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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2008 Volkswagen Jetta Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 188 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta owner complaints

Owners have filed 188 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, describing incidents dated March 1, 2008 to July 2, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Power Train 53 complaints
  • Electrical System 42 complaints
  • Engine 26 complaints
  • Service Brakes 22 complaints
  • Air Bags 20 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 11 complaints

Of the 188 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 188 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11748168 · Filed

    Ignition key is stuck in the vehicle with the ignition on will not come out

  • ODI #11724289 · Filed

    Sometimes I feel as if my car is possessed I own a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and sometimes the passenger headlight works sometimes it doesn't I've replaced the bulbs doesn't matter. My sunroof All of a sudden stopped working. My turn signals on the right side don't work when the headlight is not on. I…

  • ODI #11631894 · Filed

    The ignition switch gets stuck sometimes and I can't crank my car nor turn it off I'm just dating that because that's what's going on on my end. Therefore, I've had times where I can't crank my car or I can't turn it off when I need to. So you may tell me if there was a recall on ignition switch or…

Read all 188 complaints

Owner-reported

2008 Volkswagen Jetta mileage at failure

155 of the 188 complaints on file for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Power TrainMedian 25,000 milesMiddle half 12,000–95,000 milesBased on 47 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Master Cylinder Has Insufficient Fluid Seal Crimp

NHTSA #20E064000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported September 23, 2020 · Tenneco Automotive

Potentially affected: 38 vehicles

Repair completion: 23.68% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified October 30, 2020

Defect description

Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.

Safety consequence

If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Modifications to Vehicles Made Them Noncompliant

NHTSA #19V679000 · Unknown or Other · NHTSA notice

Reported September 25, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 113 vehicles

Repair completion: 17.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 01D7 · Owners notified November 6, 2019 · Vehicles built December 21, 2006 – November 25, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Safety consequence

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Water Pump may cause Failure of Timing Belt

NHTSA #14E007000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported March 7, 2014 · The Gates Corporation

Potentially affected: 50 vehicles

Repair completion: 2% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 1, 2014

Defect description

The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.

Safety consequence

A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE

NHTSA #10V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported December 10, 2010 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 228,236 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign 20I4/U1 · Owners notified January 31, 2011 · Vehicles built March 1, 2006 – June 30, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Safety consequence

IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Notes

VOLKSWAGEN SAFETY RECALL NO. 20I4/U1.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

DRIVESHAFT SCREWS

NHTSA #09V164000 · Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft · NHTSA notice

Reported May 19, 2009 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 25,594 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign 40J2/S4 · Owners notified June 30, 2009 · Vehicles built June 15, 2005 – November 29, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 25,594 MY 2006-2009 JETTA 5TH GENERATION EQUIPPED WITH 2.01 ENGINE. THE FASTENING SCREW CONTACT SURFACES ON THE DRIVESHAFT COVER PLATE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. SOME SCREWS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LOOSEN OVER TIME, CAUSING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS COULD LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHES FROM THE GEARBOX.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. 40J2/S4.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

HEADLAMPS AIMING PROVISIONS/ FMVSS 108

NHTSA #07V442000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported September 24, 2007 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 340,000 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign Q8 · Owners notified October 31, 2007 · Vehicles built October 18, 2004 – September 21, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE HAD A REQUIRED CAP INSTALLED WHICH DISABLES THE HEADLIGHT HORIZONTAL AIM AND SOME VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A CAP THAT DISABLES THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. Q8.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Other Volkswagen Jetta model years

Check your 2008 Volkswagen Jetta VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volkswagen Jetta at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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