2008 Volkswagen Passat
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Passat › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Volkswagen Passat. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2008 Volkswagen Passat. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Volkswagen IS recalling 4,079 my 2008 passat and 2,500 my 2009 tiguan passenger vehicles equipped with 2.0T fsi ulev II engines. these vehicles have an engine control module (ecm) containing software that may not properly control engine idle with the air conditioning turned on. in rare cases, the ecm may unexpectedly increase engine rpm.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An engine surge caused by an unexpected increase in engine rpm may surprise the vehicle operator and can result in a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and update the ecm software free of charge. the recall began on may 30, 2008. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
Owner complaints
168 complaints3 involved a crash6 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
My car stalled on me while I was driving and would not start. I was told I need a new feul pump module. I took it to the dealership to get it replace and the feul pump but the car will not start.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while her husband was reversing out of the garage, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the…
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while her husband was reversing out of the garage, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the insurance company later informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
My son bought this used car. The STOP ENGINE light came on, got an oil change but the light did not go away. Were told that the oil pressure might be the issue so took it to the mechanic. We were told it was most likely the oil pressure switch. There were multiple codes(cones) and were cleared. The…
My son bought this used car. The STOP ENGINE light came on, got an oil change but the light did not go away. Were told that the oil pressure might be the issue so took it to the mechanic. We were told it was most likely the oil pressure switch. There were multiple codes(cones) and were cleared. The switch was replaced but the engine light's still on & the STOP ENGINE comes on but goes off. It appears it is a gas pump issue that it might be manufacture fault. Is there a recall for this issue on this 2008 Passat? It's my [XXX] 's first car, he saved & bought it but it's dangerous...he got it diagnosed & was told it's a $5,000 job. If it's an oil/gas pump manufacturer issue, is Volkswagen responsible? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Steering
Steering Lock Warning Light flashes yellow and car takes two to three attempts to start. Periodically light changes to red with audible. Car occasionally shuts down while driving but recovers before stopping completely. This has been happening for over a year and is now getting significantly…
Steering Lock Warning Light flashes yellow and car takes two to three attempts to start. Periodically light changes to red with audible. Car occasionally shuts down while driving but recovers before stopping completely. This has been happening for over a year and is now getting significantly worse. Dealer serviced about 4 weeks ago and key fob replaced but no other notations. Full dealer inspection but no mention about this issue. There seems to be a lot of comments about this issue. Please research as it is definitely not a "one-off".
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
There is a recall with the fuel pump and the manufacturer is claiming that I need to replace certain parts to be able to do the recall.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ecu/ecm) · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving, the steering became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the RPM increased rapidly and the engine revved…
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving, the steering became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the RPM increased rapidly and the engine revved without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she was able to maneuver the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle without a failure. The contact then stated that a week later while driving the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
- Power train
Transmission went into neutral while accelerating at highway speed last night. false neutral? No noticeable lights came on and finally put itself back in gear after we came to a stop. gear selector was never moved. I've read many people having this issue and seems to be a temp or speed sensor in the trans.
- Seats
Driver seat moves back and forth on its own while driving. All lumbar and seat supports also move without warning while operating vehicle in motion.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while her son was driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted on several occasions. Recently, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's son had the vehicle towed to an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while her son was driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted on several occasions. Recently, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's son had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was previously taken to team volkswagen (3990 e lincoln hwy, merrillville, in 46410) however, the mechanic was also unable to duplicate the failure or provided a cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to nhtsa campaign number: 17v509000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the vin was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The vin was unavailable.
- Air bags
I received the call so I would like to know how I can contact you or when I could make an appointment to take my car thank you very much my car has lights on air bags brand I would love to bring my car as soon as possible thank you very much! *tr
- Engine · Steering · Unknown or other
When I turn on ac the car loses power and the batter icon and check engine light comes on and the steering wheel locks up. After I turned off ac and attempted to restart car after a few trys it started back up and the check engine light went off.. This had never happened before
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system
I bought the car around mid-september 2019. I've been driving it since and just recently, I'D say december 9TH, 2019 to be exact, got a letter in the mail saying my vehicle had a recall for the airbag. I went online to the car brands website and looked up my exact car to verify. Upon doing this, I…
I bought the car around mid-september 2019. I've been driving it since and just recently, I'D say december 9TH, 2019 to be exact, got a letter in the mail saying my vehicle had a recall for the airbag. I went online to the car brands website and looked up my exact car to verify. Upon doing this, I discovered it had a second recall for the fuel pump. I took the car in for the free repairs, only to be told that they can't fix the fuel fump issue as my check engine light IS on. From what I've been told by a mechanic I went to, the light IS on due to a leak in my vacuum pump. He said it'd cost about $600 for part and labor, but that this fix isn't extremely important and that my car should run well enough without this fix. Me being broke, I didn't get it fixed. Well, now that I'm here to get my recall parts fixed, I'm being told I can't get one of them fixed, and I'D have to pay around $124 for a diagnosis of why the check engine light IS on, or pay the estimated cost to fix what's casuing it (which I'D only know if I allowed the diagnosis). So no matter what, I'D have to pay money, or just not get my fuel pump, which was recalled, fixed. IS this something they can do? Seems unlikely they'd have to clear the light to fix the fuel pump...
