RoadVitals

2006 Volkswagen Rabbit

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
13
Latest Mar 12, 2013
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Sep 24, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
2

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 289 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine529.4%
  • Electrical317.6%
  • Powertrain (other)211.8%
  • Fuel system211.8%
  • Interior & seats211.8%
  • Airbags15.9%
  • Driver assistance15.9%
  • Exterior lighting15.9%

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

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07V442000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Sep 24, 2007
340,000 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE HAD A REQUIRED CAP INSTALLED WHICH DISABLES THE HEADLIGHT HORIZONTAL AIM AND SOME VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A CAP THAT DISABLES THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW.
The risk: NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE LOW BEAM HORIZONTAL AIMING SCREW AND INSTALL ONE IF MISSING, AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW AND IF PRESENT, THE CAP WILL BE REMOVED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number Q8View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 13
Fuel system
Filed Mar 12, 2013

MY CAR IS A 2006 AND AFTER ONE OF MY FUEL UPS WITH THE WIFE WE SMELLED GAS, THOUGHT IT WAS NOTHING MAYBE SOME GAS ON MY HAD OR SOMETHING. DURING THE WEEK WE STILL GOT SMELLS OF GAS OFF AND ON, WELL THE SMELL WAS SO STRONG THAT MY WIFE WAS GETTING HEADACHES FROM IT. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR TO SEE FOR FUEL LEAK, AROUND THE GAS TANK BUT NOTHING. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V621000 WHICH STATED ,"RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE." SO I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND EXACTLY WHERE IT WAS AS STATED ABOVE, ONLY MY CAR IS A 2006 AND NOT "MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES" SO IT IS A 175 DOLLAR COST TO ME. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE WITH MY WIFE IN THE CAR AS SHE IS THE MAIN DRIVER OF THAT CAR, GOOD THING I DO NOT HAVE KIDS YET. *TR

NHTSA ID
10502505
Incident
Mar 4, 2013
Interior & seats
Filed Mar 11, 2013

WHILE DRIVING NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A DULL PAIN BEGINNING IN MY BACK, LOOKED AT THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT AND NOTICED THAT SEAT HEATER SHORTED OUT AND LEFT DIME SIZED HOLE IN UPHOLSTERY AS WELL AS DISCOLORING PIECE OF CLOTHING I WAS WEARING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10502422
Incident
Mar 11, 2013
Mileage
56,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 24, 2012

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2006 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT ON US 98 PREPARING TO ENTER I-4 WHEN THE VEHICLE ENTERED LIMP HOME MODE (EPC LIGHT & CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON) RPMS WENT TO OVER 3000 AND VEHICLE REFUSED TO GO ABOVE 25MPH, SHE WAS ALMOST KILLED BY THE SEMI THAT WAS BEHIND HER ON US 98 LUCKILY THE SEMI SWERVED TO AVOID HER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PER THEIR DIAGNOSTICS THE CAM POSITION SENSOR, AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND BATTERY WERE SHOWING CODES BUT THEY ASSURED US THAT THE PROBLEM THAT CAUSED LIMP HOME MODE WAS THE CAM POSITION SENSOR PROBLEM AND REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF OVER 700.00 WITHOUT CHANGING BATTERY OR AIR BAG SENSOR, FOUR DAYS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM RETURNED THE DEALERSHIP STATED TO BRING VEHICLE BACK FOR RE-DIAGNOSTICS AND IF THE CAM POSITION SENSOR IS BAD THEY WILL CHANGE IT FREE, I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND VEHICLE WORKED FINE FOR ANOTHER DAY THEN SAME PROBLEM RESURFACED. AFTER THIS HAS HAPPENED I CAN ONLY SAY I WILL NEVER BUY OR RECOMMEND A VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN. I GOGGLED THE PROBLEM AND IT IS LISTED ALL OVER THE INTERNET FORMS BUT VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM. IT IS NOT ONLY THEIR RABBIT IT IS HAPPENING IN MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES SOME WITH LESS THEN 3000 MILES AND THEY HAVE BOUGHT THOSE VEHICLE BACK FORM THE CUSTOMERS TO COVER UP THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN FAILURE IN THEIR DRIVE BY WIRES SYSTEM EPC SYSTEMS. HOPEFULLY THEY HAVE SOME REALLY DEEP POCKETS BECAUSE IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURT OR KILLED.

