repaired · 2021 Q1
Unknown or other
Risk. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
2008 Volkswagen JettaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 188 owner complaints about the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-679 the manufacturer reports only 18% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 3, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has problems
188 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
53Power train1 crash/fire/injury
42Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
20Engine2 crash/fire/injury
20Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
15Service brakes, hydraulic1 crash/fire/injury
10Latches/locks/linkages
8Visibility
7Engine and engine cooling
6Seats
5518 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 53 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 42 | 2 |
| Engine | 20 | 2 |
| Air bags | 20 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 15 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 10 | 0 |
| Visibility | 8 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 0 |
| Seats | 6 | 5 |
| 18 other systems | 55 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2008 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP.
no report yet
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DETACHED DRIVESHAFT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE THE GEARBOX HOUSING.
no report yet
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
25kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 50 power train complaints. 76% were reported before 100,000 miles.
26under 30k miles38under 100k miles12100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Jetta year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Jetta median. How we score
0000113141819282231301711722031541923494396687024562312485802011888898526075005183881941621603255354714342463461
'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Volkswagen Jetta safety ratings
2008 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, and the recalls they led to.
- VEHICLE STALL/LOSS MOTIVE POWERLed to recall 09V-333
In owners' words
What Jetta owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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.…
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.
Own a 2008 Jetta?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.