2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Volkswagen › Rabbit › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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 Rabbit. Newest first.
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.
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
23 complaints2 involved a crash4 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Pulled car up to propane display outside of heb grocery store. Once tanks were exchanged, noticed smoke billowing from engine. Turned care off, got out and noticed fire underneath engine. Store employee got hood open, doused fire. Called wrecker to tow car home. On december 25, 2020 neighbor noticed smoke and burning wire smell coming from hood of car. Opened hood disabled battery.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train · Structure › Body
In motion: the transmission IS not properly shifting up. There IS delay, therefore the car IS 'jumping' before the higher level of gear automatically shift. This problem last for about 4 months in motion: the use of fuel IS much higher than used to be, even all injectors are properly working. This…
In motion: the transmission IS not properly shifting up. There IS delay, therefore the car IS 'jumping' before the higher level of gear automatically shift. This problem last for about 4 months in motion: the use of fuel IS much higher than used to be, even all injectors are properly working. This problem IS now about 5 months old. the rear door - its latch broke in november 2014. The door felt on my head. Contacting VW USA - I was told that the repair has to be done by VW dealer.. VW dealer made me a quote of $ 3.5 k which I rejected. Since that time I am carrying in car board of wood and using it for support of open door.
- Air bags
Airbag faulty light and message on dashboard started while vehicle was in motion
- Electrical system · Steering
Steering stopped working and caught fire, there IS a hole in the side of it like a laser shot out of the electromechanical steering gear box. I had parked in my driveway, and within 15 min after it was parked, smoke came billowing out from under the hood, it ended up being the electronic steering on fire.
- Air bags · Structure › Body · Vehicle speed control
Was in a tight spot at a parking lot, when I was backing up I hit a barrier behind me, after stopping and shifting to go forward, the car sped up uncontrollably until it crashed into a wall in front. The space and time was very small/short, but the force was so rapid that the airbags were deployed.
- Seats · Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
I had the heated seats on at the lowest setting of 1. I was driving on the main road by my house and the side of the driver's seat started getting really hot and I smelled smoke. I had to pull over as I was worried the seat was on fire. I turned off the seat heater, got out and checked the seat. There was a hole burned into the seat and into the jacket I was wearing. *tr
- Air bags · Electrical system
The air bag light IS on and the horn IS not working. Dealer diagnosed problem as a broken clock spring. Other vws have been recalled for the same problem, but mine IS not included in the recall. I was told the airbag will not work in the event of a crash and I think the horn IS needed in order to…
The air bag light IS on and the horn IS not working. Dealer diagnosed problem as a broken clock spring. Other vws have been recalled for the same problem, but mine IS not included in the recall. I was told the airbag will not work in the event of a crash and I think the horn IS needed in order to alert drivers around me in the case of an emergency. Both safety problems are caused by the same broken clock spring and should be included in the recall.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Steering
The airbag light came on, because the clock spring IS bad. This has also caused the horn button to not work. Sometimes the horn honks when I make sharp turns. It IS unclear whether or not the driver airbag would deploy in the event of an impact, but from what I can tell it IS quite unlikely. This…
The airbag light came on, because the clock spring IS bad. This has also caused the horn button to not work. Sometimes the horn honks when I make sharp turns. It IS unclear whether or not the driver airbag would deploy in the event of an impact, but from what I can tell it IS quite unlikely. This also effects the functionality of the buttons on the sticks on either side of the steering wheel for the cruise control, the multi function display, and the windshield wipers. Sometimes those buttons work, sometimes they don't and sometimes they do things they aren't designed to do. From the research I have done this IS a problem which occurs very frequently with this car. *tr
- Power train
I tried to enter the highway across oncoming traffic and had very slow acceleration. I switched to manual shift mode and the transmission was stuck in 5TH gear and would not downshift. Once I started I couldn't stop and was barely able to make it across the lanes. I have had similar occurrences…
I tried to enter the highway across oncoming traffic and had very slow acceleration. I switched to manual shift mode and the transmission was stuck in 5TH gear and would not downshift. Once I started I couldn't stop and was barely able to make it across the lanes. I have had similar occurrences before. I took the car to my local shop and they changed the fluid which they said was very dirty and burned looking. Note, the transmission IS (was) supposed to be service free for the life of the car. Apparently it IS a know defect in these transmissions that the valve body fails prematurely and eventually causes catastrophic failure of the whole transmission. VW has admitted the valve body issue and extended warranty coverage to 7 years or 100,000 miles after entry to service for the valve body only. Unfortunately, this does not include the damage done to the entire transmission which can, and does, costs thousands of dollars to repair or replace. There IS much discussion of this issue at various places on the internet. *tr
