2008 Volkswagen R32
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Volkswagen › R32 › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Volkswagen R32. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2008 Volkswagen R32. Newest first.
Volkswagen IS recalling approximately 5,000 my 2008 R32 (5TH generation) vehicles. when certain driving conditions are accompanied by high ambient temperatures, the fuel tank ventilation valve may not remain fully closed. if this happens, liquid fuel may enter the fuel tank venting system and migrate into the evaporative system, saturating the carbon…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge. the recall began on june 2, 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
115 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
My vehicle started to develop a crank no start and intermittent stumble when idling at a light shortly after starting. I chalked it up to a possible fueling issue since I had lean codes. I replaced the fuel pump and filter with OE supplier parts. Within two months the crank no start situation…
My vehicle started to develop a crank no start and intermittent stumble when idling at a light shortly after starting. I chalked it up to a possible fueling issue since I had lean codes. I replaced the fuel pump and filter with OE supplier parts. Within two months the crank no start situation returned. I began to research the concern and buried in a forum someone mentioned checking fuse 43 in the underhood fuse box. I went out to my car, removed the fuse and found that there was arcing on one of the legs and extending upwards into the fuse itself. I researched what the fuse is for on the VW service information page and it supplies power to the ignition coils. When I got home I removed the fuse box, opened it and found that the terminals for that fuse were slightly opened when compared to the rest of the box. I have not taken my car to any shop since as I was a certified VW tech and have the appropriate tools, education and training to work on my car. I have attached pictures of the fuse and the interior of the fusebox that shows the slight spread on the terminals. This thread covers what was happening to my car almost exactly, post 27 is where I learned about that fuse.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I exited from a driveway at a riteaid to get to the light across the street, I have about 3/4 tank of gas and the odometer reads 175 miles, when I get to the my next destination, a drive thru, the fuel marker starts dropping fast and so does my odometer, it goes down to above 1/4 of a tank and my miles read 110 left, in a span of about 10-15 minutes. The vehicle was stationary in the drive thru except when moving
- Exterior lighting · Fuel/propulsion system
When certain driving conditions are accompanied by high ambient temperatures, the fuel tank ventilation valve may not remain fully closed. If this happens, liquid fuel may enter the fuel tank venting system and migrate into the evaporative system, saturating the carbon canister. Should this occur…
When certain driving conditions are accompanied by high ambient temperatures, the fuel tank ventilation valve may not remain fully closed. If this happens, liquid fuel may enter the fuel tank venting system and migrate into the evaporative system, saturating the carbon canister. Should this occur while driving, the vehicle may experience performance issues (i.e., vehicle jerking) and the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) in the instrument cluster could illuminate. Fuel could leak from the evaporative system leak detection pump filter. consequence a fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a vehicle fire. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Raw fuel spewing from leak detection pump (ldp) filter located under passenger side fender well. Charcoal canister, ldp, evap lines, & N80 valve all contaminated by raw fuel. Fuel entering evap system when high ambient temps are present. P026 recall was already performed (in 2012) but issue has…
Raw fuel spewing from leak detection pump (ldp) filter located under passenger side fender well. Charcoal canister, ldp, evap lines, & N80 valve all contaminated by raw fuel. Fuel entering evap system when high ambient temps are present. P026 recall was already performed (in 2012) but issue has come back. contacted vwoa they said it's beyond the recall's 1 year 12,000 mile extended warranty and that they would not do anything to fix the issue. This IS a fire hazard that could potentially lead to serious injury and/or death. Because VW knows about this issue they should be held accountable. vehicle was driving in normal city traffic when I smelled raw fuel. Pulled over to see fuel spilling out of rear passenger fender well.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Suspect clock spring failed. airbag indicator light IS illuminated. lost all functions to steering wheel mounted controls. VW would not pay for the repair.
