2007 Volkswagen Rabbit Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 2nd-worst of 4 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Brakes are the top problem area with 13 complaints (24% share), and NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering fuel system and electrical lamp issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #2 of 4 Rabbit years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 54
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes13 (24%)
- Structure & Body11 (20%)
- Electrical System10 (19%)
- Engine10 (19%)
- Airbags8 (15%)
- Fuel System5 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (9%)
- Steering4 (7%)
- Other3 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (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 can fail to slow the vehicle even with the pedal pushed to the floor, sometimes leading to a rear-end collision.
- Airbags have failed to deploy during frontal crashes despite the powder smell being noticed by occupants.
- Steering has reportedly failed at highway speed, causing loss of control and a crash into a guard rail.
- Heated driver's seats have overheated and burned holes through the seat foam and fabric, raising fire concerns.
- Fuel system problems have included fuel leaks and a fuel pump failure shortly after purchase, in one case within a day of delivery.
- The engine has stalled unexpectedly in traffic along with noticeable shaking.
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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 07V442000Sep 24, 2007Electrical System340,000 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
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.
Risk: Noncompliance can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment for roadway illumination, improperly aimed headlamps could cause reduced road visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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.
2007 compared with other Rabbit years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2007 Rabbit a Complaint Index of 67, the second-highest among the 4 model years with data, resulting in a Caution verdict relative to other Rabbit years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2007 VW Rabbit?
- Brakes are the top complaint area, with 13 complaints making up 24% of all reports, and a median failure mileage of 31,000 miles.
- Does the 2007 Rabbit have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for a fuel line issue affecting 2007-2009 Rabbits with 2.5L engines, and one for a missing headlamp aiming cap affecting lighting compliance.
- How does the 2007 Rabbit compare to other years?
- The 2006 Rabbit has a Complaint Index of 0 and a Good verdict, the 2008 has an index of 33 and a Good verdict, while the 2009 has an index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, making 2007 worse than 2006 and 2008 but better than 2009.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2007 VW Rabbit?
- The 2007 Rabbit is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined (19 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.