Owners have filed 35 complaints
about the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit with NHTSA between 2008 and 2020.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 28
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Rabbit. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
37.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 60
35% 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 Rabbit
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 Rabbit
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
617.1%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 102,650 mi
Electrical System
514.3%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 65,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
514.3%
Median failure at 74,300 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
411.4%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 123,984 mi
Steering
38.6%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 40,593 mi
Seats
25.7%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 93,000 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
25.7%
Median failure at 10,034 miles
Body & Structure
25.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 159,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
25.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 62,292 mi
Tires
12.9%
Median failure at 4,130 miles
Lights
12.9%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 50,000 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
12.9%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 180,000 mi
Brakes
12.9%
Median failure at 27,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
38.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
514.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
38.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
25.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
514.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
411.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
926.5%
150,000+ miles
38.8%
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.
May 2008peak 4Dec 2020
Recalls on the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
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
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.
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 201044430,255 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 200730652,475 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 123,984 milesHuffman, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PULLED CAR UP TO PROPANE DISPLAY OUTSIDE OF HEB GROCERY STORE. ONCE TANKS WERE EXCHANGED, NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM ENGINE. TURNED CARE OFF, GOT OUT AND NOTICED FIRE UNDERNEATH ENGINE. STORE EMPLOYEE GOT HOOD OPEN, DOUSED FIRE. CALLED WRECKER TO TOW CAR HOME. ON DECEMBER 25, 2020 NEIGHBOR NOTICED SMOKE AND BURNING WIRE SMELL COMING FROM HOOD OF CAR. OPENED HOOD DISABLED BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11384934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,984 milesHuffman, TXFire
ENGINE
PULLED CAR UP TO PROPANE DISPLAY OUTSIDE OF HEB GROCERY STORE. ONCE TANKS WERE EXCHANGED, NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM ENGINE. TURNED CARE OFF, GOT OUT AND NOTICED FIRE UNDERNEATH ENGINE. STORE EMPLOYEE GOT HOOD OPEN, DOUSED FIRE. CALLED WRECKER TO TOW CAR HOME. ON DECEMBER 25, 2020 NEIGHBOR NOTICED SMOKE AND BURNING WIRE SMELL COMING FROM HOOD OF CAR. OPENED HOOD DISABLED BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11384934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,984 milesHuffman, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PULLED CAR UP TO PROPANE DISPLAY OUTSIDE OF HEB GROCERY STORE. ONCE TANKS WERE EXCHANGED, NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM ENGINE. TURNED CARE OFF, GOT OUT AND NOTICED FIRE UNDERNEATH ENGINE. STORE EMPLOYEE GOT HOOD OPEN, DOUSED FIRE. CALLED WRECKER TO TOW CAR HOME. ON DECEMBER 25, 2020 NEIGHBOR NOTICED SMOKE AND BURNING WIRE SMELL COMING FROM HOOD OF CAR. OPENED HOOD DISABLED BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11384934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,690 milesJesup, GAFire
STEERING
STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND CAUGHT FIRE, THERE IS A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF IT LIKE A LASER SHOT OUT OF THE ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR BOX. I HAD PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, AND WITHIN 15 MIN AFTER IT WAS PARKED, SMOKE CAME BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, IT ENDED UP BEING THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11154668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,690 milesJesup, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND CAUGHT FIRE, THERE IS A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF IT LIKE A LASER SHOT OUT OF THE ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR BOX. I HAD PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, AND WITHIN 15 MIN AFTER IT WAS PARKED, SMOKE CAME BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, IT ENDED UP BEING THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11154668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesOverland Park, KSCrash
AIR BAGS
WAS IN A TIGHT SPOT AT A PARKING LOT, WHEN I WAS BACKING UP I HIT A BARRIER BEHIND ME, AFTER STOPPING AND SHIFTING TO GO FORWARD, THE CAR SPED UP UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A WALL IN FRONT. THE SPACE AND TIME WAS VERY SMALL/SHORT, BUT THE FORCE WAS SO RAPID THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11085159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 123,984 milesHuffman, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PULLED CAR UP TO PROPANE DISPLAY OUTSIDE OF HEB GROCERY STORE. ONCE TANKS WERE EXCHANGED, NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM ENGINE. TURNED CARE OFF, GOT OUT AND NOTICED FIRE UNDERNEATH ENGINE. STORE EMPLOYEE GOT HOOD OPEN, DOUSED FIRE. CALLED WRECKER TO TOW CAR HOME. ON DECEMBER 25, 2020 NEIGHBOR NOTICED SMOKE AND BURNING WIRE SMELL COMING FROM HOOD OF CAR. OPENED HOOD DISABLED BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11384934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,984 milesHuffman, TXFire
ENGINE
PULLED CAR UP TO PROPANE DISPLAY OUTSIDE OF HEB GROCERY STORE. ONCE TANKS WERE EXCHANGED, NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM ENGINE. TURNED CARE OFF, GOT OUT AND NOTICED FIRE UNDERNEATH ENGINE. STORE EMPLOYEE GOT HOOD OPEN, DOUSED FIRE. CALLED WRECKER TO TOW CAR HOME. ON DECEMBER 25, 2020 NEIGHBOR NOTICED SMOKE AND BURNING WIRE SMELL COMING FROM HOOD OF CAR. OPENED HOOD DISABLED BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11384934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,984 milesHuffman, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PULLED CAR UP TO PROPANE DISPLAY OUTSIDE OF HEB GROCERY STORE. ONCE TANKS WERE EXCHANGED, NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM ENGINE. TURNED CARE OFF, GOT OUT AND NOTICED FIRE UNDERNEATH ENGINE. STORE EMPLOYEE GOT HOOD OPEN, DOUSED FIRE. CALLED WRECKER TO TOW CAR HOME. ON DECEMBER 25, 2020 NEIGHBOR NOTICED SMOKE AND BURNING WIRE SMELL COMING FROM HOOD OF CAR. OPENED HOOD DISABLED BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11384934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesFallbrook, CA
POWER TRAIN
IN MOTION: THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT PROPERLY SHIFTING UP. THERE IS DELAY, THEREFORE THE CAR IS 'JUMPING' BEFORE THE HIGHER LEVEL OF GEAR AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT. THIS PROBLEM LAST FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS IN MOTION: THE USE OF FUEL IS MUCH HIGHER THAN USED TO BE, EVEN ALL INJECTORS ARE PROPERLY WORKING. THIS PROBLEM IS NOW ABOUT 5 MONTHS OLD. THE REAR DOOR - ITS LATCH BROKE IN NOVEMBER 2014. THE DOOR FELT ON MY HEAD. CONTACTING VW USA - I WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR HAS TO BE DONE BY VW DEALER.. VW DEALER MADE ME A QUOTE OF $ 3.5 K WHICH I REJECTED. SINCE THAT TIME I AM CARRYING IN CAR BOARD OF WOOD AND USING IT FOR SUPPORT OF OPEN DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #11287388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesFallbrook, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
IN MOTION: THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT PROPERLY SHIFTING UP. THERE IS DELAY, THEREFORE THE CAR IS 'JUMPING' BEFORE THE HIGHER LEVEL OF GEAR AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT. THIS PROBLEM LAST FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS IN MOTION: THE USE OF FUEL IS MUCH HIGHER THAN USED TO BE, EVEN ALL INJECTORS ARE PROPERLY WORKING. THIS PROBLEM IS NOW ABOUT 5 MONTHS OLD. THE REAR DOOR - ITS LATCH BROKE IN NOVEMBER 2014. THE DOOR FELT ON MY HEAD. CONTACTING VW USA - I WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR HAS TO BE DONE BY VW DEALER.. VW DEALER MADE ME A QUOTE OF $ 3.5 K WHICH I REJECTED. SINCE THAT TIME I AM CARRYING IN CAR BOARD OF WOOD AND USING IT FOR SUPPORT OF OPEN DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #11287388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesFallbrook, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
