2008 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th worst out of 21 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It has 188 complaints, 4 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #14 of 21 Jetta years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 188
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2008 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain53 (28%)
- Electrical System45 (24%)
- Engine31 (16%)
- Brakes27 (14%)
- Airbags20 (11%)
- Structure & Body20 (11%)
- Other12 (6%)
- Fuel System10 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers8 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly jerked and failed to stop the car at low speed, causing a collision into the vehicle ahead.
- Electrical wiring issues led to a burning smell followed by smoke filling the cabin while driving.
- Heated seats overheated and burned occupants, in one case causing a fire while the car was stationary.
- Transmission hesitated for one to three seconds after the accelerator was pressed, then lunged forward into a parked vehicle.
- A tire developed a blister just a couple months after purchase, with the dealer denying warranty coverage.
- The front defrost system reportedly failed to clear fog from the windshield, reducing visibility in storms.
2008 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V679000Sep 25, 2019Other113 vehicles
Unknown or other
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.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
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.
- NHTSA 10V621000Dec 10, 2010Fuel System228,236 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
- NHTSA 09V164000May 19, 2009Transmission & Powertrain25,594 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
2008 Volkswagen Jetta fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
- Relative to other Jetta model years, the 2008 rates Good, with a complaint index of 35 and a rank of 14th worst out of 21 years tracked. It has fewer complaints (188) than most later years like 2009 through 2013.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Jetta?
- NHTSA complaints show Transmission & Powertrain issues lead at 28% of complaints (53 total, median mileage 25,650), followed by Electrical System problems at 24% (45 complaints, median mileage 90,000).
- Does the 2008 Jetta have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2008 Jetta, covering fuel system, transmission driveshaft screws, electrical lamp issues, and a later 2019 buyback campaign. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- Which Jetta years should be avoided instead of 2008?
- Based on complaint index and recalls, 2009 through 2013 and 2019 all carry Avoid verdicts, with 2009 topping the list at a complaint index of 100 and 888 complaints.
- How does 2008 fuel economy compare?
- The 2008 Jetta gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.