRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENSORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND AN OIL CHANGE WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

NHTSA ID 10746328 · filed Aug 5, 2015
All 10 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

JUST AFTER I PURCHASED THE USED VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING SLAMMED INTO SECOND GEAR, SENDING MY FACE INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, WHILE THE CARS TRAVELLING BEHIND ME HAD TO BRAKE TO AVOID COLLISION. I PULLED OVER, AND TURNED THE CAR OFF TO ASSESS THE REASON, TO NO AVAIL. WHEN I RE-STARTED THE CAR AND PUT IT IN GEAR, IT DROVE FINE UNTIL THE NEXT TIME I DROVE IT. THEN IT DID A REPEAT OF THE PREVIOUS ACTION, SENDING THE TRANSMISSION INTO SAFE MADE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR PROVOCATION, AND AGAIN, WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE IT DROVE PERFECTLY NORMAL WHILE I DROVE IT DIRECTLY HOME. WHEN I PERFORMED AN OBDII SCAN, IT GENERATED P0746 AS THE PROBLEM, WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS BEING REPORTED. I AM REPORTING THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, IT COULD HAVE HAVE ENDED VERY BADLY HAD SOMEONE ELSE BEEN BEHIND THE WHEEL, SUCH AS A MOTHER WHO MAY BE DISTRACTED BY HER CHILDREN AT THE TIME, AND I FEEL THIS MATTER SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY. PRIOR EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT ME THAT HIGHWAY ACCIDENTS SELDOM ONLY HAPPEN TO ONE VEHICLE AT A TIME, AND ALMOST ANYONE THAT EXPERIENCES THIS PROBLEM ON A HIGHWAY COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO MULTIPLE CARS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ID 11407606 · filed Apr 12, 2021

THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR DISPLAY ON THE DASH IS FLASHING AND THE CAR IS DOING ITS OWN THING CHANGING GEARS. IT WILL NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE ANYWHERE BUT ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS PROPERLY ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THE DISPLAY STARTING FLASHING AND THE CAR DOWNSHIFTED (INTO EITHER 3RD OR 4TH) AND REFUSES TO UPSHIFT AGAIN. I THINK THIS IS RELATED TO A MECHATRONIC UNIT FAILURE IN THE 2009-2010 RECALLS.

NHTSA ID 11092837 · filed May 10, 2018
All 9 reports naming driver assistance

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE WIPER BLADES LEAVE A UNBEARABLE STREAK RIGHT IN MY LINE OF SIGHT WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 JETTA WOLFSBURG. THE WINDSHIELD IS OUT OF CONTOUR FOR THE FACTORY WIPER BLADES. BOTH SIDES LEAVE STREAKS THAT ARE A DISTRACTION TO MY DRIVING ESPECIALLY IN RAINY WEATHER AT NIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10354025 · filed Sep 6, 2010

DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND REAR WINDOW AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND REAR WINDOW LEAK WATER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10273901 · filed Jun 15, 2009
All 8 reports naming visibility

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, ALL THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE'S DOORS WERE AJAR, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. ALSO, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS THREE TIMES, BUT THE INTERIOR LIGHTING WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

NHTSA ID 11003508 · filed Jul 6, 2017

I HAVE 2 WHEELS THAT KEEP LOSING AIR, I KEEP BRINGING IT BACK TO PEP BOYS THINKING THEY WERE SELLING ME DEFECTIVE TIRES. MY LAST INCIDENT WAS IN WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5, ON THE WAY BACK FROM SAN DIEGO I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE AND ALMOST CRASHED AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME ITS THE VW WHEELS AND THEY ARE UNSAFE.

NHTSA ID 10914809 · filed Oct 7, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Sometimes I feel as if my car is possessed I own a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and sometimes the passenger headlight works sometimes it doesn't I've replaced the bulbs doesn't matter. My sunroof All of a sudden stopped working. My turn signals on the right side don't work when the headlight is not on. I have no sound from my stereo cuz my speakers automatically went out. It has a lot of electrical issues not sure why.

NHTSA ID 11724289 · filed Mar 14, 2026

THE CAR INITIALLY HAD TROUBLES WHEN IT WOULD BE HOT OUTSIDE IT WOULD AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD GO HIGH IN TEMPERATURE ALSO IF IT WAS COLD OUTSIDE AND YOU WERE DRIVING SLOW TEMPERATURE GAUGE DOWN BELOW SAFE TEMPERATURE. AFTER APPLYING 2-5 BOTTLES IN A MONTH THE CAR STARTED SHUTING DOWN ON ITS ON . AFTER AN OIL CHANGE IN APRIL, I EXPERIENCED THE MOST SCARY INCIDENT... WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAAY I FELT KERKING A SEEN SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I OULLED IN S GAS STATION AND LET THE CAR COOL TOPK OVER 4HRS TO DO SO. I HAD TO DRIVE BACK HOME ON THE STREETS AND THE CAR WPULD NOT STAY AT A STABLE HEAT. I HAD TO STOP MY CAR IN MULTIPLE UNSAFE AREA AFTER'11 IN THE NIGHT. NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START UNLESS GIVE A JUMP FOR OVER AN HOUR. OBLY SATYS IN FOR ABOUT A MIN THE LOSES POWER ALL OVER AGAIN

NHTSA ID 11160846 · filed Dec 11, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND REAR DOORS DON'T LOCK. THERE IS NO OPTION TO MANUALLY LOCK IT, THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND THERE IS NO WAY TO LOCK THESE DOORS. THERE IS RISK OF THE DOORS FLINGING OPEN IN CASE OF ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY WITH A CHILD SITTING IN THE REAR SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10692721 · filed Mar 7, 2015

SUNROOF WOULD OPEN AND CLOSE AT RANDOM, HAD THAT FIXED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK AND THE ALARM WILL NOT TURN ON. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS A THEFT ISSUE AND APPEARS ITS PRETTY COMMON DUE TO PREVIOUS VW THREADS. AT $400 REPAIR COSTS AND VW KNOWING THIS IS AN ISSUE, I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE ELEVATED TO A RECALL STATUS AND NOT CHARGEABLE TO OWNERS. PLEASE HELP ME/US, I CANT AFFORD THE REPAIR!!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10641765 · filed Oct 6, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Passenger airbag is always off. I saw reports on youtube wiring connectors under the seat are the reason. There’s a home remedy solution. Important air bag issues should be freely be done by manufacturer or dealer. Also steering issues are more common than reported. The electrical devise fails too often rendering driving the vehicle difficult.

