2008 Volkswagen Jetta

Routine

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

Not among the Volkswagen Jetta years to avoid. Which Volkswagen Jetta years to avoid →

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

157 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Volkswagen Jetta problems

48 of the 188 complaints (26%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System28
011
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission26
000
Air Bags · airbags20
101
Power Train · transmission18
100
Engine15
010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes14
100
Visibility8
000
Unknown or Other7
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches7
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system4
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.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2019NY

THIS VEHICLE WILL NEED $1500. OF WORK TO PASS NYS INSPECTION.THE REAR MAIN SEAL HAS FAILED WHICH CAUSES A VACUUM LEAK THAT RESULTS IN AN EMISSIONS FAILURE. CEL. MY RESEARCH HAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 23, 2019130,000 milesVA

HORN STOPPED WORKING AND AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TOOK CAR TO VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED I NEED AN AIR BAG SPRING. CHECKED ONLINE AND VW ISSUED RECALL NOTICES FOR SIMILAR ISSUE FOR NEWER MODELS, BUT NOT THIS MODEL. VW DEALERSHIP OFFERED ESTIMATE OF $554.88 PLUS TAX AND SHOP SUPPLIES. VW SHOULD EXTEND RECALL TO MORE YEARS SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 15, 2019330,800 milesWI

IGNITION SWITCH WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND IN PARK IN A DRIVEWAY. BUT THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE EASILY OCCURRED INSIDE A GARAGE. THE CAR WAS SUCCESSFULLY TURNED OFF AFTER BREAKING THE PLASTIC KEY TRANSMITTER AND FORCING THE KEY WITH PLIERS. OTHERS MAY NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH OR TOOLS TO FORCE THIS TO TURN OFF. I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD OCCUR AND THE ENGINE NOT BEING ABLE TO BE TURN OFF COULD START A FIRE OR PRODUCE CO POISONING IN A CLOSED ENVIRONMENT. PART FAILURES SUCH AS THIS SHOULD FAIL IN A SAFE MODE. THIS IS CLEARLY NOT A SAFE FAILURE MODE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 17, 2019148,000 milesMD

IGNITION LOCK, I CANNOT NOT TURN THE KEY TO TURN ON THE CAR. IT WAS WORKING AND ONCE I PARKED THE CAR, I CAME BACK TO THE CAR AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AT ALL. I TRIED TURNING THE WHEEL AND JIGGLING THE KEY LOCK AND IT STILL WON'T BUDGE.

EngineFire
Filed May 30, 2019174,000 milesGA

I TURNED MY CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND THE CAR WAS PARKED WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO MEET WITH A FRIEND TO GO SWIMMING AT THIS NEIGHBORHOOD POOL. I HAD MY KEYS IN MY HAND (STILL DO HAVE THE KEY AS WELL) AND I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, SO I TURNED AROUND AND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY SUNROOF. I LOOKED IN THE CAR AND SAW THAT IT WAS A FIRE IN MY BACKSEAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE (ALSO WHERE THE GAS TANK IS LOCATED) AND SAW THE FIRE SPREADING. THEREFORE, I RAN AWAY FROM THE CAR, YELLED FOR HELP AND CALLED 911. WITHIN THREE MINUTES MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND POPPED A FEW TIMES AS WELL. THE FIRE ALSO CAUGHT THE GRASS, A FEW BUSHES AND TREES ON FIRE AS WELL. THE FIREFIGHTERS CAME TO PUT THE FIRE OUT AND INFORMED ME THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN MY ENGINE AND TRAVELED FROM THERE TO THE GAS TANK AND SPREAD FROM THERE.

Engine
Filed May 14, 2019101,230 milesPA

CAR WHILE DRIVING IMMEDIATELY SLOWS LIKE IT WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS CAR RACES BUT DOES NOT MOVE. THE PRNDS FLASHES AND THE CAR HAD TO BE SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED. I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL BUT IT NEVER SHOWED FOR MY CAR NOR WILL THEY HELP, BECAUSE MY VIN WAS NOT LISTED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. ESPECIALLY AT 55 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 2, 2019199,000 milesNY

ENGINE LIGHT ON

Power Train
Filed Jan 16, 2019125,000 milesIN

VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND GOES INTO LOMPODE. CANNOT ACCELERATE. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS, IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, AND WHILE BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPOTS. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM IS THE MECHATRONICS UNIT .

