2008 Volkswagen Jetta

Routine

Owners filed 188 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
58,000 milesMedian miles at failure

157 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System28
011
Power Train › Automatic Transmission26
000
Air Bags20
101
Power Train18
100
Engine15
010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic14
100
Visibility8
000
Unknown or Other7
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages7
000
Fuel System, Gasoline4
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder20E064000
Filed Sep 23, 202038 vehiclesTenneco Automotive

Defect. 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. 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.

Unknown or Other19V679000
Filed Sep 25, 2019113 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine14E007000
Filed Mar 7, 201450 vehiclesThe Gates Corporation

Defect. 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 housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings10V621000
Filed Dec 10, 2010228,236 vehiclesVolkswagen Of America, Inc

Defect. 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 UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

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.

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft09V164000
Filed May 19, 200925,594 vehiclesVolkswagen Of America, Inc

Defect. 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 MOTION. THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS COULD LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHES FROM THE GEARBOX.

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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights07V442000
Filed Sep 24, 2007340,000 vehiclesVolkswagen Of America, Inc

Defect. 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. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 3, 2026MN

Ignition key is stuck in the vehicle with the ignition on will not come out

Electrical System
Filed Mar 14, 2026NE

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
Filed Dec 20, 2024NC

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
Filed Nov 7, 2024253,000 milesCA

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
Filed Jul 23, 2024AL

Airbag warning light is on.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 7, 2023CA

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
Filed Dec 8, 2022TX

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
Filed Jun 2, 2022VA

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
Filed May 24, 2022106,349 milesFL

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
Filed May 13, 2022VA

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
Filed Dec 27, 2021140,000 milesWI

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
Filed Jun 21, 2021PA

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
Filed Apr 12, 2021183,219 milesMO

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
Filed Apr 5, 2021115,000 milesVA

KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHILE TURNING OFF ENGINE.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 27, 2020170,000 milesCA

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
Filed Oct 20, 2020121,000 milesNJ

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
Filed Jun 30, 2020167,000 milesMO

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
Filed Jun 14, 2020147,000 milesLA

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
Filed Feb 28, 2020140,000 milesMN

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
Filed Feb 19, 2020SC

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.

20 of 188 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20265100Routine
202528200Routine
202443010Routine
202343000Routine
202242100Routine
202168402Fatalities reported
202052600Routine
20195481130Do not drive
201831300Routine
2017159731Fatalities reported
2016161550Routine
2015194810Routine
2014386520Above average
2013516630Above average
2012499860Above average
20116071090Above average
2010852550Above average
2009888780Above average
2008 — this page188640Routine
2007201670Above average
2006580660Above average
20052487140Above average
20042315200High concern
20034574701Fatalities reported
200270277110Fatalities reported
20016687121Fatalities reported
20004395142Fatalities reported
1999349790Above average
1998192380Routine
1997141251Fatalities reported
1996174251Fatalities reported
19952206110Above average
1994117750Routine
199317600Routine
199230430Routine
199131700Routine
199022710Routine

Compare every Jetta year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 23, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.