- Air bags
Airbag fault light came on around end of may 2013 and I took the car to be seen by a VW technician at dirito brothers in walnut creek, ca ([xxx]- technician and [xxx]- service manager). After I was charged a $75 service fee for assessing the issue and nothing was fixed, I was told to contact VW of…
Airbag fault light came on around end of may 2013 and I took the car to be seen by a VW technician at dirito brothers in walnut creek, ca ([xxx]- technician and [xxx]- service manager). After I was charged a $75 service fee for assessing the issue and nothing was fixed, I was told to contact VW of america at 1-800-822-8987 directly to see how they can assist with the repair costs associated with this airbag fault, as I was quoted more than $500 in repairs for something I did not damage. I discussed my case# [xxx] with [xxx] on 06.06.2013. Their resolution was to help pay half of the cost, because I am a loyal customer (i am at my 3RD VW and my father has a jetta= total of 4 wv cars). I am surprised to see that they did not consider this as a major safety problem, I am basically driving without an airbag and the risk IS death, in case of an accident. Per [xxx], he was the only person authorized to determine what a critical safety priority IS for their loyal customers and how to assess appropriate customer assistance in this type of situation. I am extremely disappointed that I have to drive everyday to work feeling that I am at risk and was told that I am responsible to cover half of the cost of this factory failure and that they are making me a favor by being willing to cover half of the cost. I am wondering how not ensuring basic safety IS going to affect vw's brand when they will get hit with lawsuits following injuries sustained in an accident with a defective vehicle (product liability case)? IS it going to be worth it not paying the entire repair costs? IS a human life worth $500? This IS more about the principle and ethics, than the money. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Power train
While driving in second gear, the vehicle abruptly stopped leaving dual skid marks on pavement. the engine was restarted but vehicle would not move forward or reverse. when towed, a pool of transmission fluid was found under car, mechanic reports new transmission IS needed but exact cause…
While driving in second gear, the vehicle abruptly stopped leaving dual skid marks on pavement. the engine was restarted but vehicle would not move forward or reverse. when towed, a pool of transmission fluid was found under car, mechanic reports new transmission IS needed but exact cause currently unknown. vehicle IS 5 months and 14,300 miles over warranty and volkswagen dealer will not cover any costs since out of warranty and IS 5 speed. more importantly, if this occured at higher speed, injury or death could occur. *tr
- Steering
The steering started making a popping and cracking sound while turning. the dealership said that the electromechanical steering unit was going bad and they had to fix it. they said that if it failed totally I would not be able to control vehicle properly. you could turn right and the vehicle…
The steering started making a popping and cracking sound while turning. the dealership said that the electromechanical steering unit was going bad and they had to fix it. they said that if it failed totally I would not be able to control vehicle properly. you could turn right and the vehicle would go straight or left. then on june 4RTH 2012 with 79715 miles on the vehicle the steering started popping and cracking again. the dealership said that the electromechanical steering unit was going bad and needed to be replaced again. this IS a repair that volkswagen IS willing to pay half of cost, but I feel I should not have to pay a thing because if it was fixed the first time it shouldn't have gone wrong again. not only that but look at the mileage almost the exact mileage difference. how can they make a defective part and still make me pay for it. that seems like fraud to me. if this part causes significant failure to the vehicle this makes it unsafe to drive the costumer should not bear the cost of repair. *js
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen rabbit. The contact stated that the brakes failed while attempting to brake from 5 mph. The contact stated that the brake failed twice prior to the most recent failure and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer test drove the vehicle but could not…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen rabbit. The contact stated that the brakes failed while attempting to brake from 5 mph. The contact stated that the brake failed twice prior to the most recent failure and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer test drove the vehicle but could not find any problems with the brakes. The manufacturer was contacted who stated that they would contact the dealer to have the brakes inspected. The dealer later advised the contact that they were unable to diagnose or duplicate a failure within the braking system. A complaint was filed with the manufacturer but no assistance was offered. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was 27,000.
