2008 Volkswagen Beetle
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Beetle › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Volkswagen Beetle. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
Volkswagen IS recalling certain model year 2006-2010 jetta, new beetle, new beetle convertible, model year 2009 jetta sportwagen and model year 2007-2009 rabbit vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. the jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If chafing occurs, there IS the potential for a fuel leak to develop. fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the correct position. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin on or before january 31, 2011. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
On certain special edition triple white sedan vehicles, an incorrect adhesive may have been used to attach the roof spoiler to the rear glass of the vehicle. if the incorrect adhesive was used, the spoiler could become loose or fall from the vehicle without warning, even though initially the spoiler may feel secure.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this happens, the spoiler could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the roof spoiler on these vehicles. the recall began on february 29, 2008. owners may contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
60 complaints3 involved a crash8 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
My entire dashboard caught fire due to my a/c controls going out. My a/c dial started smoking before it finally caught fire. My dashboard is now melted where the a/c controls belong.
- Structure
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH at night, there was an abnormal loud tapping and vibrating sound coming from the rear window glass. The contact was able to pull over safely and inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the…
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH at night, there was an abnormal loud tapping and vibrating sound coming from the rear window glass. The contact was able to pull over safely and inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that while washing and drying the vehicle, the contact and her husband noticed that the passenger's side of the spoiler had detached and could be lifted halfway across the trunk. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V036000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,393.
- Electrical system · Seats · Unknown or other
I was driving with my child sitting in the passenger seat and we had the heated seats turned on the setting of 2. After a few minutes she yelled out “My butt is on fire!” She sat up off the seat to reveal a large black charred burnt hole in the leather seat!
- Fuel/propulsion system
My car seems to loose power after its at less than 1/4 of a tank. I cleaned out tank and changed fuel pump but it's still happening and its highly dangerous
- Electrical system · Engine
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while at a red light, sparks began to emit from the passenger side glove box without warning. The contact immediately shut off the engine and all the occupants evacuated the vehicle. The motorist behind her witnessed what had…
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while at a red light, sparks began to emit from the passenger side glove box without warning. The contact immediately shut off the engine and all the occupants evacuated the vehicle. The motorist behind her witnessed what had happened and assisted with unhooking the battery cable as a small fire began to erupt on the passenger side floor mats. The motorist's wife was able to retrieve a fire extinguisher from a person's home and extinguish the fire. The authorities were not called to the scene. No injuries were reported and a police report was not filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic who could not repair the vehicle and recommended the vehicle be towed to a dealer; the vehicle was then towed to her home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
- Air bags
I was driving along the highway to a client's house only different structure on the highway IS a train track, drove to the client's house about 22 miles, on the way back home about 3-5 miles cross the same train track from home no light on at this time and about 3-5 miles driving to home the…
I was driving along the highway to a client's house only different structure on the highway IS a train track, drove to the client's house about 22 miles, on the way back home about 3-5 miles cross the same train track from home no light on at this time and about 3-5 miles driving to home the warning light came on for the first time, I'm afraid to drive the car... When I look up the symbol when I got home on the dash it said the airbag warning and a recall..
- Exterior lighting · Fuel/propulsion system
The passenger side headlight very frequently isn't working due to the connection between the headlight assembly and the car's wiring. We've tried many different times to improve this connection without much success. Anecdotally I had another beetle with this issue, and see others on the road with it. I think it IS a safety issue as visibility IS affected as well as my ability to see at night.