IN MOTION: THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT PROPERLY SHIFTING UP. THERE IS DELAY, THEREFORE THE CAR IS 'JUMPING' BEFORE THE HIGHER LEVEL OF GEAR AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT. THIS PROBLEM LAST FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS IN MOTION: THE USE OF FUEL IS MUCH HIGHER THAN USED TO BE, EVEN ALL INJECTORS ARE PROPERLY WORKING. THIS PROBLEM IS NOW ABOUT 5 MONTHS OLD. THE REAR DOOR - ITS LATCH BROKE IN NOVEMBER 2014. THE DOOR FELT ON MY HEAD. CONTACTING VW USA - I WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR HAS TO BE DONE BY VW DEALER.. VW DEALER MADE ME A QUOTE OF $ 3.5 K WHICH I REJECTED. SINCE THAT TIME I AM CARRYING IN CAR BOARD OF WOOD AND USING IT FOR SUPPORT OF OPEN DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #11287388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,300 milesAntioch, TN
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG FAULTY LIGHT AND MESSAGE ON DASHBOARD STARTED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION
NHTSA complaint #11286743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,690 milesJesup, GAFire
STEERING
STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND CAUGHT FIRE, THERE IS A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF IT LIKE A LASER SHOT OUT OF THE ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR BOX. I HAD PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, AND WITHIN 15 MIN AFTER IT WAS PARKED, SMOKE CAME BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, IT ENDED UP BEING THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11154668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,690 milesJesup, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND CAUGHT FIRE, THERE IS A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF IT LIKE A LASER SHOT OUT OF THE ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR BOX. I HAD PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, AND WITHIN 15 MIN AFTER IT WAS PARKED, SMOKE CAME BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, IT ENDED UP BEING THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11154668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesOverland Park, KSCrash
AIR BAGS
WAS IN A TIGHT SPOT AT A PARKING LOT, WHEN I WAS BACKING UP I HIT A BARRIER BEHIND ME, AFTER STOPPING AND SHIFTING TO GO FORWARD, THE CAR SPED UP UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A WALL IN FRONT. THE SPACE AND TIME WAS VERY SMALL/SHORT, BUT THE FORCE WAS SO RAPID THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11085159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesOverland Park, KSCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WAS IN A TIGHT SPOT AT A PARKING LOT, WHEN I WAS BACKING UP I HIT A BARRIER BEHIND ME, AFTER STOPPING AND SHIFTING TO GO FORWARD, THE CAR SPED UP UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A WALL IN FRONT. THE SPACE AND TIME WAS VERY SMALL/SHORT, BUT THE FORCE WAS SO RAPID THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11085159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesOverland Park, KSCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
WAS IN A TIGHT SPOT AT A PARKING LOT, WHEN I WAS BACKING UP I HIT A BARRIER BEHIND ME, AFTER STOPPING AND SHIFTING TO GO FORWARD, THE CAR SPED UP UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A WALL IN FRONT. THE SPACE AND TIME WAS VERY SMALL/SHORT, BUT THE FORCE WAS SO RAPID THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11085159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesBoise, IDFire
SEATS
I HAD THE HEATED SEATS ON AT THE LOWEST SETTING OF 1. I WAS DRIVING ON THE MAIN ROAD BY MY HOUSE AND THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT STARTED GETTING REALLY HOT AND I SMELLED SMOKE. I HAD TO PULL OVER AS I WAS WORRIED THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE. I TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER, GOT OUT AND CHECKED THE SEAT. THERE WAS A HOLE BURNED INTO THE SEAT AND INTO THE JACKET I WAS WEARING.
NHTSA complaint #10936470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesBoise, IDFire
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
I HAD THE HEATED SEATS ON AT THE LOWEST SETTING OF 1. I WAS DRIVING ON THE MAIN ROAD BY MY HOUSE AND THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT STARTED GETTING REALLY HOT AND I SMELLED SMOKE. I HAD TO PULL OVER AS I WAS WORRIED THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE. I TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER, GOT OUT AND CHECKED THE SEAT. THERE WAS A HOLE BURNED INTO THE SEAT AND INTO THE JACKET I WAS WEARING.
