2008 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 190 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 4 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderSep 23, 2020
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.
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Other or unspecifiedSep 25, 2019
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.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
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.
Campaign 19V679000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 7, 2014
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.
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
Campaign 14E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 10, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 10V621000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftMay 19, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 09V164000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsSep 24, 2007
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.
NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 07V442000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
21 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Nov 7, 2024
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, Jul 23, 2024
Airbag warning light is on.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 7, 2023
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.
Air bags, Aug 23, 2019
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.
Air bags, Feb 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC RESET THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR; HOWEVER, THE INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ILLUMINATION WAS DUE TO AN AIR BAG FAILURE LOCATED AT THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Air bags, Nov 24, 2017
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, Oct 20, 2017
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, Aug 11, 2017
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
Air bags, May 11, 2016
TAKATA RECALL MY DASH READS, "AIRBAG FAULT".
Air bags, Mar 13, 2016
THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON. I CHECKED AND THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING THAT CAN BE CONTAMINATED BY DEBRIS, WHICH MOVES THE PART'S GUIDE LOOPS OUT OF POSITION. THIS CAN CAUSE A TEAR IN THE ELECTRICAL CABLE THAT CONTROLS THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG. IF THIS HAPPENS, A WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, BUT THE SAFETY DEVICE WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. VW IS STILL IDENTIFYING ALL OF THE AFFECTED VINS AND DEVELOPING A FIX. I SOW THAT THE 2010 JETTA ARE RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
Steering, Air bags, Oct 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED OVER APPROXIMATELY A TWO WEEK PERIOD UNTIL IT WAS CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN HE MADE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND THAT CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURES RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG CRASH SENSORS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A SHORTAGE WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Air bags, Mar 25, 2015
I AM GETTING A WARNING LIGHT ON MY DASH INDICATING THAT THERE IS AN AIRBAG FAULT IN MY 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, AND AFTER SPEAKING WITH THEM, THE DEALER GAVE ME A NUMBER TO WHAT HE SAID WAS THE VOLKSWAGEN CORPORATE OFFICE IN MICHIGAN. I WAS TOLD BY BOTH THE DEALER AND BY VOLKSWAGEN CORPORATE THAT MY AIRBAG WAS PAST ITS WARRANTY AND THAT IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX IT. AN AIRBAG IS A LIFESAVING SAFETY COMPONENT, AND IT SEEMS TO ME TO BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CAR MANUFACTURER TO SEE THAT THE DRIVERS OF THEIR VEHICLES ARE SAFE. AN AIRBAG THAT IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY IS IN VIOLATION OF SAFETY STANDARD 201, ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA. I HAVE READ ONLINE HOW TOYOTA, HONDA, AND CHRYSLER HAVE RECALLED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THEIR VEHICLES DUE TO FAULTY AIRBAGS. I HAVE ALSO SEEN THAT THESE VEHICLES HAVE LIFETIME WARRANTEES ON THEIR AIRBAGS. SO, WITH THAT, SHOULDN'T VOLKSWAGEN BE RESPONSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT MY VEHICLE IS UP TO SAFETY STANDARDS? THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT AT THIS POINT, HOWEVER, IF THERE WAS, I COULD LOSE MY LIFE, AND I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO SMALL CHILDREN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN! *TR