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
I purchased a new 2008 VW rabbit with sunroof sept '08. Sunroof repaired 10/'09. Jan '10 roof damaged by tree branch. Entire roof replaced 'but' body shop advised not to install sunroof. The shop emailed photo's of existing roof showing structural alterations i.e. The oem roof beams attaching body…
I purchased a new 2008 VW rabbit with sunroof sept '08. Sunroof repaired 10/'09. Jan '10 roof damaged by tree branch. Entire roof replaced 'but' body shop advised not to install sunroof. The shop emailed photo's of existing roof showing structural alterations i.e. The oem roof beams attaching body to roof were cut and removed. A bracket replaced the beam and 3 sheet metal screws fastened the bracket to the body. The VW engineered structural integrity of the roof IS compromised and dangerous in a rollover likely to collapse into the seating area. In addition the side impact strength of the car has been weakened and airbag deployment maybe affected, per body shop owner mike chilton. I did not have a new sunroof installed. I contacted VW of america, my vehicle was shipped as a hardtop with no sunroof. Because this was an unapproved after-market sunroof VW excepts no liability, no warranty, no nothing! I contact winn VW dealership about this undisclosed after-market sunroof and the safety related issues. The dealer email response: "hello [xxx] , I spoke to my sales manager and was told that their was a addendum sticker on display on the car the car at the time of purchase." the arrogance of the response says it all. They are not disputing my findings. Evidently posting a phantom addendum sticker makes all of the above ok! I have the window sticker. I have all the signed documents. There IS no mention of sunroof. There IS no mention that the structural alterations do not comply with VW safety standards. The safety compliance sticker IS intact but basically meaningless. It's meaningless because the brand new car I drove off the lot did not meet the applicable motor vehicle safety standards. How many other unsuspecting car owners are in a similar situation? The department of motor vehicles cited winn VW of newark with a misdemeanors under section 11713.1 for non disclosure. Nothing else has been done. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen rabbit. The contact stated while operating the windshield wipers and applying the brakes, the windshield wipers would suddenly disengage. When he would depress the accelerator, the windshield wipers would resume operation. The dealer could not diagnosis a…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen rabbit. The contact stated while operating the windshield wipers and applying the brakes, the windshield wipers would suddenly disengage. When he would depress the accelerator, the windshield wipers would resume operation. The dealer could not diagnosis a failure within the vehicle and could not offer a remedy. The contact stated the failure has occurred since the date of purchase. The current and failure mileages were 20,000.
- Power train
Vehicle does not respond to accelerator on ocassions, no response when trying to accelerate fron stop. Have complained to VW dealer @ 5,000,10,000, & 15,000 miles. They say they cannot find the problem. This IS a dangerious situation as it stalls, then accelerates very fast . I never know when it…
Vehicle does not respond to accelerator on ocassions, no response when trying to accelerate fron stop. Have complained to VW dealer @ 5,000,10,000, & 15,000 miles. They say they cannot find the problem. This IS a dangerious situation as it stalls, then accelerates very fast . I never know when it will happen as there IS no set pattern. I feel like the dealer IS not responsible as they say it might get worse then they can find the problem. It does not show up on the scanner,and the check engine light does not come on.
- Exterior lighting
I own a 2008 volkswagen rabbit, 2 door model. this vehicle has an auxiliary power plug (12V cigarette lighter type) inside the trunk. In order to operate the power plug, the ignition switch must be in the "on" position (with the car engine off). I reversed into a parking lot opening the hatch…
I own a 2008 volkswagen rabbit, 2 door model. this vehicle has an auxiliary power plug (12V cigarette lighter type) inside the trunk. In order to operate the power plug, the ignition switch must be in the "on" position (with the car engine off). I reversed into a parking lot opening the hatch and proceeded to use the auxiliary power plug in the trunk with the hatch open (reverse lights are in the hatch). Once I got home, I noticed that both reverse lights had melted and were destroyed, it would appear has if a fire took place inside the light housing, although I cannot attest to that since I did not noticed when the lights melted. obviously volkswagen has chosen a poor material for the construction of the reverse tail lamps. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they refused to see this as an issue, I also contacted VW regional supervisor and also the VW north america customer service hotline and their response was that I should not let the lights run so long ("?!") I had to purchase both sets of lights and replace them. *Tr
- Tires
My 2008 volkswagen rabbit, with only 4130 miles, had been parked for four hours (in a shaded area) when the rear driver's side tire blew out. The impact was such that the bumper separated from the car. After inspection by our mechanic it was suggested the remaining four continental tires be replaced, since they showed visible defects. The tires showed excessive creases. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I purchased a 2008 VW rabbit, w/manual transmission, new during april of 2008. Since the first miles driven to today, there has been an intermittent fuel shutoff problem that results in a stall or a lurch that results in a near-stop. This occurs in low-speed, heavy traffic situations with trailing…