- Air bags
Heard sound from the steering wheel airbag while driving normally at 10 mph and now the airbag warning sign IS on
- Seats
Both front seats had a fire. It's june so heated seats were not used. What IS my recourse? *tr
- Unknown or other
This car has 2000 miles on it and VW only offered $ 4700.00 to purchase the car back , they say they want to only pay the trade in value and this IS not fair , I did not cause this recall.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
When driving her 2008 VW beetle at approximately 15 mph during a light rainfall, my daughter hit a bump in the road (not a huge significant bump, just a bump) the entire driver's side headlight assembly headlamp/bucket and all came detached from the vehicle completely. they electrical assembly…
When driving her 2008 VW beetle at approximately 15 mph during a light rainfall, my daughter hit a bump in the road (not a huge significant bump, just a bump) the entire driver's side headlight assembly headlamp/bucket and all came detached from the vehicle completely. they electrical assembly became unplugged and the entire unit came out of the cylindrical compartment that houses the headlight. the entire housing unit, including the bulb and all related parts came out and went crashing onto the pavement where it was struck by a car behind me and smashed into pieces all down the road. this IS a major safety issue. it was a danger to both my child and the vehicle behind her and any pedestrians nearby. in fl the law requires you drive with headlights on in the rain, so although it was daytime, she was forced to drive illegally without her headlight causing her to be less visible to other drivers. the car IS unusable in the evening or early morning now until we get it fixed. clearly, after reading the many complaints, you tube videos on how to "fix" the loose electrical problem, and many VW bug drivers' horror stories of losing sometimes just the electrical connection (bad enough on its own), but also in some cases, like my daughter's, the entire headlight and it's housing unit came broke away from the vehicle just from hitting a bump in the road. unacceptable.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Structure › Body
The hood doesn't fit. Engine put together tape. Air condition system taped together. And and console lights on. Won't hold charge. Top made of plaster board. Miniature battery was installed. Needed jump if stopped rear breaks needed whole replaced. Needs radiator. interior handles fell off. Key IS not made for this car. My mechanic told me to junk it
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Headlight assembly electrical connection has a design flaw that allows the rear pin connector to slightly pull-away and loosen from the headlamp bucket resulting in intermittant headlight failure, especially in colder weather or going over a bump in the road. This has happened to my vehicle…
Headlight assembly electrical connection has a design flaw that allows the rear pin connector to slightly pull-away and loosen from the headlamp bucket resulting in intermittant headlight failure, especially in colder weather or going over a bump in the road. This has happened to my vehicle numerous times during the past several years, each time thinking the bulbs burned-out but in actuality, it IS the wiring harness. The VW dealer says the entire assembly must be replaced, but it the too-short chassis wiring harness that IS the issue. This sudden loss of headlight illumination presents a clear & present danger when traveling at night and reasonably must be addresses as soon as possible.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
This car has had many electrical issues. the first time it was in the dealership due to lights, turning signals not working. the second time about 2 years later I lost all electrical controls. no lights, wipers, ac fan, ac adapter, radio, turn signals. now just 5 months later I am noticing…
This car has had many electrical issues. the first time it was in the dealership due to lights, turning signals not working. the second time about 2 years later I lost all electrical controls. no lights, wipers, ac fan, ac adapter, radio, turn signals. now just 5 months later I am noticing headlight issues. I have taken it back to the VW of ocala, they claim there IS no electrical issue that I just need bulb replacement. after driving over an hour to get my car, I get in to find my windows are no longer working now.
- Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Headlights
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen beetle. While driving at unknown speeds, the driver's side headlight failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to gerald jones volkswagen (4022 washington rd, martinez, ga 30907, (706) 228-6900) where it was diagnosed that the bulb needed to be replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen beetle. While driving at unknown speeds, the driver's side headlight failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to gerald jones volkswagen (4022 washington rd, martinez, ga 30907, (706) 228-6900) where it was diagnosed that the bulb needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified via email and failed to respond. The failure mileage was 49,600. The vin was not available.
