2008 Volkswagen Eos
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2008 Volkswagen Eos. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
47 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen EOS equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Assurance A/S, Tire Size: 215-55/R16, DOT Number: (NA). While the contact’s son was driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. After pulling over and…
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen EOS equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Assurance A/S, Tire Size: 215-55/R16, DOT Number: (NA). While the contact’s son was driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. After pulling over and inspecting the vehicle, the driver noticed a blowout of the front passenger’s side tire. The tire was replaced with the spare tire. The vehicle was taken back to the tire shop where the tire had been purchased approximately one year prior; however, there was no replacement provided free of charge because there was no recall or warranty coverage on the tire. The tire was not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 72,245. The tire failure mileage was approximately 7,423
- Electrical system · Power train
While in drive, the car jumps out of gear and PRNDS lights are illuminated. The car is no longer able to put back in gear and is idle.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen eos. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed a quart of oil every month. The contact also stated after changing the battery, the ecm had to be re-flashed. The contact stated the rear door warning light was illuminated. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
- Power train
Car was in morning traffic and failed due to timing belt failure at 85000 miles. Car was maintained by dealership at recommended intervals. The manuals and dealer recommended belt replacement at 110000 miles. Fortunately my wife was not injured or killed in what could have led to a serious…
Car was in morning traffic and failed due to timing belt failure at 85000 miles. Car was maintained by dealership at recommended intervals. The manuals and dealer recommended belt replacement at 110000 miles. Fortunately my wife was not injured or killed in what could have led to a serious accident. After looking at the internet and talking to mechanics, this appears to be a major safety flaw that should lead to a recall of these motors by the nhtsa and correction by volkswagen and payment for motor replacement.
- Electrical system · Power train
Even though the car IS in drive it will go down I feel backwards this IS going to cause accidents. the electric windows go up and down continuously yes, this IS a known issue but they refused to fix this the distraction IS going to cause people accidents. This makes texting while driving seem like a safe way to behave.
- Power train
Gearbox failure! Direct failure to gearbox causes car to malfunction while in motion. Vehicle will stop abruptly (travelling on the interstate!) and refuse to go back into any gear, including but not limited to, reverse and drive. Repeatitive problem and isn't isolated to one specific event (but many occasions)
- Engine
Car stalled and when brought to dealership was informed this car burns oil at a high rate and the engine needs to be replaced. oil had just been added!
- Engine
Upon waiting for the traffic light to change to green, I depressed the accelerator and within seconds, I heard a low boom and then the engine power cut out. I coasted to the side of the road and at that point was no longer able to start the car. I was at that point, forced to have it towed to the nearest dealership. I was notified that the camshaft timing chain had snapped.
- Unknown or other
The interior side door panel the material comes lose. I had to replace the driver side about 1 year ago and currently in the middle of replacing the passenger side. from researching this seems common with the eos. I would think this would be a qualifier for a recall. the car I have only has…
The interior side door panel the material comes lose. I had to replace the driver side about 1 year ago and currently in the middle of replacing the passenger side. from researching this seems common with the eos. I would think this would be a qualifier for a recall. the car I have only has 67,000 miles, stored in a garage and very limited time with the top down. if being left outside for any time the top IS always put up to protect the interior.
- Power train
I was driving my car on a local city street and halfway through a turn all of a sudden it went into neutral on it's own, all the gears on the dash started flashing (the park, reverse, and drive) they started flashing on and off as my transmission went haywire. I had to pull over and avoid being hit…
I was driving my car on a local city street and halfway through a turn all of a sudden it went into neutral on it's own, all the gears on the dash started flashing (the park, reverse, and drive) they started flashing on and off as my transmission went haywire. I had to pull over and avoid being hit as I had no control over my speed, I could not accelerate. The engine was racing and there was no forward motion at all. My car has a dsg (direct shift gearbox).
