repaired · 2019 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
2008 Volkswagen PassatProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 168 owner complaints about the 2008 Volkswagen Passat, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-509 the manufacturer reports only 49% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 4, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Volkswagen Passat has problems
168 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
44Fuel/propulsion system
43Engine3 crash/fire/injury
32Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
21Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
19Fuel system, gasoline
12Power train
12Steering
9Engine and engine cooling
5Visibility
2613 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 44 | 0 |
| Engine | 43 | 3 |
| Air bags | 32 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 21 | 3 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 19 | 0 |
| Power train | 12 | 0 |
| Steering | 12 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 9 | 2 |
| Visibility | 5 | 0 |
| 13 other systems | 26 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2008 Volkswagen Passat 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.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. AN ENGINE SURGE CAUSED BY AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM MAY SURPRISE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR AND CAN RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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 fuel/propulsion system problems start?
111kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 32 fuel/propulsion system complaints. 38% were reported before 100,000 miles.
0under 30k miles12under 100k miles20100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Passat 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 Passat median. How we score
'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
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Volkswagen Passat safety ratings
2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Passat owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My car stalled on me while I was driving and would not start. I was told I need a new feul pump module. I took it to the dealership to get it replace and the feul pump but the car will not start.
My son bought this used car. The STOP ENGINE light came on, got an oil change but the light did not go away. Were told that the oil pressure might be the issue so took it to the mechanic. We were told it was most likely the oil pressure switch. There were multiple codes(cones) and were cleared. The…
There is a recall with the fuel pump and the manufacturer is claiming that I need to replace certain parts to be able to do the recall.
Own a 2008 Passat?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.