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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-VOLKSWAGEN-JETTA
2008 · Volkswagen

Volkswagen Jetta problems

2 safety recalls. 189 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
51 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
35 reports · avg $850
severe
brakes
21 reports · avg $450
moderate
airbags
17 reports · avg $1,100
severe
engine
14 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
visibility
8 reports · avg $350
moderate
fuel system
5 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
steering
3 reports · avg $700
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Jetta · powertrain
2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WOLFSBURG 2.0T FSI DSG (DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX) WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS FROM A FULL STANDSTILL THERE WAS A VERY SIGNIFICANT DELAY IN THE RESPONSE OF THE DSG TRANSMISSION TO DRIVER THROTTLE INPUT. THERE WILL BE A 1-2-3 GO, (DELAY)…
12/31/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297662.0
2008 Jetta · fuel system
DIFFICULTY FILLING GAS TANK WHILE AT PUMP. THE AUTO SHUT-OFF KICKS IN AFTER PUTTING IN A FEW CENTS WORTH OF GAS MAKING FILL-UP FRUSTRATING AND TIME CONSUMING. TOOK TO VW DEALERSHIP. THEY SPENT A DAY INVESTIGATING AND COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM SO THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT AND…
12/30/2008 · NHTSA ODI #10253191.0
2008 Jetta · electrical
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…
12/27/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445058.0
2008 Jetta · electrical Injury
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…
12/25/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11163359.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 07V442000 24/09/2007

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 09V164000 19/05/2009

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 25,594 MY 2006-2009 JETTA 5TH GENERATION EQUIPPED WITH 2

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.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 51 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Volkswagen Jetta has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 189 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Volkswagen. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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