2008 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. Newest first.
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
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.
Volkswagen IS recalling 25,594 my 2006-2009 jetta 5TH generation equipped with 2.01 engine. the fastening screw contact surfaces on the driveshaft cover plate may not have been manufactured to factory specifications. some screws may not have been torqued properly during assembly and could loosen over time, causing a knocking sound when the vehicle IS in…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the vehicle IS moving when this happens, the detached driveshaft could cause damage the gearbox housing. a damage gearbox housing could leak gearbox oil onto the street and create a risk of a vehicle crash for both the driver and other motorists.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the driveshaft screws and replace the screws free of charge. the recall began on june 24, 2009. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Owner complaints
188 complaints4 involved a crash4 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
Ignition key is stuck in the vehicle with the ignition on will not come out
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
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.
- Electrical system
The ignition switch gets stuck sometimes and I can't crank my car nor turn it off I'm just dating that because that's what's going on on my end. Therefore, I've had times where I can't crank my car or I can't turn it off when I need to. So you may tell me if there was a recall on ignition switch or whatever
- Air bags
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.
- Air bags
Airbag warning light is on.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Steering
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.
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during the daytime, the speedometer failed to illuminate adequately, causing her to be unable to see the speed she was driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Lock
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.
- Power train
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…
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.
- Electrical system
car go into a safe mode take to dealer they said car is no reparable because the part they need is no longer made by VW and is no a substitution part for it. so basically they talk me to send it to a junk lot or I can buy a new car and they will gime some money for it also at the end they recommend a shop that maybe be they can fixit so I think why ???? ia safety advised for a dealer.????
- Electrical system › Seat heater › Mat
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
Car was placed in park but key would not turn to off position and therefore would not come out of the ignition nor turn the car off. Inability to turn car off causing increased carbon dioxide released and higher change of fire occurring especially in poorly vented areas such as garage. This occurred right after an inspection and there were no warning or messages before or after this issue.
- Electrical system · Power train · Vehicle speed control
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.…
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.
- Unknown or other
Key gets stuck in ignition while turning off engine.
- Electrical system · Steering · Unknown or other
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.
- Power train
Vehicle suddenly comes out of gear. Will not let you select forward or reverse ,leaving you stuck in a possible dangerous situation. throws code p0717 , transmission speed sensor. After some research I've discovered this IS a common issue and recalls have been issued in other countries.
- Electrical system · Engine
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…
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.
- Electrical system
Could not start vehicle but once able to start was unable to turn off vehicle. Key IS stuck in ignition in the on position. Had to disconnect battery and pull fuel pump relay to kill power. Did some research and this seems to be a common and expensive manufacture defect for certain volkswagen…
Could not start vehicle but once able to start was unable to turn off vehicle. Key IS stuck in ignition in the on position. Had to disconnect battery and pull fuel pump relay to kill power. Did some research and this seems to be a common and expensive manufacture defect for certain volkswagen models. due to the required knowledge and specialized tools needed to repair this issue, VW should have recalled and repaired. This has been an ongoing issue but now unable to drive.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the transmission. The instrument panel display showed that the transmission independently switched from drive to neutral as the vehicle lost…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the transmission. The instrument panel display showed that the transmission independently switched from drive to neutral as the vehicle lost motive power. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the driveshaft bolts loosened and a hole was present which caused transmission fluid to leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
- Unknown or other
My car leaks on the front and rear carpet on passenger side only. IS my air conditioned hose stopped up or sun roof drains stopped up.
- Engine
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.
- Air bags
Horn stopped working and airbag warning light illuminated. took car to VW dealership and they advised I need an air bag spring. checked online and VW issued recall notices for similar issue for newer models, but not this model. VW dealership offered estimate of $554.88 plus tax and shop supplies. VW should extend recall to more years since this IS a known issue.
- Electrical system
Ignition switch was stuck in the on position with the engine running. the car was stopped and in park in a driveway. but this failure could have easily occurred inside a garage. the car was successfully turned off after breaking the plastic key transmitter and forcing the key with pliers.…
Ignition switch was stuck in the on position with the engine running. the car was stopped and in park in a driveway. but this failure could have easily occurred inside a garage. the car was successfully turned off after breaking the plastic key transmitter and forcing the key with pliers. others may not have the strength or tools to force this to turn off. I'm concerned that this could occur and the engine not being able to be turn off could start a fire or produce co poisoning in a closed environment. part failures such as this should fail in a safe mode. this IS clearly not a safe failure mode.
- Unknown or other
Ignition lock, I cannot not turn the key to turn on the car. It was working and once I parked the car, I came back to the car and the key will not turn at all. I tried turning the wheel and jiggling the key lock and it still won't budge.
- Engine · Unknown or other
I turned my car completely off and the car was parked when I got out of my car to meet with a friend to go swimming at this neighborhood pool. I had my keys in my hand (still do have the key as well) and I smelled something burning, so I turned around and there was smoke coming out of my sunroof. I…
I turned my car completely off and the car was parked when I got out of my car to meet with a friend to go swimming at this neighborhood pool. I had my keys in my hand (still do have the key as well) and I smelled something burning, so I turned around and there was smoke coming out of my sunroof. I looked in the car and saw that it was a fire in my backseat on the passenger side (also where the gas tank IS located) and saw the fire spreading. Therefore, I ran away from the car, yelled for help and called 911. Within three minutes my car was engulfed in flames and popped a few times as well. The fire also caught the grass, a few bushes and trees on fire as well. The firefighters came to put the fire out and informed me that the fire started in my engine and traveled from there to the gas tank and spread from there.
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
- 10252238Emission Label
- 10252237Emission Label
- 10252220All Vehicles with Bluetooth Phone Kit Installed ? Streaming Audio from Phone to Radio
- 10252210Clock Loses Time
- 10244545VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10244072Rattling Noises from Engine Compartment Area or Exhaust System
- 10244045Volkswagen Elsa Newsletter
- 10243299VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10243067VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243066VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243065VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243064VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243052VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243049VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243036VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW 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
- 10242995VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242897Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology
- 10242894Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
- 10242405VW Elsa Newsletter
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.