2008 Volkswagen Rabbit Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit has 23 complaints and a complaint index of 33, ranking 3rd best among 4 model years and earning a Good verdict. Its top problem area is Airbags, followed closely by Electrical System issues, with two recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #3 of 4 Rabbit years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 23
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21.5 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags6 (26%)
- Electrical System6 (26%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (22%)
- Fuel System4 (17%)
- Engine3 (13%)
- Steering3 (13%)
- Structure & Body3 (13%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (9%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during head-on and frontal crashes, in one case at 14,000 miles.
- Electrical wiring problems led to under-hood or interior fires, including a steering gear box catching fire and smoke billowing from the engine.
- Heated seats overheated and burned through seat material and clothing.
- Electromechanical steering failed and caught fire shortly after the vehicle was parked.
- Fuel system problems caused stalling or power loss during acceleration, especially after warm-up.
- A tire blew out while the vehicle was parked, separating the bumper on impact.
2008 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.
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 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.
2008 compared with other Rabbit years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit reliable?
- Compared to other Rabbit model years, the 2008 ranks well, with a complaint index of 33 and a Good verdict, ranking 3rd worst out of 4 years (meaning it's one of the better years).
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit?
- NHTSA complaints show Airbags and Electrical System issues each make up 26% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 22% and Fuel System at 17%.
- Does the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2008 Rabbit: one for a fuel line issue on vehicles with 2.5L engines and one for a missing cap in the low-beam headlamp assembly, both affecting lighting compliance.
- How does the 2008 Rabbit compare to the 2009 model?
- The 2008 Rabbit has 23 complaints and a complaint index of 33, while the 2009 Rabbit has 62 complaints and a complaint index of 100, making 2009 the year to avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit?
- EPA rates the 2008 Rabbit at 24 mpg combined (21.5 city / 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.