no report yet
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP.
2008 Volkswagen RabbitProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 25, 2020. Updated daily. Photo: SWVA Railfan Productions, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit has problems
23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
5Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
5Power train
3Steering1 crash/fire/injury
2Structure
2Fuel system, gasoline
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Visibility
1Tires
66 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 6 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 2 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 1 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 6 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit 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.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Rabbit 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 Rabbit median. How we score
'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'06'07'08'09
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit safety ratings
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Rabbit owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
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…
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…
Own a 2008 Rabbit?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.