I purchased a 2008 VW rabbit, w/manual transmission, new during april of 2008. Since the first miles driven to today, there has been an intermittent fuel shutoff problem that results in a stall or a lurch that results in a near-stop. This occurs in low-speed, heavy traffic situations with trailing throttle (typically no brake application). Eventually this IS going to cause me to be rear ended. I have complained to the dealership (paul clark VW - one of their technicians experienced it during a test drive) and they told me that other customers had complained about this but that VW of america said that there was no fix. I complained to VW of america and they told me that this was a part of the brake-assist program and despite my telling them that this was nonsense (because the brakes have no role in this because they are not touched when the problem occurs). I then complained to VW world headquarters in germany and they simply referred me back to VW of america with out comment. I then wrote to VW of america and VW germany and told them that if they don't remedy this problem that I would file this complaint with nhtsa and neither ever responded. I am convinced that the fuel management software that my manual transmission vehicle employs was written for vw's with automatic transmissions and the fuel shutoff IS programmed deliberately to raise the average fuel economy of these vehicles. VW refuses to acknowledge this and refuses to fix it hence this complaint. I have since found identical complaints on several vw-interest forums on the web including carspace automatic forums and vwvortex forums, VW rabbit owners club and edmunds.com. this IS a disgrace and an example of a corporate irresponsibility. I need your help! *Tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen rabbit. the contact struck another vehicle head-on, which severely damaged the front end of her vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy and the contact and occupants were injured. a police report was filed. the repair would cost more than $12,000. the speed was unknown. the failure mileage was 14,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The engine loss power not only when you stop but when running too. it happens in a intermitent time. if you need more power in a specific time and push for more gasoline the engine goes down for a period of 4 to 6 seconds. it has a noise in the rear like when the exhaust pipe are loose. all…
The engine loss power not only when you stop but when running too. it happens in a intermitent time. if you need more power in a specific time and push for more gasoline the engine goes down for a period of 4 to 6 seconds. it has a noise in the rear like when the exhaust pipe are loose. all this issues had been reported at the service department at euroclass volkswagen dealer in puerto rico and they dont finf anithing. regarding the noise in the rear they changed a few parts of the suspension and sock adsorvers but the noise IS there. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline
Standard automatic rabbit 2.5 coupe... stalls often during take off after warm up. Not completely, but powering down from 1500 normal idling rpm to about 5-700 as if it IS going to quit. If I back off on acceleration, it recovers slowly. Very dangerous when turning in front of oncoming traffic.…
Standard automatic rabbit 2.5 coupe... stalls often during take off after warm up. Not completely, but powering down from 1500 normal idling rpm to about 5-700 as if it IS going to quit. If I back off on acceleration, it recovers slowly. Very dangerous when turning in front of oncoming traffic. Drivers behind me can't tell I am stopping because my foot IS not on the brake. But when it will not go forward I jam on the brake to keep from getting t-boned by oncoming traffic! happens primarily on left turns, but occasionally on straight acceleration. 60 or so times since taking the car in the early spring. Dealership says there IS no problem with the car. Finally the report you show confirms a similar situation exists. I want this fixed! *Tr ... Updated 10/17/11 *bf
- Electrical system
I bought volkswagen rabbit 2008 model two months ago, and less than 4,500 miles the oxygen sensor wire ripped yesterday while driving. I took the car straight to the dealership. This morning I received a phone call telling me that the cut was due to an animal!! (So it wouldn't be covered by the…
I bought volkswagen rabbit 2008 model two months ago, and less than 4,500 miles the oxygen sensor wire ripped yesterday while driving. I took the car straight to the dealership. This morning I received a phone call telling me that the cut was due to an animal!! (So it wouldn't be covered by the warranty). I look at this wire just before dropping the car at VW, and concluded either a manufacturer defect (assembly plan, manufacturing...). I was furious at their conclusion, because this could be due to a lot of factors (definitely not an animal!), but VW america must have instructed their dealership to conclude in this way. because the same thing happened to my daughter 2008 VW jetta (same engine but 2 weeks older than mine), and her VW dealer (different than mine) concluded it was an animal. I strongly doubted that, but conceded it could happen (i never saw the broken O2 sensor in her car;) but when saw mine, I knew it was not an animal: no chewing mark, no marks around the spot denoting the presence of any animal. I have a mechanical engineering degree with 7 years experience at a shop working mostly on german cars. I was surprised to have to doubt the integrity of VW america, but they did not give me other avenue to discuss this matter, it IS: we say so and you have to pay. *tr
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
- 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
- 10243065VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243052VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243025VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243023VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243021VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243008VW 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
- 10242405VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242403VW 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
- 10242359VW 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
Every Volkswagen Rabbit model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.