- Electrical system
Reference ntsa vehicle safety recall number 08v235000. it identifies a engine surge and resultant vehicle surge for VW passats in the year 2008. I recently purchased a 2008 VW passat lux wagon and have had this happen to me at least 6 times since the end of june when I bought the car. most…
Reference ntsa vehicle safety recall number 08v235000. it identifies a engine surge and resultant vehicle surge for VW passats in the year 2008. I recently purchased a 2008 VW passat lux wagon and have had this happen to me at least 6 times since the end of june when I bought the car. most recently, a lady was walking in front of my car in a crosswalk, I had stopped for. as I began to let off the brake, the car lunged forward about a foot, before I stopped it again. we were both noticeably shaken by what had just happened. I tried reporting this incident and the recall to my local dealer, VW of olympia< wa> only to be told it did not apply to my specific vin. I went on to contact VW cares only to be told the same thing. I did file a report with their case number 190810111. this situation may not have been apparent to my specific vin when the car was new and the recall was issued. now 12 years and 137K miles later, there it IS. people are going to get hurt or even killed if this IS not dealt with.
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system
TL* takata recall. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was coasted over to the side of the road and then towed to the owner's residence. The contact was not notified, but the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 17v509000 (fuel system, gasoline).…
TL* takata recall. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was coasted over to the side of the road and then towed to the owner's residence. The contact was not notified, but the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 17v509000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. In addition, the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 18v148000 (air bags). Joe holland volkswagen (150 maccorkle ave sw a, south charleston, wv 25303, (304) 744-1561) was contacted, but did not respond within a reasonable timeframe to address the two recall repairs. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Had fuel module recall fixed at dealership and 5 months later the problem IS back the fix for the recall does not work or last needs to have another recall put out on the 2008 volkswagen passat
- Steering
"Steering column lock defective" warning displays on the obd panel regularly, yet randomly since purchasing vehicle. Bought in 2011 odometer 5,989, now in 2019 60,000 mi. Have reported this to VW dealer multiple times during service maintenance. Always told that no code pops, and no recall has been…
"Steering column lock defective" warning displays on the obd panel regularly, yet randomly since purchasing vehicle. Bought in 2011 odometer 5,989, now in 2019 60,000 mi. Have reported this to VW dealer multiple times during service maintenance. Always told that no code pops, and no recall has been issued. yet it occurs regularly causing the vehicle not to start. On one occasion, vehicle did start while warning was on display, attempted to exit parking lot, and while moving forward steering was unresponsive. shut off vehicle and restarted. Warning did not reappear. if you reference - safercar.gov - there are hundreds to thousands of complaints that discuss this same factory design flaw; some consumers report vehicle shutting down at highway speeds with this defect. All have the same quantry: VW will not address. A voluntary recall was issued without notification to owners in USA. It limited model/years and imposed an expiration date, even though it may affect all B6 passats made during 2005-2010. apparently, an open recall was issued for uk owners. My concern IS that this defect has serious if not fatal safety concerns that VW IS being allowed to pass on at the buyers expense. (Dealer quotes range from $1,500-2,000 and above) now that VW IS manufacturing in the us I am urging this agency to reinvestigate this manufacture defect affecting safe operation. I do have date/time stamped photos of this obd warning display. If VW wants to enjoy continued manufacturing in the us then they should be made accountable for replacing defective steering column systems through open recall to us buyers. this held true for emissions violations (us standards vs uk) shouldn't us buyers be given the same safety consideration as uk buyers.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel pump of my car stopped working last monday march 11, 2018 for no reason.
- Engine
During an unrelated service, my engine was diagnosed with a timing chain problem. the service personnel indicated that my timing chain has extensive wear and will fail at some point in the near future. the engine only has 75,000 miles. this should not be happening with the low miles on the…
During an unrelated service, my engine was diagnosed with a timing chain problem. the service personnel indicated that my timing chain has extensive wear and will fail at some point in the near future. the engine only has 75,000 miles. this should not be happening with the low miles on the vehicle. upon research, I found that a good number of other volkswagen vehicles are having the same issue. volkswagen has denied any assistance with the problem. this IS a safety issue and a defect with the engine. I feel that a recall should be done by volkswagen to remedy the many vehicles with this problem.