Electrical System1 injured
Filed Dec 25, 2018119,600 milesOH

I UTILIZED MY SEAT WARMER ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND ONLY HAD THE SETTING ON 2 (OUT OF 5). AFTER APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR OF MY TRIP HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, I STARTED TO FEEL MY LOWER BACK (ON MY RIGHT) BURN BECAUSE THE SEAT WAS EXCESSIVELY HOT. WHEN I REACHED MY HAND BEHIND MY BACK TO FEEL THE SEAT THAT IS WHEN I DISCOVERED THE HOLE IN MY SEAT AND I BURNT MY HAND IN THE PROCESS.

Engine
Filed Dec 11, 2018200,000 milesCA

THE CAR INITIALLY HAD TROUBLES WHEN IT WOULD BE HOT OUTSIDE IT WOULD AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD GO HIGH IN TEMPERATURE ALSO IF IT WAS COLD OUTSIDE AND YOU WERE DRIVING SLOW TEMPERATURE GAUGE DOWN BELOW SAFE TEMPERATURE. AFTER APPLYING 2-5 BOTTLES IN A MONTH THE CAR STARTED SHUTING DOWN ON ITS ON . AFTER AN OIL CHANGE IN APRIL, I EXPERIENCED THE MOST SCARY INCIDENT... WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAAY I FELT KERKING A SEEN SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I OULLED IN S GAS STATION AND LET THE CAR COOL TOPK OVER 4HRS TO DO SO. I HAD TO DRIVE BACK HOME ON THE STREETS AND THE CAR WPULD NOT STAY AT A STABLE HEAT. I HAD TO STOP MY CAR IN MULTIPLE UNSAFE AREA AFTER'11 IN THE NIGHT. NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START UNLESS GIVE A JUMP FOR OVER AN HOUR. OBLY SATYS IN FOR ABOUT A MIN THE LOSES POWER ALL OVER AGAIN

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 17, 2018117,679 milesCA

KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING VEHICLE OFF.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 29, 2018126,876 milesNY

CLUSTER..IINTERAL WIRING CLOCK ALWAYS RESETS AT 12:00 WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP STOPPED WORKING AIR CONDITIONING POPS FUSES POWER SUPPLY PORTS HAVE NO POWER.

Power Train
Filed May 10, 2018160,000 milesVA

THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR DISPLAY ON THE DASH IS FLASHING AND THE CAR IS DOING ITS OWN THING CHANGING GEARS. IT WILL NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE ANYWHERE BUT ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS PROPERLY ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THE DISPLAY STARTING FLASHING AND THE CAR DOWNSHIFTED (INTO EITHER 3RD OR 4TH) AND REFUSES TO UPSHIFT AGAIN. I THINK THIS IS RELATED TO A MECHATRONIC UNIT FAILURE IN THE 2009-2010 RECALLS.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 20, 201890,000 milesNV

THE IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK IN KEYLOCK AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO TURN OFF ENGINE. WENT ONLINE AND THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ON FORUMS.

Power Train
Filed Nov 27, 2017114,000 milesOK

WHILE MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY ROAD, GOING ABOUT 30MPH, THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING. SHE THEN NOTICED PRNDS WAS FLASHING ON THE DASH. LUCKILY, SHE WAS NOT FAR FROM HOME, SHE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT HOME. WE PARKED THE CAR UNTIL WE WERE ABLE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP, WHICH IS 88MILES AWAY. THE CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE AT THIS POINT. . THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE MECHATRONIC UNIT HAS FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACED, QUOTING ME $2800.00. I'VE TRIED CONTACTING VOLKSWAGEN ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND ALL THEY TELL ME IS HER VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH HER CAR IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUES AS THE OTHER RECALLED 2008 VW JETTAS.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 24, 201794,000 milesIL