NHTSA ID 11536995 · filed Aug 7, 2023

KEY WAS STUCK IN N THE IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION. COULD NOT TURN THE KEY EITHER WAY. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF THE CAR RUNNING I WAS FORCED TO HEAD TO MY LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE COST TO REPLACE THE INSIDE OF THE IGNITION PLUS LABOR WAS $1,000.

NHTSA ID 11366592 · filed Oct 27, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED 4 NEW NEXEN N5000 (225/45R17) TIRES AND HAD THEM INSTALLED ON 10/21/13. APPROX. 2K MILES ON THE TIRES, AND WE NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WHERE THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL MEET. NO SIGNS OF SCRATCHES ON THE SIDEWALL, AND WE ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY IMPACT WITH POTHOLES OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10555112 · filed Dec 6, 2013

SIDEWALL TEARING APART IN TWO SECTIONS AS WELL AS CENTER TREADS CONTAIN SEVERE CRACKING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10484768 · filed Nov 15, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RECENTLY, I HEARD SOME BUMPING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET REPAIRED, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE COIL SPRING IN THE RIGHT REAR HAD BROKEN DUE TO CORROSION AND THAT IT NEED TO BE FIXED OR THAT SPRING COULD POP OUT WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE THE SUSPENSION TO FAIL. THE VOLKSWAGEN MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MODEL. I HAD THE SPRING REPLACED, BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT THE OTHER SPRING MAY HAVE THE SAME FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. WITH THE VEHICLE BEING ONLY 5 YEARS OLD, I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR OTHER DRIVERS THAT DO NOT PAY AS CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE SOUNDS THEIR CARS MAKE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD WARRANT A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10578444 · filed Apr 9, 2014

I FIRST TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP JUNE 1ST FOR AN OBVIOUS RATTLING NOISE IN BETWEEN MY FRONT TIRES. ON JUNE 15TH BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO REPLACE MY BUSHINGS BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTED SO THEY ORDERED PINS FOR CALIPER BRACKET. IN JULY AFTER REPLACING STRUTS THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. AUG 31ST THEY REPLACED THE SWAY BAR AND DECLARED THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED AND THEY HAD LEFT MY CAR OUT OF ALIGNMENT IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. SEPT 14TH I RETURNED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED BOTH SWAY BARS. THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY RESOLVED AFTER LOSING MY CAR FOR 6 FULL DAYS, HOWEVER MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON. THEY ASSURED ME IT WAS JUST A COINCIDENCE, THE SERVICE GUY DISCOVERED THE TECH HAD FORGOTTEN TO CONNECT MY BRAKES BACK. I DID NOT FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT AT THIS TIME BECAUSE I WAS SO RELIEVED THEY HAD FINALLY FIXED MY SUSPENSION ISSUE. IVE HAD TO BUY 2 BRAND NEW SETS OF TIRES SINCE JUNE BECAUSE OF ALL THE WARE ON MY TIRES FROM MY MESSED UP SUSPENSION. TODAY, JAN 3RD 2012 MY CAR IS BACK IN THE SHOP YET AGAIN. THIS TIME FOR A REAR PASSANGER SIDE DOOR LOCK THAT HAD BEEN SET ON CHILD LOCK WILL NO LONGER LOCK. ORDERED THE PART, SINCE MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THE PART WITH LABOR 360. IN THE MEANTINE THE TECH DISCOVERED AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALERSHIP IS NOW SAYING MY VACCUM PUMP IS LEAKING AND IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY FOR THEM TO FIX IT. THEIR QUOTE 960. I CHECKED ON THE PART ITS 257 NEW. EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T FILE A COMPLAINT OR COST THEM MONEY WHEN THEY FORGOT TO CONNECT MY BRAKES BAKE THEY ARE GOING TO CHARGE ME 700 DOLLARS IN LABOR. MY CAR IS ONLY A 2008 AND HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE IN ONE YEAR THAN ANY OF MY OTHER CARS COMBINED. IT IS DAILY A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE OF THE LINGERING OF FIXING MY CAR RIGHT THE VERY FIRST DAY I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP JUNE OF 2010. *TR

NHTSA ID 10442308 · filed Jan 3, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVERS SAFETY BELT FRAYING AND SHOULD BE REPLACED, POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE DESIGN OR FLAW IN THE CLIP WHERE THE BELT PASSES THROUGH, SHARP METAL IS PROTRUDING FROM PLASTIC BUCKLE CAUSING THE BELT TO FRAY. MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA ID 10825330 · filed Feb 10, 2016

THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT RELEASE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT AND NOW THE VEHICLE CANNOT SAFETY CARRY 5 PASSENGERS. I AM SURE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED SINCE THE SAFETY SYSTEM SHOULD NEVER FAIL FOR ANY REASON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10597230 · filed Jun 9, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated the front driver’s side seat heaters would overheat when choosing option 1 or 2 and failed to turn off. The contact stated that the heat was overwhelming for her and would feel like it was burning her back. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID 11445058 · filed Dec 27, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .