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: other or unspecified
12 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2021
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHILE TURNING OFF ENGINE.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2020
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2020
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2019
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 30, 2019, fire
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.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2019
1.ON 3/23/2017 I PHYSICALLY SIGNED (INK SIGNATURE) TO PURCHASE A USED 2008 JETTA 2.WITHIN A WEEK THE 08 JETTA BROKE DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY 3.I IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED (SELLER) PLEASANT VALLEY MOTORS, RALEIGH, NC (PVM) AND TOLD ME TO TOW IT TO MY HOME AND PVM WILL TOW THE VEHICLE WITH THEIR MECHANIC & FIX THE PROBLEM. 4.WHILE VEHICLE SAT FOR A WEEK, I HAD A MOBILE CO. CONDUCT A DIAGNOSTIC. RESULTS:REAR BRAKES ON DRIVER-SIDE WERE METAL TO METAL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED,ALSO CLUTCH WAS NOT FUNCTIONING, SLVE CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALSO NUT THAT HOLDS SHIFTER MECHANISM DOWN WAS BROKEN AND SOMEONE TRIED TO WELD IT BACK AND WOULD NEED TRANSMISSION TO REPAIR IT. 5.ON 3/31/2017 THE 08 JETTA WAS FINALLY PICKED UP BY PLEASANT VALLEY MOTORS 6.IN THE INTERIM, I HAD TO RENT VEHICLES TO GO TO WORK ETC. 7.PVM, OFFERED A VEHICLE IN WHICH THEY CAME UNANNOUNCED TO TOOK THE LOANER DUE TO THEM CLOSING DOWN ABRUPTLY. 8. ON MAY 12, 2017, WITH MY 08 JETTA IN THEIR POSSESSION STATED THEY WERE CLOSING AND I WILL NEED TO PAY THEIR UNKNOWN MECHANIC THE REPAIRS. 9. I REQUESTED FOR PVM TO FURNISH A MECHANICAL VEHICLE REPORT, LOCATION AND STATUS ON THE VEHICLE. I RECEIVED NOTHING BUT BACK AND FORTH CONFIRMATION FROM UNKNOWN REPS UPON PVM CLOSING. 10. PLEASE NOTE: I RECEIVED HARASSING PHONE CALLS FROM "AL" A SALES AGENT WITH PVM THAT WAS NEVER LICENSED TO SELL IN NORTH CAROLINA. 11. SINCE MAY 12, 2017, PVM AND THEIR MECHANIC WAS NEVER SEEN AND MY VEHICLE I NEVER HAD IN MY POSSESSION TO DATE. 12. I INFORMED CREDIT ACCEPTANCE ABOUT THIS ENTIRE ORDEAL AND CREDIT ACCEPTANCE THE LENDER STATED THEY CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION ON-SITE AFTER PVM CLOSED AND THEY DID NOT CONFIRM NOR PROVIDED ME DETAILS RESULTS OF THEIR INVESTIGATION SUCH AS DATE, TIME, AGENT WHO INVESTIGATED THIS AUTO FRAUD ETC. 13. IN RETURN, TO DATE HAVE ACCUMULATED BAD CREDIT REPORTING FROM CREDIT ACCEPTANCE, NO VEHICLE IN POSSESSION.
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2018
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING VEHICLE OFF.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2016
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 UNLOCK DOORS? PLEASE, PLEASE I'M CRYING FOR HELP! *TR
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2016
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2011
THE CAR HAD BEEN PROPERLY LOCKED; THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT TURNED AFTER PARKING TO ACTIVATE THE WHEEL LOCK; ON RE-ENTERING THE LOCKED CAR, USING THE CORRECT KEY, THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE STEERING COLUMN IGNITION KEY SLOT. NOTHING HAD BEEN DONE TO DAMAGE THE SLOT; OUR 2ND KEY WAS ALSO USED, BUT IT ALSO COULD NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION KEY SLOT. VW SERVICE ADVISED THEY HAD ONLY SEEN THE PROBLEM ONCE BEFORE, AND THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER 6 MILES AWAY. MY REASON TO CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY MATTER IS THAT SUCH A PROBLEM COULD HAVE HAPPENED AT A DANGEROUS TIME (SUCH AS A ZERO DEGREE DAY IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE; OR A MIDDLE OF THE DESERT SCENARIO; OR WHEN NEEDING TO GET AWAY FAST --- E.G., BRINGING SOMEONE TO A HOSPITAL). THANKS YOU.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2010
2008 VW JETTA 2.5L ENGINE STALLS AND EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATES. *TR