YELLOW AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD STAY ON WHEN CAR WAS ON. I CHECKED WITH VW DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL AND WAS ADVISED NO. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THE 2010 THRU 2016 VW ARE HAVING. DEALER ADVISED TO REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING AND HARNESS DUE TO BUILD UP OF DUST IN THE STEERING HUB. COST OF REPAIR $678.74 PLUS A 3WEEK WAITNG TIME FOR PART TO ARRIVE AT THE VW DEALER.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 2017128,000 milesCA

I NOTICED MY AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT FOR MY LEFT BACK SEAT STAYS ON AND AFTER GETTING MY CAR SERVICED, ANOTHER AIRBAG LIGHT FOR MY DRIVER SIDE STAYS ON. I FIND THAT UNUSUAL. AM I GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE FOR EVERY AIRBAG THAT COMES ON WITHIN 3 MONTHS PERIOD??? SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE....CONCERN AND FRUSTRATED OWNER.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 11, 2017133,000 milesCT

ON 08/08/17 WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO LANGAN VW OF VERNON, CT (167 HARTFORD TURNPIKE, VERNON, CT 06066) ON 08/10/17. AN ANALYSIS WAS DONE AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG WAS BROKEN AND THAT THE AIRBAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF OVER $1,200 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS VERY UNUSUAL. I CHECKED THE RECALL LIST, BUT MY MAKE/MODEL/YEAR IS NOT ON THE LIST. I THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT THERE MAY BE A POTENTIAL BIGGER PROBLEM THAT INCLUDES MY MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. WHEN I PICK UP MY CAR AND GET THE ITEMIZED BILL, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEND IT TO YOU IF REQUESTED. THANK YOU

Interior Lighting
Filed Jul 6, 2017118,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, ALL THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE'S DOORS WERE AJAR, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. ALSO, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS THREE TIMES, BUT THE INTERIOR LIGHTING WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 22, 2017110,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND ABS WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND A BEEPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND THE PARKING BRAKE HAD TO BE APPLIED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Power Train
Filed May 25, 2017130,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HALF OF HER BODY WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND ONE LEG WAS HANGING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACK ACROSS THE PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE CROSSED FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC UNTIL IT WAS STOPPED BY STEEL CABLES THAT WERE SECURING A LIGHT POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED BODY SORENESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 6, 201791,000 milesNY

FAULTY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER

Electrical System
Filed Dec 23, 201645,000 milesNY

I FIRST STARTED EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR ON MY VW JETTA IN DECEMBER 2015. THE DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK USING THE KEY REMOTE. I HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK THE DOORS BY PUSHING THE KEY INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IN ORDER TO GET A BEEP SOUND AND FLASHING INDICATORS TO CONFIRM THAT ALL THE DOORS ARE LOCKED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP WHICH COST $480 TO FIXED ONE DOOR. ABOUT FOUR MONTHS AFTER FIXING THE DOOR, SOMEONE BROKE INTO THE CAR WHICH I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK ALSO FAILED AND WASN'T WORKING. THE DIFFERENCE THIS TIME WAS, MANUALLY USING THE KEY WOULD ONLY LOCK THREE DOORS (2 FRONT DOOR AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR, WHICH I HAD FIXED PRIOR TO THE SECOND FAILURE). I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND HAD TO PAY ANOTHER $480 TO GET IT FIXED. ABOUT A MONTHS AFTER THE SECOND FAILURE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK STOP WORKING WHICH COST ME ANOTHER $480. CURRENTLY, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK IS NOT WORKING. I ASKED THE VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE ADVISOR IF VOLKSWAGEN IS GOING TO OR PLANNING ON CORRECTING THIS PROBLEM AND THE ANSWER I GOT WAS 'NO, IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE.' WHY DO CAR DOORS LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WHILE DRIVING? COULD IT SOMEWHAT BE FOR SAFETY REASON? WHEN ONE OF THE DOOR LOCK FAILS, THE CAR DOORS ARE NOT LOCKED WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH MOST OF THE VOLKSWAGEN MODELS. DOES VOLKSWAGEN CARES? COULD THIS BE DANGEROUS FOR A CHILD OR ADULT IN THE BACK/FRONT SEAT OF A CAR DRIVING AROUND WITH UNLOC

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 26, 2016147,165 milesSC

THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. UNENTENDENT ACCELERATION.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 24, 201692,000 milesFL

KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.

