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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 190

Of the 2008 reports, 4 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.

Primary concernPower train53 reports · 28% of complaints
Owner complaints190Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship6 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train53
  2. Electrical system42
  3. Service brakes22
  4. Air bags21
  5. Engine20
  6. Hydraulic15
  7. Other or unspecified12
  8. Latches/locks/linkages10

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

190 reports, newest first.

  1. Engine, Mar 6, 2013

    I WAS TOLD BY THE VW DEALERSHIP THAT THERE IS KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE MOTOR THAT IS PART OF THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH CAUSES THE VALVES TO STICK AND NOT ALLOW THE PROPER MIXTURE OF AIR/GAS, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO MISFIRE....AT TIMES, THE MISFIRE CAN BE INTENSE AND COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE SOMEONE TO LOSE CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE ("BUCKING SENSATION"). I FOUND MANY THREADS ON THE INTERNET REGARDING THE VW JETTA (2.0T ENGINE) AND A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD, BUT YET, VW HAS NEVER ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM. *TR

  2. Electrical system, Seats, Feb 27, 2013, fire

    I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING AND IT STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS JUST A WEIRD SMELL IN MY VENTS BUT WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING A CLOUD OF SMOKE FILED THE DRIVER SIDE OF MY CAR. LUCKILY I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY YET AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE CAR. NOT KNOWING WHERE THE SMOKE CAME FROM I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF THE CAR. IT WHEN THEN THAT I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THE SOURCE OF THE SMOKE, THERE WAS A QUARTER SIZE HOLE IN MY DRIVER SEAT. I HAD BEEN DRIVING WITH THE SEAT HEATER ON AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. LUCKILY I WAS NOT INJURED AND WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY GET OFF THE ROAD AND DISCOVER THE ISSUE HOWEVER I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR EVENTS AND YET NO RECALL. *TR

  3. Tires, Nov 15, 2012

    SIDEWALL TEARING APART IN TWO SECTIONS AS WELL AS CENTER TREADS CONTAIN SEVERE CRACKING. *TR

  4. Engine, Aug 31, 2012

    THE 08 JETTA SE STALL W/O ANY WARNING, USUALLY AFTER 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING AND SOMETIME AT STOPLIGHTS. *TR

  5. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 18, 2012

    I HAVE A 2008 JETTA AND I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH 1 DOOR. MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THE LOCK WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEN ONLY MONTHS LATER I STARTED HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS RANDOMLY (THE LOCK WOULD WORK SOME TIMES BUT NOT OTHERS). EVERYTIME I STOPPED AT THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED THE LOCK WORKED- THEREFORE THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE WHICH DOOR HAD A PROBLEM. THE LOCK FAILED EVERYTIME AND WHEN I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE LOCKS CAN GO BAD AND QUOTED ME A COST OF $400 TO REPAIR. AFTER HAVING ONE DOOR "FIXED" ONLY TO HAVE ANOTHER LOCK FAIL AFTER MONTHS LATER SEEMS EXCESSIVE. AT THIS POINT I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE SECOND LOCK. IT IS FRUSTRATING TO SEE A CAR WITH FOUR DOORS HAVE PROBLEM WITH TWO OF THE DOORS! AT A COST OF $400 TO REPLACE I FELT THERE MUST BE A LARGER ISSUE THAT NEEDS ATTENTION. WE KEEP OUR CAR IN THE GARAGE, THE DOOR THAT IS NOW IN NEED OF REPAIR IS RARELY USED. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AS THE LOCKS SERVE AS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE IN PERSONAL PROTECTION AND ANTI-THEFT. AFTER SEARCHING ON LINE AND SEEING OTHERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES, I FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO REPORT THIS. I TRUST YOU WILL PROMPTLY FOLLOW UP AND ASSIST ME IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. *TR

  6. Electrical system, Jun 26, 2012

    THE CAR'S OWN KEYS COULD NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. THE DUST CAP INSIDE THE IGNITION CYLINDER/ SWITCH WAS BLOCKING THE KEY FROM ENTERING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED BECAUSE OF THE IGNITION KEY NOT ABLE TO ENTER THE IGNITION SWITCH. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION COULD NOT BE MOVED FROM PARKING BECAUSE OF THE ABOVE REASON. AS A RESULT, WE WERE ALL STRANDED ON THE ROAD FOR SEVERAL HOURS BECAUSE THE CAR KEYS COULD NOT BE INSERTED TO THE IGNITION. HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO VW DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALERS WANTED TO CHANGE THE ENTIRE IGNITION SWITCH. LATER FOUND OUT THAT IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANY VW JETTA BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE CYLINDER HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY VW AND VWOA DOES NOT WANT TO MAKE ANY RECALL AND CHANGE THIS DESIGN. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD, USED ONLY BY ME VERY GENTLY, AND THE IGNITION SWITCH DESIGN IS FAULTY. *JB