- Unknown or other
"Takata recall" dsg failure
- Structure › Body
Roof leaks, possible gasket problems with joints.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
First incident (many more to follow) occurred while driving downhill on highway. the entire dash panel appeared to have gone haywire and then car just turned off. coasted off of the road and was towed down the hill. charged the battery and it started just fine, for about 20 miles, then the same…
First incident (many more to follow) occurred while driving downhill on highway. the entire dash panel appeared to have gone haywire and then car just turned off. coasted off of the road and was towed down the hill. charged the battery and it started just fine, for about 20 miles, then the same thing occurred and car turned off. had car towed to dealership, after diagnosis, had fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator and gasket replaced. during their test drive, car stalled out again. had to also replace alternator, freewheel pulley and battery. picked up car, before I even got home engine lamp came on again, took back to dealership in a closer location to me. now the problem was turbo underboost and evap system leaks, reccommended replacement of turbo purge valve, evap purge valve and evap vent hose. volkswagen IS aware of and has had many complaints for these same problems, yet they have done nothing about it, and can only apologize to their customers that they are having a problem with "their" particular vehicle. I am concerned that my vehicle will not even pass smog next year at this rate, given I could not find any smog records at all for this vehicle...is it possible to fake a smog check to dmv and re-sell a lemon?? I was definitely duped!
- Air bags · Electrical system
Got passenger airbag warning light. Dealer said it was not a warranty item. Cost was prohibitive to us, so we are doing without. A great safety problem.
- Engine
Ignition coil failed. had to get the coil replaced as well as replaced all spark plugs in case failure affected them all. *tr
- Power train
The car slipped out of gear and the engine revved up to 5K rpms almost got hit from behind due to the rapid reduction in my speed. this IS the 4TH time this transmission has been worked on and VW will not work with me to remedy the problem for a reasonable price. *tr
- Structure › Body · Vehicle speed control
I was already parking in my space in front of my house when suddenly instead of stop the car run off passing the concrete barrier and going toward the house .i couldn't stop it, I just drove across the lawn, avoiding to crash first against the brick wall turned right then I went against a ficus…
I was already parking in my space in front of my house when suddenly instead of stop the car run off passing the concrete barrier and going toward the house .i couldn't stop it, I just drove across the lawn, avoiding to crash first against the brick wall turned right then I went against a ficus tree and the car keep going toward a palm tree so I turned again right but finally was out of control and crash against my neighbor car that was parked. The good think was nobody was there, so there were not injures. *tr
- Power train
The car unexpectedly jumps gears when slowing down and or speeding up. the problem IS especially bad while going in reverse. after a bit of research, it looks like this IS an issue with the dsg component of the transmission that many people have experienced in this model/make of the eos. This unexpected jumping and jerking has the potential to cause an accident on the road. *tr
- Steering
Tl-the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen eos. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver with constant vibration. The failure recurred only when driving 50 mph and greater. In addition, the power steering warning indicator illuminated…
Tl-the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen eos. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver with constant vibration. The failure recurred only when driving 50 mph and greater. In addition, the power steering warning indicator illuminated intermittently upon starting the ignition. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000. Js
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen eos. The contact stated that while driving, the sun roof exploded. The contact stated that she sustained minor injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that something may have hit the sun roof and caused it to shatter. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen eos. The contact stated that while driving, the sun roof exploded. The contact stated that she sustained minor injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that something may have hit the sun roof and caused it to shatter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that they could not prove that something from the outside did not hit it. The failure mileage was 62,000.