- Power train
On four separate occasions, vehicle spontaneously shifted into neutral. This occurred on both highway and city streets, both while in motion and while braking (downshifting). The lever selector position flashed on the dashboard and the "depress brake" indicator light came on. Vehicle required…
On four separate occasions, vehicle spontaneously shifted into neutral. This occurred on both highway and city streets, both while in motion and while braking (downshifting). The lever selector position flashed on the dashboard and the "depress brake" indicator light came on. Vehicle required shifting to park and turning engine on/off (sometimes several times) before becoming drive-able again. Repair facility reports transmission temperature fault, as described in the following recall for other volkswagen/audi vehicles with the same dsg transmission: nhtsa campaign ID 09v333000 volkswagen IS recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between september 2008 and august 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (dsg) may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. 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. repair facility recommends remedy of replacing transmission temperature sensor and transmission fluid. safety risk caused by inability to accelerate when car spontaneously shifts into neutral and driver IS unable to safely pull over to shoulder/safe area and/or avoid other vehicles.
- Power train
Vehicle false nuetraled on a busy interstate. I was almost rear ended by a 18-wheeler solenoid failure in the transmission. No power on vehicle until fix. This could cause and probably has caused death or injury
- Power train
I am experiencing the well known symptoms of a failing mechatronic unit in the volkswagen dsg gearbox. there was a recall from previous complaints regarding this issue. Symptoms are lurching/harsh engagement when starting from a stop. Jerky/ almost bouncy reversing. Harsh/clunky shifts between…
I am experiencing the well known symptoms of a failing mechatronic unit in the volkswagen dsg gearbox. there was a recall from previous complaints regarding this issue. Symptoms are lurching/harsh engagement when starting from a stop. Jerky/ almost bouncy reversing. Harsh/clunky shifts between gears. Loss of drive operation at freeway speeds. This can be dangerous in many situations. my recall was completed through volkswagen at roughly 55,000 miles. I started to notice the symptoms arise again at approximately 103,000 miles. this IS literally just after the VW "extended" warranty on the dsg gearbox and replaced mechatronics unit expired. (10 year/100,000 miles) I find it very odd that the first mechatronics unit lasted just 50,000 miles and it seems as if the 2ND has failed in nearly the exact same time frame. I have contacted vwoa and they refused any kind of goodwill or additional assistance regarding this issue.
- Power train
Dsg transmission failed @ 57,000 miles
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen R32. While driving at approximately 20 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle did not accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the mechatronic unit failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Exterior lighting
VW R32 hid headlight system burns out bulbs and smells like burnt wires. the bulb igniter wires inside the light housing have the insulation falling off leaving the wires exposed and touching each other. I attempted to insulate bare wires, but they still keep deteriorating farther down the wire.…
VW R32 hid headlight system burns out bulbs and smells like burnt wires. the bulb igniter wires inside the light housing have the insulation falling off leaving the wires exposed and touching each other. I attempted to insulate bare wires, but they still keep deteriorating farther down the wire. there are 3 wires that run to the bulb igniter socket that connects to the bulb. I feel this insulation has a manufacture defect. other electrical wires in the housing are still fine. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Both headlights failed. Headlight wiring IS deteriorated. Wire insulation IS brittle, cracked and separated, leaving the wiring exposed causing electrical shortages, bulb and ballast failure. local volkswagen dealer performed diagnoses during the 60000 mile maintenance upon my request. "found…
Both headlights failed. Headlight wiring IS deteriorated. Wire insulation IS brittle, cracked and separated, leaving the wiring exposed causing electrical shortages, bulb and ballast failure. local volkswagen dealer performed diagnoses during the 60000 mile maintenance upon my request. "found internal headlight wire harnesses in both headlights coming apart (deteriorated), estimate to replace both headlights assemblies and reprogram lighting system $1,517.00. May also need bulbs ($168.00 each plus tax) and also may need igniters ($272.08 each plus tax) tech can not make the determination until headlight assemblies are replaced." *tr
- Power train
Dsg transmission lags in applying the clutch and will sometimes apply the clutch extremely harsh after a second of lagging. If the car IS on a hill it will fall back a few feet before the transmission engages in an extremely harsh manner. If I'm at a stop and accelerate IS will not do so for approximately 1 second and then jerk forward abruptly. *tr
- Power train
Shifts very hard at slow speeds. Going into reverse sometimes hestates for a couple seconds. Sarting from a stop will not go for a second or 2. *tr
- Power train