  7. Electrical system, Jun 25, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT INSERT INTO THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE CYLINDER LOCK WAS BLOCKED AND THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY TOOK A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

  8. Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 10, 2012

    2008 WOLFSBURG EDITION JETTA: STARTED EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH ONE DOOR LOCK AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE LOCKS CAN GO BAD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED, COSTING $450 FOR THE REPLACEMENT. AFTER HAVING THIS FIXED, ONLY TWO MONTHS LATER, ANOTHER LOCK STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE. I HAVE NOT YET REPLACED THIS LOCK, BUT NOW A THIRD LOCK IS STARTING TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS ON THE SAME VEHICLE. AT THIS RATE, I EXPECT THE FOURTH AND FINAL LOCK TO START HAVING ISSUES. AT $450 FOR EACH LOCK REPLACEMENT, THIS SEEMS EXCESSIVE. ON A SINGLE CAR THAT IS KEPT IN A GARAGE, WITH ONLY TWO ADULTS (NO CHILDREN) USING THE FRONT DOORS, IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE HOW THREE DOORS CAN EXPERIENCE LOCK ISSUES, UNLESS THERE WAS SOME LARGER ISSUE WITH THE LOCKS. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AS THE LOCKS SERVE AS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE IN ANTI-THEFT. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE AND SEEING OTHERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES, I DECIDED TO REPORT THIS. *TR

  9. 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

  10. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 18, 2012

    THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED APPROXIMATELY SEPTEMBER 2008, AND TO DATE HAS EXPERIENCED FIVE (5) FAILURES OF THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKING/UNLOCKING MECHANISMS OF THREE OF THE FOUR DOORS OF THE VEHICLE AND IN SOME CASE MULTIPLE FAILURES. I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING FAILURE NUMBER SIX (6). THE FAILURE OF THE LOCKING/UNLOCKING MECHANISMS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THESE FAILURE HAVE AT TIME PREVENTED BEING ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY IT IS A SERIOUS THREAT TO MY SAFETY. ADDITIONALLY, I'M UNABLE TO LOCK THE VEHICLE WHENEVER I GO ANYWHERE THUS PUTTING ANYTHING IN THE VEHICLE AT RISK OF LOSS FROM THEFT. THE DEALER'S SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE LOCKING MECHANISMS AS THEY FAIL AND AS THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY IT'S COST ROUGHLY $370.00 PER INCIDENT. BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF THE FAILURES EXPERIENCED THUS FAR. I HAVE COPIES OF THE SERVICE RECORDS AVAILABLE. 2008 JETTA DOOR LOCK FAILURES: DATE RO # ITEM RESPONSIBLE PARTYCOST 11/16/09 116190DRIVERS SIDE FRONT DOOR LOCK REPLACED WARRANTY 03/02/10 118212LEFT REAR DOOR LOCK REPLACED WARRANTY 08/03/10 121525RIGHT REAR DOOR LOCK DIAGNOSED WARRANTY 08/06/10 121609RIGHT REAR DOOR LOCK REPLACED WARRANTY 06/01/11 129079LEFT REAR DOOR LOCK DIAGNOSIS CUSTOMER PAID $69.00 06/01/11 129247LEFT REAR DOOR LOCK REPLACED CUSTOMER PAID $303.09 10/18/11 132986DRIVERS SIDE FRONT DOOR LOCK REPLACED CUSTOMER PAID $367.25 03/15/12 RIGHT REAR DOOR LOCK BEGINNING TO FAIL. DOOR LOCK FAILUREOCCURANCES DRIVERS SIDE FRONT 2 LEFT REAR 2 RIGHT REAR 2 *TR

