VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT · model year

2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

240 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2008VOLKSWAGENPASSAT carries 240 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 9 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2008 PASSAT is fuel/propulsion system with 44 filings, followed by engine (43) and air bags (32). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2008 PASSAT, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

240
Complaints
3
Crashes
9
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

240 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM44
ENGINE43
AIR BAGS32
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
STEERING12
POWER TRAIN10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8
SERVICE BRAKES4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
VISIBILITY3
SEATS3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2

Recalls (4)

08V23500028/05/2008

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

17V50900016/08/2017

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

16V07800010/02/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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

18V14800006/03/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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

Recent Complaints

20250704VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

20250704FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20250704SERVICE BRAKES

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.

20250516FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Mileage: 134,000

20240830FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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)

20240830ENGINE

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)

20240830UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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)

20230101STEERING

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".

20221007ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20221007FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20221007UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20220830ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

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.

Mileage: 170,000

20220830ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

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.

Mileage: 170,000

20201215POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 252,000

20200818SEATS

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.

20200727FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

20200513AIR BAGS

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

20200305ENGINE

WHEN I TURN ON AC THE CAR LOSES POWER AND THE BATTER ICON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. AFTER I TURNED OFF AC AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART CAR AFTER A FEW TRYS IT STARTED BACK UP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF.. THIS HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE

20200305STEERING

WHEN I TURN ON AC THE CAR LOSES POWER AND THE BATTER ICON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. AFTER I TURNED OFF AC AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART CAR AFTER A FEW TRYS IT STARTED BACK UP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF.. THIS HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE

20200305UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHEN I TURN ON AC THE CAR LOSES POWER AND THE BATTER ICON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. AFTER I TURNED OFF AC AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART CAR AFTER A FEW TRYS IT STARTED BACK UP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF.. THIS HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE

Compare 2008VOLKSWAGENPASSAT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT have?
The 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 240 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 9 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Yes, the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
The most-complained component for the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM with 44 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.