NHTSA ID
10485899
Incident
Nov 1, 2012
Mileage
75,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 13, 2012

ON TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS I HAD MY AIR BAGS LIGHT CAME ON. I BROUGHT IT TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER AND THEY FIXED THE WIRES UNDER THE SEAT THE FIRST TIME AT NO CHARGE THE SECOND TIME I WAS CHARGED $100.00. THE PROBLEM WAS THE SAME BUT ON BOTH SEATS FIRST, WAS THE PASSENGERS SEAT THE SECOND TIME, WAS THE DRIVERS SEATDRIVER SEAT. I CONTACTED CUSTOMER CARE AT VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY SAID DUE TO THE AGE AND MILEAGE (2006 WITH 69000 MILES ) THE COST WONT BE COVERED I FEEL THAT SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE (INTERNET) THEY SHOULD BE A RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10470377
Incident
Aug 9, 2012
Mileage
66,000 mi
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Dec 4, 2011
Fire reported

WHILE IDLING CAR AFTER STARTING, SEAT WARMER WAS TURNED ON. DRIVERS SIDE INSIDE BACK WARMER SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED A GRAPE SIZE BURN HOLE IN CLOTH SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10438514
Incident
Dec 3, 2011
Mileage
115,850 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 22, 2009

I HAD SUSPECTED THAT MY DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL ON MY MANUAL 2006 RABBIT W/ 24K WAS BEGINNING TO FAIL BECAUSE I HEARD/FELT SOMETHING SHAKING AROUND IN THE BELL HOUSING OF THE VEHICLE 1 OUT 10 TIMES THAT I WOULD DEPRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL IN 1ST GEAR. THE SHAKE HAD BEEN PRESENT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR BUT IN THE PAST YEAR IT HAD GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. SO I WAS ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN MY CAR BEGAN SHIFTING POORLY. THE GEAR WOULD ENGAGE RIGHT WHEN I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE CLUTCH PEDAL. IT WOULD NOT GO INTO 2ND GEAR. THE CAR WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE AT IDLE AND MAKE A TICK OVER NOISE WITH ENGINE REVS UP. AS MY SHIFTS GOT WORSE AND WORSE I DECIDED TO TAKE THE NEXT EXIT AND FIND A SAFE SPOT TO STOP THE CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED IN THE REST OF THE WAY. THE DEALER DROPPED THE TRANSMISSION AND FOUND MY DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL WAS STINKING AND IT HAD ALSO SHREDDED THE CENTER BUSHING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FLYWHEEL. BOTH THE CLUTCH DISC AND PRESSURE SHOWED NO DAMAGE AND THE VWOA REPLACED MY DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT HAD SHOWN NO SIGNS OF ABUSE LIKE HEAT SPOTS OR CLUTCH DUST. *TR

NHTSA ID
10277955
Incident
Jul 17, 2009
Mileage
24,129 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 29, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT. WHEN STARTING OFF FROM A STOPPED POSITION AND THE CONSUMER STEPS ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE MOVES FORWARD ABOUT TEN FEET AND THEN DIES NO RESPONSE FROM THE ACCELERATOR. IN THE SAME POSITION AS WHEN STARTING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. THE CAR STAYS IN HESITATION MODE FOR A PERIOD OF 2-5 SECONDS, THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATOR RAPIDLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000. UPDATED 02-18-09 UPDATED 02/18/09. *JB

NHTSA ID
10253110
Incident
Jan 7, 2007
Mileage
6,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Nov 16, 2008

2006 VW RABBIT, 2.5L, 5 CYL. HAS BEEN STALLING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE IDLING, OVER AND OVER AGAIN SINCE BUYING THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN 2006. I PREFER NOT TO GIVE MY VIN # FOR CONFIDENTIALITY REASONS. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS POSTS ON FORUMS ONLINE, INCLUDING VW EMPLOYEES WHO OWN THE CAR AND CLAIM VW OF AMERICA IS PRETENDING LIKE THEY DON'T KNOW OF SUCH AN ISSUE WHEN IT HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES. MY CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND THEY SAY ITS FINE, WELL I DON'T THINK IT IS AND I HAVE 2 LITTLE KIDS THAT RIDE IN THIS CAR ON A DAILY BASIS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10248915
Incident
Nov 5, 2007
Mileage
35,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

V171901201285565

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards

V171901201285562

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V171901201285560

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V941901201152119

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2023.

V271901201189422

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

V171901201285543

ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT

Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Rabbit by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013000—
2012000—
2011000—
2010000—
2009622050.9
2008232052.4
2007542047.3
2006Viewing131041.4
2005000—
1985110—
1984120—
1983121—
1982521—
1981141—
1980245—
1979072—
19780103—
1977072—
1976062—
1975062—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.