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system · Wheels
Hello nhtsa I have a 2008 volkswagen passat that was recalled about an airbag this to me was unsafe I tried to get it fixed a soon as possible,getting to the volkswagen dealership I leave my passat to them to fix it like the letter I received in the mail said I would pay anything out of pocket, I…
Hello nhtsa I have a 2008 volkswagen passat that was recalled about an airbag this to me was unsafe I tried to get it fixed a soon as possible,getting to the volkswagen dealership I leave my passat to them to fix it like the letter I received in the mail said I would pay anything out of pocket, I get my car in less than an our supposedly fixed my air bag but bit only did they change my air bag but they tampered with a few other things one of them being the fuel pump control moduel because according to them the cars parts where all recalled,now I'm getting to my complain I took my car in in good condition now my car turns off at random time being in the street or in the freeway driving when I fill it up with gas I have to strip on my engine for it to turn on or it won't start,also the car keeps marking tire pressure every day I used this car before I took it into volkswagen , my car was not like this I gave them a call to make an appointment but I don't really trust the people who I believe messed up my vehicle it IS in the bakc now sitting u can contact me at (xxxx) my name IS (xxxx) thansk you for your time parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Air bags
My wife and I purchased a 2008 VW passat 2.0 sedan new from a VW dealership and recently (within the past 6-8 months the air bag light came on from time to time). because the vehicle IS not a primary vehicle for me or my wife it IS seldom driven, but about 2 TO3 months ago I notice the air bag…
My wife and I purchased a 2008 VW passat 2.0 sedan new from a VW dealership and recently (within the past 6-8 months the air bag light came on from time to time). because the vehicle IS not a primary vehicle for me or my wife it IS seldom driven, but about 2 TO3 months ago I notice the air bag light coming on which immediately concerned me and I remember hearing about the takata air bag recall, but due to my/my wife work schedule it was hard to get to a dealer, but I recall receiving notifications, but I honestly will have search for them. Anyway I took the vehicle to hagerty volkswagen and they told me that I missed three(3) factory recalls and if I wanted them done now I would have to pay out my pocket. The air bag light IS on, I am afraid of being injured seriously or killed. The dealership says it's they can do about the issue because the vehicle IS one which was not tagged as needing attention, that's mighty nice that mike hagerty of orland park feels that way. What I want know IS does the nhtsa feel that car manufacture are so honest that if a tax paying american citizen should base on the word of a global manufacture who already has been caught using defective parts. I received something about a recall, I expect that the nhtsa has enough experience as to correct the manufacture to repair a clearly dangerous situation in which and others may perish from an unforeseen explosive steering default that the manufacture and takata are making every effort to avoid any responsibility/liability by simply denying a faulty bag was placed in this particular vehicle. I have always look upon every individual as an equal, I would appreciate it if whom ever processes this complaint. I do not want to die in a car that I paid for according to the contract that I signed, can vollkswagen of america and it parent company do the same. I pray your agency will represent me.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
I had the recall for the fuel pump repaired in august 2018 by the wilmington dealership. I don't believe it was either done right or however they did it did not fix the problem because in october 2018 my car IS having the recall problem starting again which IS causing gasoline to run out…
I had the recall for the fuel pump repaired in august 2018 by the wilmington dealership. I don't believe it was either done right or however they did it did not fix the problem because in october 2018 my car IS having the recall problem starting again which IS causing gasoline to run out immediately and this time it's worse than before the fumes are now in the vehicle even when the car isn't on. I believe I should have this recall issue repaired again because it should not have only lasted 2 months and needing the fuel pump module to be replaced/repaired again but problem IS worse the second time around. Acceleration and stalling IS becoming more of an issue again
- Engine
My 2008 volkswagen passat engine cut off while I was driving, in the middle of traffic, I could have been killed if I was on the express way. Fortunately, I was on a city street and was able to get to the side of the road.
- Unknown or other
Water leaking in from sunroof. Foot wells on passanger side filled with water. water drips from sun visor attachment. Air bag fault light came on soon after I noticed this.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the fuel pump warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was serviced by an unknown dealer per nhtsa campaign number: 17v509000 (fuel system, gasoline), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the fuel pump warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was serviced by an unknown dealer per nhtsa campaign number: 17v509000 (fuel system, gasoline), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the fuel pump warning indicator remained illuminated after the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that fuel was leaking onto the rear seats of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact scheduled an appointment for diagnostic testing and repairs at gebhardt volkswagen (2470 49TH st, boulder, co 80301, (303) 444-1644). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
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
- 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
- 10243037VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243036VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243025VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243023VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243008VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243001VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242998VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242997VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242897Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology
- 10242894Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
- 10242404VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242400VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242398VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242390VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242381VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242374VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242365VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242358VW Elsa Newsletter
Every Volkswagen Passat model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.