Extreme harsh shifting up from first to second during acceleration. Also experience harsh shifting from second to first and then into reverse. Most common occurrence IS during slow speeds in parking lots and coming to and from complete stops. The issues feels to be coming directly from shifting and clutch engagement. *tr
- Engine
Suddenly started hearing loud noise from the engine then it stopped. there were no warning lights. I pulled over and saw that the serpentine belt had shattered. had the car towed to the dealer and they tell me the tensioner bearing failed and that caused the serpentine belt to fail. they are…
Suddenly started hearing loud noise from the engine then it stopped. there were no warning lights. I pulled over and saw that the serpentine belt had shattered. had the car towed to the dealer and they tell me the tensioner bearing failed and that caused the serpentine belt to fail. they are quoting $760 to repair (parts and labor). 1000 miles prior I did the 40K service which included tensioner and belt adjustment. *tr
- Power train
2008 volkswagen r 32 IS having issues with dsg transmission operation vehicle IS extremely rough shifting into first from neutral and engaging into reverse from a stop. Vehicle also shift extremely rough in sport mode. The car jerks into and out of each gear at any speed. Been to VW 3 times and…
2008 volkswagen r 32 IS having issues with dsg transmission operation vehicle IS extremely rough shifting into first from neutral and engaging into reverse from a stop. Vehicle also shift extremely rough in sport mode. The car jerks into and out of each gear at any speed. Been to VW 3 times and complained! They said that's normal. I look it up and went back and told the service rep. Why didn't he know our told me about the recall. He said that he didn't know! He has been a service rep for over 10 years?? Finally the said that the going to fix the problem! Not a new transmission. But its recommended... *Tr
- Power train
The car has very rough slow speed lurching and jerking when moving in reverse and also in slow forward. its worse on cold start moving. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Hesitating and jerking from transmission when in reverse or drive when accelerating from a stop. *ln
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My car begin making a low whistle noise a week ago whenever I accelerated from stand still and a week later it begin skipping gears and then the car became inoperable. *Tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Front right light bulb went out, went to dealer, they diagnosed the problem, replaced bulb $256.00. 1 week later the bulb goes out again and the dealer tells me that water leaked into the control unit and that the unit costing $600.00 has to be replaced otherwise the light will keep going out. they also tell me that the seal around the headlight unit will be leaking water soon. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Loss of power when downshifting. This has happened more than a few times. Fortunately, it has never happened in a situation where a crash could have occurred. Nothing has been done. My VW service adviser told me a recall for the dsg transmission IS imminent. That was in august. So far, I've heard nothing. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
When my VW 2008 R32 IS in 2ND gear in the parking lot it IS not smooth. It jerks and lurches like I'm pumping the gas. Also during varying times, my car does not accelerate smoothy. It lags and feels like its slipping. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen R32. While driving 45 mph the contact noticed that the vehicle would no longer accelerate without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the methapromic unit was replaced inside the transmission; however, after the vehicle was repaired the failure continued to occur. There were no prior warnings. The failure mileage was 25000 and the current mileage was 35000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2008 volkswagen r 32 IS having issues with dsg transmission operation vehicle IS extremely rough shifting into first from neutral and engaging into reverse from a stop. Vehicle also shift extremely rough in sport mode. The car jerks into and out of each gear at any speed. *Tr
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
- 10253205Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253203Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 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
- 10243065VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243025VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243023VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243008VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243001VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242400VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242398VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242390VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242381VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242365VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242358VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241351High Pressure Fuel Pump Diagnosis
- 10241345Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is Switched OFF
- 10241344Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is OFF
- 10241342Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is OFF
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241335Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241333Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241310Software Version Management
- 10241286Engine, Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10241274Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
Every Volkswagen R32 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.