FaultScore

FaultScore report

2008 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Owners have filed 251 complaints about the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA between 2008 and 2026. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 25 of 33 worst.

B

FaultScore 37/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Volkswagen Jetta.

How this is worked out

The numbers

251

Complaints

7

Crashes reported

6

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

65,078 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

33%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 30 vs 50 Severity 37 vs 50 Early failure 56 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 30
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Jetta. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.2% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 56
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2008 compares with every other Volkswagen Jetta

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 25,150 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 90,000 mi

Engine & Cooling 27 10.8%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 92,000 mi

Brakes 24 9.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 26,000 mi

Airbags 20 8.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 94,000 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 115,000 mi

Median failure at 86,300 miles

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 80,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 8 3.2%

Median failure at 2,800 miles

Stability & Traction Control 6 2.4%

Median failure at 20,505 miles

Seats 6 2.4%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 106,000 mi

Lights 6 2.4%

Median failure at 118,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 6 2.4%

Median failure at 147,165 miles

Body & Structure 5 2.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,900 mi

Wheels 3 1.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 41,000 mi

Tires 3 1.2%

Median failure at 8,831 miles

Steering 3 1.2%

Median failure at 112,500 miles

Seat Belts 2 0.8%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

Suspension 2 0.8%

Median failure at 72,123 miles

Equipment & Accessories 1 0.4%

Median failure at 50 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Automatic Transmission 26 63.4%
Body 4 9.8%
Driveline 3 7.3%
Ignition 3 7.3%
Manual Transmission 2 4.9%
MAT 1 2.4%
Lock 1 2.4%
Speedometer/Odometer 1 2.4%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 7 3.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 23 10.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 28 13.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 30 13.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 31 14.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 31 14.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 42 19.4%
150,000+ miles 24 11.1%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Frontal crash test of a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 4-DR. w/SAB

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 4-DR. w/SAB

Side barrier crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2008 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen 4-DR. w/SAB
2008 Volkswagen Jetta 4-DR. w/SAB

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Mar 2008 peak 14 Jul 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE09035 Opened 17 Jul 2009 Closed 19 Nov 2009 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

VEHICLE STALL/LOSS MOTIVE POWER

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) TRANSMISSIONS, WHICH FEATURE A 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX WITH TWO WET RUNNING CLUTCHES (DUAL CLUTCH) IN WHICH THE CLUTCH MECHANISM AND GEAR CHANGES ARE ELECTROHYDRAULICALLY OPERATED BY A MECHATRONIC CONTROL UNIT.THE DSG MECHATRONIC CONTROLLER INCLUDES EXTENSIVE SELF DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTIONS AND STRATEGIES TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION AND PREVENT SYSTEM/COMPONENT DAMAGE IN THE EVENT OF COMPONENT FAILURES OR HARSH OPERATING CONDITIONS.THE BASIC HIERARCHY OF FAULT MODES INCLUDES SOME THAT ONLY RESULT IN THE STORAGE OF A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE...

Recalls on the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

20E064000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

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.

19V679000

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

14E007000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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.

10V621000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

09V164000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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.

07V442000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2020353 132,432 units in Canada

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning label for the engine block heater cable is written in English only. As a result, a French user may not receive important safety information about how to use the engine block heater. A label that is not provided in both official languages could create confusion. Safety Risk: User confusion could increase the risk of injury when trying to use the block heater. Corrective Actions: The company will mail each owner a new label for the block heater cable. If you would like help installing the label, you can contact a dealer for assistance.

Recall 2010444 30,255 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain Golf, Golf wagon, Jetta and Rabbit equipped with a 2.5L Engine, a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. If chafing occurs fuel leakage could develop which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and, if necessary, replace the fuel line. In addition, as a preventive measure, the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir will be removed.

Recall 2009141 2,388 units in Canada

Structure

On certain vehicles, driveshaft cover plate screws may not have been torqued properly during vehicle assembly. Should they loosen, a knocking sound may be heard while the vehicle is in motion. In the worst case, 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 to the gearbox housing. A damaged gearbox housing could leak gearbox oil onto the street and create a risk of vehicle crash for both the driver and other motorists. This could result in property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driveshaft screws.

Recall 2007306 52,475 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment. 1). The required cap designed to disable the headlamp horizontal aim may not have been installed during vehicle assembly. 2). A cap may have been inadvertently installed to disable the vertical aiming screw. 3). An adjustment mechanism allows aiming of the low beam relative to the high beam. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 174,000 miles Ellenwood, GA Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11210866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 174,000 miles Ellenwood, GA Fire

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11210866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,600 miles Columbus, OH 1 injured

SEATS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11163359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,600 miles Columbus, OH 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11163359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Chesterfield, MO Fire

SEATS

DRIVER HEATED LEATHER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE AFTER CAR WAS TURNED ON AND THE HEATED SEAT BUTTON WAS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

NHTSA complaint #10836460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 5,700 miles Fortson, GA Crash

POWER TRAIN

WHILE ENTERING A PARKING LOT, PARKING SPACE, AFTER STOPPING COMPLETELY, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN ACCELERATOR WAS LIGHTLY DEPRESSED, THERE WAS A 1 TO 3 SECOND DELAY, AND THEN THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD CRASHING INTO THE OPPOSING PARKED VEHICLE, DAMAGING THE FRONTS OF BOTH VEHICLES. THIS HESITATION WAS NOTED ONCE BEFORE AT ABOUT 3800 MILES WHILE ENTERING A HIGHWAY FROM A STOP. AGAIN, THE HESITATION WAS FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN LUNGE. SELLING VW DEALER SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A DSG TRANS PROBLEM, BRING BACK FPR EVALUATION AFTER ITS REPAIRED. THIS UNEXPECTED SURGE PROBLEM IS THE DIRECT CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. NOTE: WHILE THIS VW JETTA IS 7 YRS OLD, IT IS NOT DRIVEN OFTEN AS CAN BE SEEN BY LESS THAN 500-800 MILES PER YEAR.

NHTSA complaint #10692387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Bloomington, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11748168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bennington, NE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11724289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bennington, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11724289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marion, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11631894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 253,000 miles San Leandro, CA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11624015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Olive, AL

AIR BAGS

Airbag warning light is on.

NHTSA complaint #11604154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rohnert Park, CA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11536995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rohnert Park, CA

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11536995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rohnert Park, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11536995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

El Paso, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11496591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, VA

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

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.

NHTSA complaint #11467171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,349 miles Belleview, FL

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11465946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.????

NHTSA complaint #11464481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles South Milwaukee, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SEAT HEATER:MAT

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.

NHTSA complaint #11445058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11421759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 183,219 miles Saint Peters, MO

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11407606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 183,219 miles Saint Peters, MO

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11407606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 183,219 miles Saint Peters, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11407606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Suffolk, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHILE TURNING OFF ENGINE.

NHTSA complaint #11406486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Norco, CA

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11366592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Norco, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11366592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Norco, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11366592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 121,000 miles Tuckerton, NJ

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11365375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,000 miles O Fallon, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11331740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,000 miles O Fallon, MO

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11331740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.