- Structure
I own a volkswagen eos. From the start my car has had a water leak issue. I've taken it to the service center affiliated with the dealership where I purchased my car countless times in order to have the issue repaired. Each time I do, they tell me it's repaired & I come to find out the next time it…
I own a volkswagen eos. From the start my car has had a water leak issue. I've taken it to the service center affiliated with the dealership where I purchased my car countless times in order to have the issue repaired. Each time I do, they tell me it's repaired & I come to find out the next time it rains, snows or goes through a car wash, that the leaking has not been repaired. The leak has even caused technical issues with the car. One of the last times I brought my car to the service center to have it repaired, I was told that when I drive the car, it shifts and causes the leak to start again. Basically, their resolution was that if I don't drive my car, it won't leak. after that, I got fed up & contacted the main VW help center. They gave me a case number and had a regional manager handling my case. She told me that in order for them to proceed, I would have to bring it back to the dealership to have the leaking issue verified. The service center verified the leak & then told her that they repaired the issue. She contacted me and said that she really believes it was fixed this time. I asked her what I should do if the leak started again, since I knew it would, and she told me if it did, I should contact her. lo & behold, the next time it rained, the leak began again. I contacted her and she told me I would have to bring it back to the service center to have it verified. Again, I brought it to the service center, again they said the fixed it, again it leaked when it rained. I contacted her and again she told me I would have to bring it to the service center to have the issue verified. Obviously, this IS a never ending circle and this IS their way of handling the issue until someone IS too fed up and gives up. They've had my case for so long that they've given me 3 different case numbers to keep the case up to date. *tr
- Power train
Vehicle lurched during start of acceleration. Also sounded and felt like it was searching for a gear and couldn't find it. Slamming of gears felt and heard - intermittently. Took to local dealership and it was immediately taken in and the clutch plates were replaced. Previous work recorded was the…
Vehicle lurched during start of acceleration. Also sounded and felt like it was searching for a gear and couldn't find it. Slamming of gears felt and heard - intermittently. Took to local dealership and it was immediately taken in and the clutch plates were replaced. Previous work recorded was the replacement of the mechtronic unit. So far after 100 miles the issue appears better but not totally relieved. Still slight hesitation between gears. No slamming. also previously parking on a hill was an issue. No roll stop without brakes or braking. Now after repair the vehicle will stop rollback after 1 ft. *tr
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
I don't think a $38,000 car that IS only 3 years old should leak rain in it all the time and the convertible top not work properly - it has been in the shop 5 times in the last 2 months and IS currently in the shop fixing a problem that was suppose to be fixed last friday. Volkswagen dealership…
I don't think a $38,000 car that IS only 3 years old should leak rain in it all the time and the convertible top not work properly - it has been in the shop 5 times in the last 2 months and IS currently in the shop fixing a problem that was suppose to be fixed last friday. Volkswagen dealership service department mechanic even told me that 98% of eos leak rain inside them and the convertible tops don't work. datemilesproblem 3/19/08328wiper blades split apart (car was brand new) 6/17/0911400leaks rain inside car on drivers side - replaced header seal and mounting bracket 6/17/0911400drivers side sunvisor cracked 6/23/0911540replaced drivers side sunvisor 9/4/1023056recall - mechantronic unit 9/4/1023056convertible top not operating properly - flap tension string needed new clips 9/4/1023056side window grinding and hesitating when going up and down - defective window regulator 9/4/1023056vehicle having trouble starting - ignition/starter switch electrical fault in circuit 9/13/1023355convertible top not operating properly - installed headliner tensioning string clips 9/13/1023355front door handle loose 9/8/1134761water leaking from convertible top (rain inside car)- sunroof drain hose repair 9/8/1134761passenger side door trim IS peeling off car 9/17/1135231water leaking from door (rain inside car)- replaced the seals (in a loaner for 4 days) 10/20/1137230replaced defective crank breather 10/27/1137398convertible top not operating properly - gets stuck when opening - cable guide broke off 10/27/1137398service now light on after it was just serviced 11/1/1137450back in shop for convertible top not working properly key IS broken, I keep this car in the garage and get regular maintenance work done. *tr
- Electrical system · Power train › Automatic transmission · Seats · Service brakes, hydraulic · Tires · Visibility
I have had a 2008 eos for less than 3 years. I started having problems with the car after 4 months, it has had several repairs including electrical seat not working properly, leaks in window, cheap materials falling off needing replacement, brakes needing sooner than most cars (brakes are very…
I have had a 2008 eos for less than 3 years. I started having problems with the car after 4 months, it has had several repairs including electrical seat not working properly, leaks in window, cheap materials falling off needing replacement, brakes needing sooner than most cars (brakes are very long,takes forever to come to stop). At about 1YR I started having major problems with how it drove. It has been in and out of the shop, one time it was in for one month! It has had problems with lurching, surging, jerking and lack of power when accelerating or putting into sport mode, there have been numerous electrical problems and leaking from windows as well. They replaced one part (that was officially recalled) and the car drove worse. They finally replaced the transmission and now have a new rattling problem that seems to come from the engine, along with window button on driver side sticking. there IS still times when I accelerate and there no increased power or I put it into sport and there IS no increase in speed or rpm's. I have taken it in again and they have told me that it IS no longer under warranty and I will have to cover costs that are not under powertrain warranty. With as much problems as I have had with this car, everything should be covered. I am afraid to drive this car and try to stay local and do not drive much if I don't have to. after reading other peoples problems I can see that this IS a problem with this particular vehicle and there needs to be an investigation. I believe it IS a dangerous car. *tr