Power Train
Filed Oct 17, 201610 milesPA

AT A STOP, WHEN ACCELERATING, THE CAR MAY JERK OR HESITATE. HARD SHIFTING FROM 2 TO 1 CAN CAUSE THE PERSON BEHIND TO REAR END OR THE CAR NEXT TO YOU TO HIT YOU WHEN YOU SUDDENLY STOP MOVING. *TR

Wheels
Filed Oct 7, 2016CA

I HAVE 2 WHEELS THAT KEEP LOSING AIR, I KEEP BRINGING IT BACK TO PEP BOYS THINKING THEY WERE SELLING ME DEFECTIVE TIRES. MY LAST INCIDENT WAS IN WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5, ON THE WAY BACK FROM SAN DIEGO I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE AND ALMOST CRASHED AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME ITS THE VW WHEELS AND THEY ARE UNSAFE.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 13, 201690,000 milesNY

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN TO ACT ERRATICALLY. INITIALLY ONLY THE LEFT TURN SIGNALING APPEARED TO BE AFFECTED, AND WOULD FAIL TO MAKE ANY INDICATION ON THE DASH OR ILLUMINATE THE LIGHTS. SHORTLY AFTER THIS, ATTEMPTING TO SIGNAL A RIGHT TURN WOULD ACTUALLY RESULT IN THE LEFT TURN INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATING (YES, THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT WAS INTENDED). AS I AM ONE OF THE INDIVIDUALS DEALING WITH THE DOOR CONTROL ISSUE, I AM UNABLE TO USE MY WINDOW. I COULD NOT USE ARM SIGNALLING TO MAKE MY INTENTIONS CLEAR TO OTHER DRIVERS. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CHANGE LANES ON THE HIGHWAY. I BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS A SIMILAR ISSUE, AND ASSOCIATED RECALL, WITH THE 2002 JETTA TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR/SWITCH.

Engine
Filed Jul 22, 2016120,000 milesME

WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR STARTED SHAKING AND WHEN I CHECKED THE OIL THERE WAS NO OIL ON THE DIPSTICK.NO OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC HE STATED THAT THE REAR SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 120,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I CALLED THE VW DEALER IN SACO MAINE I WAS TOLD THAT WHEN IT IS REPAIRED I SHOULD ALSO HAS THE PVB VALVE CHANGED THAT IT IS NOW MADE OUT OF A BETTER MATERIAL- HE STATED THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THAT SPECIFIC MOTOR THAT WHEN THE PVB VALVE PUTS TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON THE SEAL CAUSING IT TO BREAK BUT STATED THERE IS NO WARRANTY COVERAGE OR RECALL. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR AS THEY NEED TO COMPLETELY REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION.

Power Train
Filed Jun 23, 201662,000 milesTX

VEHICLE HAS STARTED TO DISPLAY SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTIC SLIPPING AND LURCHING DSG ISSUES THAT VW KNOWS ABOUT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WHEN THE TECH TOOK IT OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE, HE ACTUALLY EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE HIMSELF. UNFORTUNATELY, THE COMPUTERS AREN'T THROWING ANY CODES SO THEIR ONLY ADVICE WAS TO KEEP DRIVING IT UNTIL IT GETS WORSE AND I CAN BRING IT BACK AND THEY CAN MORE EASILY DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. SO BASICALLY I'M DRIVING A TIME BOMB. VW KNOWS THERE'S ISSUES WITH THIS TRANSMISSION, THE VW DEALERSHIP TECH EXPERIENCED THE ACTUAL ISSUE HIMSELF, BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL IT GETS WORSE.

Complaints 1-50 of 188, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20266100Routine
202532200Routine
202446010Routine
202343000Routine
202243100Routine
202171402Fatalities reported
202054600Routine
20195521130Do not drive
201832300Routine
2017160731Fatalities reported
2016162550Routine
2015194810Routine
2014388520Above average
2013518630Above average
2012500860Above average
20116071090Above average
2010852550Above average
2009889780Above 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.