NHTSA complaint #10936470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,600 milesDublin, OH
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE HORN IS NOT WORKING. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A BROKEN CLOCK SPRING. OTHER VWS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT MINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD THE AIRBAG WILL NOT WORK IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND I THINK THE HORN IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO ALERT DRIVERS AROUND ME IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. BOTH SAFETY PROBLEMS ARE CAUSED BY THE SAME BROKEN CLOCK SPRING AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10936290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,600 milesDublin, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE HORN IS NOT WORKING. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A BROKEN CLOCK SPRING. OTHER VWS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT MINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD THE AIRBAG WILL NOT WORK IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND I THINK THE HORN IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO ALERT DRIVERS AROUND ME IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. BOTH SAFETY PROBLEMS ARE CAUSED BY THE SAME BROKEN CLOCK SPRING AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10936290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesLittleton, CO
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, BECAUSE THE CLOCK SPRING IS BAD. THIS HAS ALSO CAUSED THE HORN BUTTON TO NOT WORK. SOMETIMES THE HORN HONKS WHEN I MAKE SHARP TURNS. IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER OR NOT THE DRIVER AIRBAG WOULD DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT, BUT FROM WHAT I CAN TELL IT IS QUITE UNLIKELY. THIS ALSO EFFECTS THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE BUTTONS ON THE STICKS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE MULTI FUNCTION DISPLAY, AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. SOMETIMES THOSE BUTTONS WORK, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T AND SOMETIMES THEY DO THINGS THEY AREN'T DESIGNED TO DO. FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE THIS IS A PROBLEM WHICH OCCURS VERY FREQUENTLY WITH THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10650149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesLittleton, CO
STEERING
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, BECAUSE THE CLOCK SPRING IS BAD. THIS HAS ALSO CAUSED THE HORN BUTTON TO NOT WORK. SOMETIMES THE HORN HONKS WHEN I MAKE SHARP TURNS. IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER OR NOT THE DRIVER AIRBAG WOULD DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT, BUT FROM WHAT I CAN TELL IT IS QUITE UNLIKELY. THIS ALSO EFFECTS THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE BUTTONS ON THE STICKS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE MULTI FUNCTION DISPLAY, AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. SOMETIMES THOSE BUTTONS WORK, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T AND SOMETIMES THEY DO THINGS THEY AREN'T DESIGNED TO DO. FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE THIS IS A PROBLEM WHICH OCCURS VERY FREQUENTLY WITH THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10650149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesLittleton, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, BECAUSE THE CLOCK SPRING IS BAD. THIS HAS ALSO CAUSED THE HORN BUTTON TO NOT WORK. SOMETIMES THE HORN HONKS WHEN I MAKE SHARP TURNS. IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER OR NOT THE DRIVER AIRBAG WOULD DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT, BUT FROM WHAT I CAN TELL IT IS QUITE UNLIKELY. THIS ALSO EFFECTS THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE BUTTONS ON THE STICKS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE MULTI FUNCTION DISPLAY, AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. SOMETIMES THOSE BUTTONS WORK, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T AND SOMETIMES THEY DO THINGS THEY AREN'T DESIGNED TO DO. FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE THIS IS A PROBLEM WHICH OCCURS VERY FREQUENTLY WITH THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10650149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesBothell, WA
POWER TRAIN
I TRIED TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND HAD VERY SLOW ACCELERATION. I SWITCHED TO MANUAL SHIFT MODE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN 5TH GEAR AND WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT. ONCE I STARTED I COULDN'T STOP AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO MAKE IT ACROSS THE LANES. I HAVE HAD SIMILAR OCCURRENCES BEFORE. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL SHOP AND THEY CHANGED THE FLUID WHICH THEY SAID WAS VERY DIRTY AND BURNED LOOKING. NOTE, THE TRANSMISSION IS (WAS) SUPPOSED TO BE SERVICE FREE FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. APPARENTLY IT IS A KNOW DEFECT IN THESE TRANSMISSIONS THAT THE VALVE BODY FAILS PREMATURELY AND EVENTUALLY CAUSES CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. VW HAS ADMITTED THE VALVE BODY ISSUE AND EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 7 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES AFTER ENTRY TO SERVICE FOR THE VALVE BODY ONLY. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WHICH CAN, AND DOES, COSTS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE. THERE IS MUCH DISCUSSION OF THIS ISSUE AT VARIOUS PLACES ON THE INTERNET.
