no report yet
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. A FUEL LEAK, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
2008 Volkswagen R32Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 115 owner complaints about the 2008 Volkswagen R32, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 3, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Volkswagen R32 has problems
115 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
82Power train
20Fuel system, gasoline
6Electrical system
6Exterior lighting
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Engine and engine cooling
1Vehicle speed control
1Engine
1Fuel system, other
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 82 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 20 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, other | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 Volkswagen R32 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
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?
15kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 77 power train complaints. 97% were reported before 100,000 miles.
65under 30k miles75under 100k miles2100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other R32 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 R32 median. How we score
'04'06'07'08
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Volkswagen R32, and the recalls they led to.
- VEHICLE STALL/LOSS MOTIVE POWERLed to recall 09V-333
In owners' words
What R32 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS OCCURRED ON BOTH HIGHWAY AND CITY STREETS, BOTH WHILE IN MOTION AND WHILE BRAKING (DOWNSHIFTING). THE LEVER SELECTOR POSITION FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE "DEPRESS BRAKE" INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE REQUIRED…
VEHICLE FALSE NUETRALED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY A 18-WHEELER SOLENOID FAILURE IN THE TRANSMISSION. NO POWER ON VEHICLE UNTIL FIX. THIS COULD CAUSE AND PROBABLY HAS CAUSED DEATH OR INJURY
I AM EXPERIENCING THE WELL KNOWN SYMPTOMS OF A FAILING MECHATRONIC UNIT IN THE VOLKSWAGEN DSG GEARBOX. THERE WAS A RECALL FROM PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. SYMPTOMS ARE LURCHING/HARSH ENGAGEMENT WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP. JERKY/ ALMOST BOUNCY REVERSING. HARSH/CLUNKY SHIFTS BETWEEN…
Own a 2008 R32?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.