  11. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 13, 2012

    ON 10 FEBRUARY 2012, AT APPROXIMATELY 7:45 AM, I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 395 NORTH , WASHINGTON, DC. IN THE HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE (HOV) LANE WHEN I HEARD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AND I SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE ENGINE. I CHECKED THE INDICATOR LIGHTS AND NO LIGHTS WERE ON THAT INDICATED THERE WAS A PROBLEMS. AT THE STOP SIGN NEAR THE ENTRANCE NEAR THE NAVY ANNEX OFF COLOMBIA PIKE, I NOTICED A SMELL SIMILAR TO BURNING OIL. FIRST, THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY JACK TAYLOR TOYOTA IN ALEXANDRIA, VA. TOYOTA STATED THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP IN THE AREA AND INDICATED THEY HAD THE ABILITY TO IDENTIFY ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE BY CONDUCTING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. ACCORDING TO THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST, THE REAR MAIN SEAL, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE FLYWHEEL OF FLEX PLATE/TORQUE CONVERTER WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. I LEARNED LATER VIA AN INTERNET SEARCH THERE WAS A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES FROM THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I CONSULTED WITH A TECHNICIAN AT VOLKSWAGEN WHO INDICATED THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED BY TOYOTA WAS CONFUSING AND WAS POSSIBLY AN ERROR WAS ASKED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A CERTIFIED VOLKSWAGEN TECHNICIAN TO INSPECT FURTHER. PRESENTLY, THE CAR IS AT THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP IN ALEXANDRIA, VA FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THEY CONFIRMED THE REAR MAIN SEAL WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ORDERED THE PART WHICH WAS PROJECTED TO ARRIVE ON OR ABOUT 13 FEBRUARY 2012. THE CAR WAS SERVICED FOR 50K TUNE UP AT VOLKSWAGEN IN SPRINGFIELD, VA AND THIS PROBLEMS WAS NOT IDENTIFIED. THIS IS THE FIRST INCIDENT IN-WHICH I HAVE ENCOUNTERED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. *TR

  12. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 11, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000. UPDATED 07/06/12 *BF UPDATED 07/12/12.*JB

  13. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 3, 2012

    I FIRST TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP JUNE 1ST FOR AN OBVIOUS RATTLING NOISE IN BETWEEN MY FRONT TIRES. ON JUNE 15TH BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO REPLACE MY BUSHINGS BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTED SO THEY ORDERED PINS FOR CALIPER BRACKET. IN JULY AFTER REPLACING STRUTS THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. AUG 31ST THEY REPLACED THE SWAY BAR AND DECLARED THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED AND THEY HAD LEFT MY CAR OUT OF ALIGNMENT IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. SEPT 14TH I RETURNED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED BOTH SWAY BARS. THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY RESOLVED AFTER LOSING MY CAR FOR 6 FULL DAYS, HOWEVER MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON. THEY ASSURED ME IT WAS JUST A COINCIDENCE, THE SERVICE GUY DISCOVERED THE TECH HAD FORGOTTEN TO CONNECT MY BRAKES BACK. I DID NOT FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT AT THIS TIME BECAUSE I WAS SO RELIEVED THEY HAD FINALLY FIXED MY SUSPENSION ISSUE. IVE HAD TO BUY 2 BRAND NEW SETS OF TIRES SINCE JUNE BECAUSE OF ALL THE WARE ON MY TIRES FROM MY MESSED UP SUSPENSION. TODAY, JAN 3RD 2012 MY CAR IS BACK IN THE SHOP YET AGAIN. THIS TIME FOR A REAR PASSANGER SIDE DOOR LOCK THAT HAD BEEN SET ON CHILD LOCK WILL NO LONGER LOCK. ORDERED THE PART, SINCE MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THE PART WITH LABOR 360. IN THE MEANTINE THE TECH DISCOVERED AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALERSHIP IS NOW SAYING MY VACCUM PUMP IS LEAKING AND IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY FOR THEM TO FIX IT. THEIR QUOTE 960. I CHECKED ON THE PART ITS 257 NEW. EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T FILE A COMPLAINT OR COST THEM MONEY WHEN THEY FORGOT TO CONNECT MY BRAKES BAKE THEY ARE GOING TO CHARGE ME 700 DOLLARS IN LABOR. MY CAR IS ONLY A 2008 AND HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE IN ONE YEAR THAN ANY OF MY OTHER CARS COMBINED. IT IS DAILY A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE OF THE LINGERING OF FIXING MY CAR RIGHT THE VERY FIRST DAY I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP JUNE OF 2010. *TR

  14. 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

  15. Power train, Oct 31, 2011

    VEHICLE LOSES MOTIVE FORCE, SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL WHILE IN MOTION. SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHTS ON DASH FLASH AND GREEN "APPLY BRAKE" ICON LIGHTS UP. *TR

  16. Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Oct 19, 2011

    EVERY MORNING MY 2008 VW JETTA 2.0T IS VERY HARD TO START. SOMETIMES WHEN THE CAR IS TRYING TO START IT STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF STARTING. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=_TGW53YVLQA&FEATURE=YOUTUBE_GDATA_PLAYER. *TR

  17. Power train, Sep 18, 2011

    DSG TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO SLIP WHEN COLD, OR FROM DEAD STOP OR UNDER KICK DOWN ACCELERATION. *TT

  18. 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.

