NHTSA vehicle safety data

2008 Volkswagen Passat Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2008 Volkswagen Passat has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 168 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 Passat, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2008 Volkswagen Passat owner complaints

Owners have filed 168 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Volkswagen Passat, describing incidents dated June 18, 2007 to June 1, 2025.

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 63 complaints
Engine 52 complaints
Air Bags 32 complaints
Electrical System 21 complaints
Unknown or Other 13 complaints
Power Train 12 complaints

Of the 168 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 168 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11671276 · Filed July 4, 2025
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.
ODI #11661420 · Filed May 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while her husband was reversing out of the garage, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the…
ODI #11611736 · Filed August 30, 2024
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…

Read all 168 complaints

Owner-reported

2008 Volkswagen Passat mileage at failure

125 of the 168 complaints on file for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 100,000 miles	Middle half 80,000–120,000 miles	Based on 46 complaints
Engine	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 70,000–115,000 miles	Based on 45 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

Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #18V148000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported March 6, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 363,713 vehicles

Repair completion: 68.39% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 69Q9 · Owners notified March 16, 2018 · Vehicles built November 2, 2006 – May 27, 2009 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Safety consequence

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 occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

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.

Fuel Pump Failure Cause Engine Stall

NHTSA #17V509000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported August 16, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 280,915 vehicles

Repair completion: 49.44% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 20AE · Owners notified June 26, 2018 · Vehicles built February 15, 2005 – June 1, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Safety consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

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.

Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #16V078000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported February 10, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 659,493 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.54% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 10, 2017 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Safety consequence

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 occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

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.

ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE UPDATE

NHTSA #08V235000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported May 28, 2008 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 6,579 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign 24M9/R7 · Owners notified May 30, 2008 · Vehicles built February 21, 2008 – April 28, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 4,079 MY 2008 PASSAT AND 2,500 MY 2009 TIGUAN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0T FSI ULEV II ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CONTAINING SOFTWARE THAT MAY NOT PROPERLY CONTROL ENGINE IDLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING TURNED ON. IN RARE CASES, THE ECM MAY UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASE ENGINE RPM.

Safety consequence

AN ENGINE SURGE CAUSED BY AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM MAY SURPRISE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR AND CAN RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND UPDATE THE ECM SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

Notes

VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. 24M9/R7.CUSTOMERS 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 HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2008 Volkswagen Passat 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

12% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

12% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

168 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat.

Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11671276

Incident: June 1, 2025 · Filed: July 4, 2025

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #11661420

Incident: April 16, 2025 · Filed: May 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while her husband was reversing out of the garage, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the insurance company later informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

Unknown or Other; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11611736

Incident: August 7, 2024 · Filed: August 30, 2024

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 switch was replaced but the engine light's still on & the STOP ENGINE comes on but goes off. It appears it is a gas pump issue that it might be manufacture fault. Is there a recall for this issue on this 2008 Passat? It's my [XXX] 's first car, he saved & bought it but it's dangerous...he got it diagnosed & was told it's a $5,000 job. If it's an oil/gas pump manufacturer issue, is Volkswagen responsible? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering

ODI #11499676

Incident: January 1, 2023 · Filed: January 1, 2023

Steering Lock Warning Light flashes yellow and car takes two to three attempts to start. Periodically light changes to red with audible. Car occasionally shuts down while driving but recovers before stopping completely. This has been happening for over a year and is now getting significantly worse. Dealer serviced about 4 weeks ago and key fob replaced but no other notations. Full dealer inspection but no mention about this issue. There seems to be a lot of comments about this issue. Please research as it is definitely not a "one-off".

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11488339

Incident: September 27, 2022 · Filed: October 7, 2022

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11481994

Incident: March 30, 2022 · Filed: August 30, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving, the steering became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the RPM increased rapidly and the engine revved without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she was able to maneuver the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle without a failure. The contact then stated that a week later while driving the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Power Train

ODI #11383507

Incident: December 14, 2020 · Filed: December 15, 2020

TRANSMISSION WENT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE ACCELERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEED LAST NIGHT. FALSE NEUTRAL? NO NOTICEABLE LIGHTS CAME ON AND FINALLY PUT ITSELF BACK IN GEAR AFTER WE CAME TO A STOP. GEAR SELECTOR WAS NEVER MOVED. I'VE READ MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS ISSUE AND SEEMS TO BE A TEMP OR SPEED SENSOR IN THE TRANS.

Seats

ODI #11350147

Incident: August 1, 2020 · Filed: August 18, 2020

DRIVER SEAT MOVES BACK AND FORTH ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING. ALL LUMBAR AND SEAT SUPPORTS ALSO MOVE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE IN MOTION.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #11341691

Incident: September 1, 2019 · Filed: July 27, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT'S SON HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR PROVIDE A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO TEAM VOLKSWAGEN (3990 E LINCOLN HWY, MERRILLVILLE, IN 46410) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS ALSO UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR PROVIDED A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Air Bags

ODI #11324358

Incident: May 1, 2020 · Filed: May 13, 2020

I RECEIVED THE CALL SO I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW I CAN CONTACT YOU OR WHEN I COULD MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE MY CAR THANK YOU VERY MUCH MY CAR HAS LIGHTS ON AIR BAGS BRAND I WOULD LOVE TO BRING MY CAR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THANK YOU VERY MUCH! *TR

Other Volkswagen Passat model years

Check your 2008 Volkswagen Passat VIN

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

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