NHTSA complaint #10553948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesConcord, CA
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG FAULT LIGHT CAME ON AROUND END OF MAY 2013 AND I TOOK THE CAR TO BE SEEN BY A VW TECHNICIAN AT DIRITO BROTHERS IN WALNUT CREEK, CA ([XXX]- TECHNICIAN AND [XXX]- SERVICE MANAGER). AFTER I WAS CHARGED A $75 SERVICE FEE FOR ASSESSING THE ISSUE AND NOTHING WAS FIXED, I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT VW OF AMERICA AT 1-800-822-8987 DIRECTLY TO SEE HOW THEY CAN ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS AIRBAG FAULT, AS I WAS QUOTED MORE THAN $500 IN REPAIRS FOR SOMETHING I DID NOT DAMAGE. I DISCUSSED MY CASE# [XXX] WITH [XXX] ON 06.06.2013. THEIR RESOLUTION WAS TO HELP PAY HALF OF THE COST, BECAUSE I AM A LOYAL CUSTOMER (I AM AT MY 3RD VW AND MY FATHER HAS A JETTA= TOTAL OF 4 WV CARS). I AM SURPRISED TO SEE THAT THEY DID NOT CONSIDER THIS AS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM, I AM BASICALLY DRIVING WITHOUT AN AIRBAG AND THE RISK IS DEATH, IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. PER [XXX], HE WAS THE ONLY PERSON AUTHORIZED TO DETERMINE WHAT A CRITICAL SAFETY PRIORITY IS FOR THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS AND HOW TO ASSESS APPROPRIATE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE IN THIS TYPE OF SITUATION. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE EVERYDAY TO WORK FEELING THAT I AM AT RISK AND WAS TOLD THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO COVER HALF OF THE COST OF THIS FACTORY FAILURE AND THAT THEY ARE MAKING ME A FAVOR BY BEING WILLING TO COVER HALF OF THE COST. I AM WONDERING HOW NOT ENSURING BASIC SAFETY IS GOING TO AFFECT VW'S BRAND WHEN THEY WILL GET HIT WITH LAWSUITS FOLLOWING INJURIES SUSTAINED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE (PRODUCT LIABILITY CASE)? IS IT GOING TO BE WORTH IT NOT PAYING THE ENTIRE REPAIR COSTS? IS A HUMAN LIFE WORTH $500? THIS IS MORE ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE AND ETHICS, THAN THE MONEY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10532441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,300 milesLimerick, ME
POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING IN SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED LEAVING DUAL SKID MARKS ON PAVEMENT. THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. WHEN TOWED, A POOL OF TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS FOUND UNDER CAR, MECHANIC REPORTS NEW TRANSMISSION IS NEEDED BUT EXACT CAUSE CURRENTLY UNKNOWN. VEHICLE IS 5 MONTHS AND 14,300 MILES OVER WARRANTY AND VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WILL NOT COVER ANY COSTS SINCE OUT OF WARRANTY AND IS 5 SPEED. MORE IMPORTANTLY, IF THIS OCCURED AT HIGHER SPEED, INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
NHTSA complaint #10531504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,593 milesElizabethton, TN
STEERING
THE STEERING STARTED MAKING A POPPING AND CRACKING SOUND WHILE TURNING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING UNIT WAS GOING BAD AND THEY HAD TO FIX IT. THEY SAID THAT IF IT FAILED TOTALLY I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE PROPERLY. YOU COULD TURN RIGHT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD GO STRAIGHT OR LEFT. THEN ON JUNE 4RTH 2012 WITH 79715 MILES ON THE VEHICLE THE STEERING STARTED POPPING AND CRACKING AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING UNIT WAS GOING BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THIS IS A REPAIR THAT VOLKSWAGEN IS WILLING TO PAY HALF OF COST, BUT I FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY A THING BECAUSE IF IT WAS FIXED THE FIRST TIME IT SHOULDN'T HAVE GONE WRONG AGAIN. NOT ONLY THAT BUT LOOK AT THE MILEAGE ALMOST THE EXACT MILEAGE DIFFERENCE. HOW CAN THEY MAKE A DEFECTIVE PART AND STILL MAKE ME PAY FOR IT. THAT SEEMS LIKE FRAUD TO ME. IF THIS PART CAUSES SIGNIFICANT FAILURE TO THE VEHICLE THIS MAKES IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE COSTUMER SHOULD NOT BEAR THE COST OF REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10460927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesBethesda, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE FROM 5 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE FAILED TWICE PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKES INSPECTED. THE DEALER LATER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE A FAILURE WITHIN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
NHTSA complaint #10399251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68 milesLoma MAR, CA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
I PURCHASED A NEW 2008 VW RABBIT WITH SUNROOF SEPT '08. SUNROOF REPAIRED 10/'09. JAN '10 ROOF DAMAGED BY TREE BRANCH. ENTIRE ROOF REPLACED 'BUT' BODY SHOP ADVISED NOT TO INSTALL SUNROOF. THE SHOP EMAILED PHOTO'S OF EXISTING ROOF SHOWING STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS I.E. THE OEM ROOF BEAMS ATTACHING BODY TO ROOF WERE CUT AND REMOVED. A BRACKET REPLACED THE BEAM AND 3 SHEET METAL SCREWS FASTENED THE BRACKET TO THE BODY. THE VW ENGINEERED STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE ROOF IS COMPROMISED AND DANGEROUS IN A ROLLOVER LIKELY TO COLLAPSE INTO THE SEATING AREA. IN ADDITION THE SIDE IMPACT STRENGTH OF THE CAR HAS BEEN WEAKENED AND AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT MAYBE AFFECTED, PER BODY SHOP OWNER MIKE CHILTON. I DID NOT HAVE A NEW SUNROOF INSTALLED. I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA, MY VEHICLE WAS SHIPPED AS A HARDTOP WITH NO SUNROOF. BECAUSE THIS WAS AN UNAPPROVED AFTER-MARKET SUNROOF VW EXCEPTS NO LIABILITY, NO WARRANTY, NO NOTHING! I CONTACT WINN VW DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS UNDISCLOSED AFTER-MARKET SUNROOF AND THE SAFETY RELATED ISSUES. THE DEALER EMAIL RESPONSE: "HELLO [XXX] , I SPOKE TO MY SALES MANAGER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEIR WAS A ADDENDUM STICKER ON DISPLAY ON THE CAR THE CAR AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE." THE ARROGANCE OF THE RESPONSE SAYS IT ALL. THEY ARE NOT DISPUTING MY FINDINGS. EVIDENTLY POSTING A PHANTOM ADDENDUM STICKER MAKES ALL OF THE ABOVE OK! I HAVE THE WINDOW STICKER. I HAVE ALL THE SIGNED DOCUMENTS. THERE IS NO MENTION OF SUNROOF. THERE IS NO MENTION THAT THE STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS DO NOT COMPLY WITH VW SAFETY STANDARDS. THE SAFETY COMPLIANCE STICKER IS INTACT BUT BASICALLY MEANINGLESS. IT'S MEANINGLESS BECAUSE THE BRAND NEW CAR I DROVE OFF THE LOT DID NOT MEET THE APPLICABLE MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS. HOW MANY OTHER UNSUSPECTING CAR OWNERS ARE IN A SIMILAR SITUATION? THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES CITED WINN VW OF NEWARK WITH A MISDEMEANORS UNDER SECTION 11713.1 FOR NON DISCLOSURE. NOTHING ELSE HAS BEEN DONE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10331641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.