2008 Volkswagen Rabbit recalls and problems

The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit has 2 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
23
Crashes / fires
2 / 4
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit recalls

Recall 10V-621: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 10, 2010 · 228,236 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 07V-442: Exterior Lighting

Reported Sep 24, 2007 · 340,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags6
Electrical System5
Power Train5
Steering3
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Visibility2
Seats2
Structure2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Tires1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 123,984 miles · reported Dec 25, 2020
Pulled car up to propane display outside of heb grocery store. Once tanks were exchanged, noticed smoke billowing from engine. Turned care off, got out and noticed fire underneath engine. Store employee got hood open, doused fire. Called wrecker to tow car home. On december 25, 2020 neighbor noticed smoke and burning wire smell coming from hood of car. Opened hood disabled battery.
Structure · at 138,000 miles · reported Dec 5, 2019
In motion: the transmission is not properly shifting up. There is delay, therefore the car is 'jumping' before the higher level of gear automatically shift. This problem last for about 4 months in motion: the use of fuel is much higher than used to be, even all injectors are properly working. This problem is now about 5 months old. The rear door - its latch broke in november 2014. The door felt on my head. Contacting vw USA - I was told that the repair has to be done by vw dealer.. Vw dealer made me a quote of $ 3.5 k which I rejected. Since that time I AM carrying in car board of wood and…
Electrical System · at 1,690 miles · reported Nov 29, 2018
Steering stopped working and caught fire, there is a hole in the side of it like a laser shot out of the electromechanical steering gear box. I had parked in my driveway, and within 15 min after it was parked, smoke came billowing out from under the hood, it ended up being the electronic steering on fire.
Air Bags · at 180,000 miles · reported Apr 15, 2018
Was in a tight spot at a parking lot, when I was backing up I hit a barrier behind me, after stopping and shifting to go forward, the car sped up uncontrollably until it crashed into a wall in front. The space and time was very small/short, but the force was so rapid that the airbags were deployed.
Seats · at 93,000 miles · reported Dec 20, 2016
I had the heated seats on at the lowest setting of 1. I was driving on the main road by my house and the side of the driver's seat started getting really hot and I smelled smoke. I had to pull over as I was worried the seat was on fire. I turned off the seat heater, got out and checked the seat. There was a hole burned into the seat and into the jacket I was wearing.

Other Volkswagen Rabbit years

Compare all Volkswagen Rabbit years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit: 10V-621 (fuel system, gasoline), 07V-442 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit?

Owners report air bags problems most often (6 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.