Air bags, Jan 29, 2015
WE HAVE A 2008 JETTA PURCHASED NEW IN DECEMBER 2007. IT CURRENTLY HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT. WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS SAFETY ISSUES WITH IT. A CRASH SENSOR WENT OUT AT ABOUT 50K. THIS COST OVER $500 TO FIX AT THE LOCAL DEALER. RECENTLY THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND SHOWS CODE 01221 WHICH IS DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG. THE DEALER SAID THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS PROBABLY NOT FUNCTIONING WITH THE LIGHT ON. I'D GUESS THIS IS ANOTHER EXPENSIVE FIX. THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, SUBMERGED, OR HAD A SPILL IN IT. IT SEEMS RIDICULOUS THAT THESE TYPE OF ISSUES WOULD BE OCCURRING IN A VEHICLE WITH THIS TYPE OF MILEAGE. *TR
Air bags, Jan 14, 2015
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. VOLKSWAGEN INDICATES THAT AIRBAGS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING. NO INCIDENT CONTRIBUTED TO THIS. *TR
Air bags, Sep 16, 2014, crash
A CAR HIT ME WHEN I WAS STOP TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. THEY HIT ME ON THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF MY CAR . TOOK OUT MY FRONT END. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. *TR
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 19, 2013
WE HAD THE CAR IN THE BODY SHOP FOR A REPAIR! DENT IN THE REAR CORNER PANEL THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON A COUPLE DAYS LATER WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE BODY SHOP THEY TOOK IT THE COLUMBUS GA VW DEALER AND WERE TOLD THE CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS BAD AND THEY WERE GETTING QUITE A FEW CARS BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.WELL IT TURNS OUT ALL YOUR ELECTRONICS HORN, RADIO,CRUISE CONTROL, AIR BAGS,DASH LIGHTS,ALL THE WIRES FOR THESE ANY MANY MORE ITEMS TRAVEL THRU THE CLOCK SPRING! THERE HAVING ALOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS ITEM WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? THEY HAD A RECALL ON THERE 2011 JETTA HONK YOUR HORN AND YOUR MOTOR MIGHT TURN OFF! THE CAUSE CLOCK SPRING! (SO THE BODY SHOP WAS TOLD NOTHING THEY DID CAUSED IT TO GO BAD THAT THEY JUST GO BAD). THE CAR IS FIVE YEARS OLD THEY DON'T JUST GO BAD!!!! BAD DESIGN MAYBE? MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY???? SAFETY FIRST!! OH YA AND THE HORN IS NOT WORKING! I GUESS THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BE NEXT! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME........[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Mar 28, 2012
THIS VEHICLE (2008 VW GLI) SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER SB-69-11-01 AS WELL. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME UP. VW JETTA GLI IS A SPECIAL MODEL BASED ON THE VW JETTA 2008. I THINK THERE IS AN OVERSIGHT FOR NOT PLACING THIS SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE UNDER SB-69-11-01. GLI IS ESSENTIAL A SPORTS MODEL UPGRADE OF JETTA MODEL, WHY ISN'T THIS VEHICLE COVERED BY THE SAME TSB? MAKE / MODELS: MODEL/BUILD YEARS: VOLKSWAGEN / EOS 2007-2008 VOLKSWAGEN / GTI 2006-2008 VOLKSWAGEN / JETTA 2005-2008 VOLKSWAGEN / NEW BEETLE 2004-2008 VOLKSWAGEN / NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE 2004-2008 VOLKSWAGEN / PASSAT 2006-2008 VOLKSWAGEN / PASSAT WAGON 2006-2008 VOLKSWAGEN / R32 2006-2008 VOLKSWAGEN / RABBIT 2006-2008 SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: SB-69-11-01 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 10038665 SUMMARY: VOLKSWAGEN: AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON WITH AN INTERNAL TROUBLE CODE STORED. THIS COULD BE A WIRING PROBLEM. *RM
Air bags, Nov 20, 2011
BELIEVE IT IS THE AIRBAG SENSOR THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING. HAVE HAD IT RESET ABOUT FIVE TIMES AND WITHIN A FIVE TO SIX WEEKS, THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AGAIN. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE VW HAS HAD ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. OF COURSE, THE WARRANTY IS OVER. *TR
Air bags, Jan 7, 2010
AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. FIRST OCCURRED SEPTEMBER 2009, TAKEN TO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. ONCE AGAIN IN DECEMBER 2009. *TR
Air bags, Jun 5, 2009
THE AIR BAG LIGHT SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. IT WILL COME ONE FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER WHEN BOTH PEOPLE ARE PRESENT IN THE CAR. I HAD IT FIXED ONCE BEFORE AND NOW IT HAPPENED AGAIN. *TR