- Unknown or other
2008 VW eos I followed behind a car (taxi) from a stop light which turned green. the cab stopped short to let off passengers immediately after green light. I was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. I was going less than 25 mph at the time of the collision. my airbags did not deploy but a fire started in the engine and immediately engulfed the car. *tw
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle stall/loss motive power
The subject vehicles are equipped with direct shift gearbox (dsg) transmissions, which feature a 6-speed automatic gearbox with two wet running clutches (dual clutch) in which the clutch mechanism and gear changes are electrohydraulically operated by a mechatronic control unit.the dsg mechatronic controller includes…
The subject vehicles are equipped with direct shift gearbox (dsg) transmissions, which feature a 6-speed automatic gearbox with two wet running clutches (dual clutch) in which the clutch mechanism and gear changes are electrohydraulically operated by a mechatronic control unit.the dsg mechatronic controller includes extensive self diagnostic functions and strategies to ensure safe operation and prevent system/component damage in the event of component failures or harsh operating conditions.the basic hierarchy of fault modes includes some that only result in the storage of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) and cause no loss of function, some that store a dtc and reduce vehicle operation to a limp home mode, and some that store a dtc and cause an interruption of motive power (i.e., open clutch).the driver IS alerted to the latter two modes by the dash gear position indicator (prnds) flashing. One of the conditions that results in interruption of motive power IS excess gearbox temperature.the system initially responds to increased gearbox temperature by ramping down engine torque.if the temperature keeps rising the mechatronic unit responds by opening the clutch.in a defect information report submitted to nhtsa on august 20, 2009, volkswagen described a potential defect in the wiring harnesses of the dsg gearbox temperature sensors used in approximately 16,000 model year (my) 2009 and 2010 volkswagen (eos, jetta and GTI) and audi (A3 and tt/tt roadster) vehicles equipped with dsg transmissions and built from september 2008 through august 2009 (nhtsa recall no. 09V-333, volkswagen recall no. 37E3/s7 and audi recall no 37e4/j7). Volkswagen provided this description of the defect, the wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the dsg may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped by the connector supplier during a limited production period.with insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral.if this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash.in addition, the depress brake pedal indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.in heavy traffic, the abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.volkswagen estimated that less than one percent of the recalled vehicles may contain the defect condition. Odi identified 40 complaints that appear to be related to the temperature sensor defect condition described by volkswagen.volkswagen received 139 complaints related to the condition, with 7 involving vehicles reported to odi, resulting a 172 total complaints to odi and volkswagen.all of these complaints involve the my 2009 an 2010 vehicles subject to recall 09v-333. Odi also identified complaints of harsh/jerky shifting in some volkswagen vehicles with dsg.volkswagen attributed this condition, which typically occurs at very low speeds, to excessive wear in the bushings of the two solenoid valves in the mechatronic unit that control clutch operation.volkswagen does not believe that the this condition IS a safety defect because the changes in shift quality develop gradually over time, do not cause a loss of motive power and have not resulted in any fatalities, injuries or serious crashes (there were three reported property damage incidents resulting in minor body damage in very low speed, parking maneuvers).volkswagen addressed this problem in the field with a customer service program that includes the replacement of potentially affected mechatronic units as well
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
- 10253212Ignition Switch Faults Stored - Various Malfunctioning Comfort Functions
- 10253211Ignition Switch Faults Stored - Various Malfunctioning Comfort Functions
- 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
- 10244545VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10244072Rattling Noises from Engine Compartment Area or Exhaust System
- 10244045Volkswagen Elsa Newsletter
- 10243299VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10243066VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243065VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243050VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243047VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243025VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243023VW 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
- 10242404VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242403VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242400VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242398VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242390VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242388VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242385VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242381VW Elsa Newsletter
Every Volkswagen Eos model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.