  19. Power train, Jul 1, 2011

    IN TAKE OFF HARD CLUTCH KICKING, DURING DRIVE HARD SHIFTING, PROBLEMS WITH REVERSE AND GEARBOX NOT RESPONDING. THE MECHATRONIC UNIT WAS CHANGED IN MY VEHICLE AFTER IT WAS WORKING FINE DUE TO A RECALL AND NOW THE CAR HAS SEVERE PROBLEMS. *TR

  20. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 28, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE PAD LOCKED WHILE DRIVING, DUE TO THE BRAKE PAD BEING STUCK. WHEN THE CONTACT PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE BRAKE PAD FELL OFF ONTO THE FLOOR. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW BRAKE CALIPER AND BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST THE CONTACT WITH THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,000.

  21. Power train, Mar 27, 2011

    1. NO PRIOR WARNING BEFORE FAILURE OCCURRED; 2. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE; THIS OCCURS EVERYTIME AFTER THE INITIAL INSTANCE; CONSEQUENCE IS THAT THE CAR CAN NOT BE BACKED UP; 3. THE DEALER HAS REVIEWED AND WANTED NEW TRANSMISSION BUT NO GUARANTEE IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. HAVE ALSO TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT SERVICE FOR VWS AND SERVICED TRANSMISSION BUT INDICATED INTERNAL MECHANISMS NEEDED TO BE INSPECTED BY VW DEALER. *TR

  22. Electrical system, Feb 9, 2011

    DECEMBER 13, 2010. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. METRO VW SERVICE DIAGNOSED AN IGNITION MISS. THEY REPLACED (1) IGNITION COIL ON CYLINDER #2 WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF IGNITION COIL THAN THE ORIGINAL. THE "NEW VERSION" IGNITION COIL HAS INSULATION WHERE THE ORIGINAL COIL DID NOT. FEBRUARY 8, 2011, APPROXIMATELY, TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. AT LEAST ONE OF THE THREE ORIGINAL IGNITION COILS IS FAILING, CAUSING AN IGNITION MISS, AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE ORIGINAL IGNITION COILS ARE NOT PERFORMING AS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED. THE ORIGINAL IGNITION COILS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED WITH THE NEW VERSOIN IGNITION COILS AT THE MANUFACTURERS EXPENSE. *TR

  23. Power train, Feb 7, 2011

    THE FOLLOWING RELATES TO A 2008 JETTA 2.0L WOLFSBURG EDITION SEDAN. THREE TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH THE VEHICLE HAS SUDDENLY LOST MOTIVE POWER, WITH THE ENGINE QUICKLY DROPPING TO 0 RPM, WITH ALL 3 INCIDENTS OCCURRING DURING BUSY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE CAR WAS ABLE TO RESTART, AND WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER. A FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE EXACT SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED, BUT THE CAR COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. WHILE IN THE SHOP, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON A PART WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH WAS ORDER AND REPLACED. UPON RECEIVING THE CAR THE 2ND TIME, THE VEHICLE BEHAVED NOTICEABLY DIFFERENT - POOR ACCELERATION, UNUSUAL SHIFTING, SUDDEN JERKING AND LURCHING WHILE IDLING. THREE DAYS AFTER RECEIVING THE CAR, ONCE AGAIN A COMPLETE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC. NOW WAITING FOR A SECOND TOW, AND THIRD VISIT TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THESE INCIDENTS POSE SERIOUS SAFETY THREATS, SINCE THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER SEEMS TO UNRELATED TO VEHICLE OPERATION STATUS - IE, SPEED, INCLINE, ETC DO NOT AFFECT THE VEHICLE'S SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER, AND THUS CAN OCCUR IN ANY TRAFFIC CONDITION. *LN

  24. Service brakes, Electric, Traction control system, Jan 10, 2011

    FRONT PASSENGER ABS WIRE CAME OUT OF BRACKET AND RUBBED ON THE AXLE. ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON...ABS IS INOPERABLE. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY SNOW AND ICE. WE LIVE IN ILLINOIS WHERE THERE IS SNOW AND ICE 6 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR. WHY IS THIS KIND OF ENGINEERING ALLOWED IN SNOWY CLIMATES IF IT IS UNABLE TO PROBABLY FUNCTION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE BRAKE LINE IS ALSO FASTENED TO THIS BRACKET. WHEN CHECKING ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY RECURRING ISSUE. WE WILL BE NEEDING TO GET THIS FIXED....CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY SAY THIS DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE REPAIR IS $506.00 FOR AN ENTIRE WIRE HARNESS. WE HAVE OWNED AUTOS AND VANS SINCE THE INCEPTION OF ABS. WE HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. *TR

  25. Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2010

    2008 VW JETTA 2.5L ENGINE STALLS AND EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATES. *TR