- Air bags · Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen beetle. While the vehicle was idling at a stop sign, the driver's side air bag spontaneously deployed without warning or impact. The contact stated that smoke emerged from the center console and the vehicle caught fire. The details of how the fire was…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen beetle. While the vehicle was idling at a stop sign, the driver's side air bag spontaneously deployed without warning or impact. The contact stated that smoke emerged from the center console and the vehicle caught fire. The details of how the fire was extinguished were not provided. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified, opened case number: 180380670, and requested to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- Unknown or other
The car was sitting stationary in the on position. Noticed a burning smell. Looked under front of car and saw flames. Turned car off and went to safety. In minutes the front of the car was engulfed. The whole car burned and IS a total loss.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Headlight assembly electrical connection has a design flaw that allows the rear pin connector to slightly pull-away and loosen from the headlamp bucket resulting in intermittant headlight failure, especially in colder weather or going over a bump in the road. This has happened to my vehicle…
Headlight assembly electrical connection has a design flaw that allows the rear pin connector to slightly pull-away and loosen from the headlamp bucket resulting in intermittant headlight failure, especially in colder weather or going over a bump in the road. This has happened to my vehicle numerous times during the past several years, each time thinking the bulbs burned-out but in actuality, it IS the wiring harness. the VW dealer says the entire assembly must be replaced, but it the too-short chassis wiring harness that IS the issue. this sudden loss of headlight illumination presents a clear & present danger when traveling at night and reasonably must be addresses as soon as possible. According to the VW online forums, this IS a known issue that VW has ignored for years.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system
Takata recall
- Electrical system
The automatic window motor and regulator went bad on rear passenger side when the car was stationary. VW knows about the issue but sells the cars anyway without warning, and then charges between $800 and $900 for the required repair kit. in order to repair the window, a mechanic must remove the…
The automatic window motor and regulator went bad on rear passenger side when the car was stationary. VW knows about the issue but sells the cars anyway without warning, and then charges between $800 and $900 for the required repair kit. in order to repair the window, a mechanic must remove the entire back seat of the car. this takes more than four hours. total cost to repair IS more than $1200 per window. VW profits through selling a defective part which can only be repaired by an expensive repair kit - the price of which IS determined by VW. all mechanics contacted (12) in the cincinnati area are aware of this VW window situation, and the VW owners forums online are full of the exact same complaint. VW dealers also have to get the part from VW, and charge the same thing. New buyers like me do not budget for this kind of repair, but have no option other than to pay VW their price.
- Electrical system
On my 2008 VW beetle convertible the rear drivers side window regulator/motor made a loud pop when rolling up the window (vehicle was in motion travling at about 20mph in my neighborhood) and IS now broken. It will not roll up or down, the car only has 38,000 miles on it & IS always garage kept.…
On my 2008 VW beetle convertible the rear drivers side window regulator/motor made a loud pop when rolling up the window (vehicle was in motion travling at about 20mph in my neighborhood) and IS now broken. It will not roll up or down, the car only has 38,000 miles on it & IS always garage kept. This IS not the only electrical issue I've had with the windows. When pressing the 'all windows' button (whether up or down) the headlights will go dim and then go back to normal when you let off the button. This will happen while the car IS in motion at any speed or parked. The headlights dimming from the 'all windows' button IS dangerous because of the loss of visibility, and it's confusing to other drivers thinking that you are flashing them. Volkswagen should be held accountable for these defects that are causing safety issues. I believe VW IS fully aware of both of these quality issues and even has 'technical service bulletins' on both. A recall needs be done!
- Exterior lighting
The passenger-side headlight has repeatedly failed over the 3 years I've owned this convertible. I have spend almost a $1000 to have various related parts replaced and the light fails to work (i.e. It IS never just a blown bulb) within a few months. Most recently june 2016.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen beetle. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle jerked, lost acceleration, and stalled. The contact stated that the etc light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and three burned "etc wires from the transmission"…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen beetle. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle jerked, lost acceleration, and stalled. The contact stated that the etc light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and three burned "etc wires from the transmission" were replaced. The failure recurred and the service engine light illuminated. The dealer stated that the transmission could have caused the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was 89,000.
- Unknown or other
I have a 2008 VW beetle that has less than 40,000 miles on it. It will not pass smog; something about codes needing to be reset. I have taken the car to a highly rated repair shop and he spent hours talking to VW and bar. I picked up the car and called a VW dealership and spoke to a service rep. He told me just to driven the car and it will reset itself. Not true.
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen beetle. The contact stated that the rear window was unattached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the roof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253205Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10253203Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253180Antenna Diagnosis Overview
- 10253177Satellite Radio Overview
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252937Vehicles equipped with Immobilizer 4 (Download) ? Adapting Keys after Vehicle Lock Set Replacement
- 10252220All Vehicles with Bluetooth Phone Kit Installed ? Streaming Audio from Phone to Radio
- 10252202New Beetle-Pollen Filter Removal
- 10249138Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.
- 10244545VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10244072Rattling Noises from Engine Compartment Area or Exhaust System
- 10244045Volkswagen Elsa Newsletter
- 10244044Volkswagen Elsa Newsletter
- 10243299VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10243068VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243066VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243065VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243052VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243050VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243049VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243027VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243026VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243025VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243023VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243022VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243016VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243008VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243003VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243001VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242897Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology
- 10242894Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
- 10242406VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242405VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242404VW Elsa Newsletter
Every Volkswagen Beetle model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.