2008 Volkswagen Passat recalls and problems
The 2008 Volkswagen Passat has 4 safety recalls and 168 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Volkswagen Passat recalls
Recall 18V-148: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Recall 17V-509: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Recall 16V-078: Air Bags
Problem: 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 air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Recall 08V-235: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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 ECM may unexpectedly increase engine RPM.
Risk: An engine surge caused by an unexpected increase in engine RPM may surprise the vehicle operator and can result in a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and update the ECM software free of charge. The recall began on may 30, 2008. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
2008 Volkswagen Passat problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 44 | |
| Engine | 43 | |
| Air Bags | 33 | |
| Electrical System | 21 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 19 | |
| Power Train | 13 | |
| Unknown or Other | 13 | |
| Steering | 12 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 10 | |
| Visibility | 5 | |
| Service Brakes | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Structure › Body — 2
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 2
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Power Train › Axle Assembly — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 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 Passat complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volkswagen Passat years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat: 18V-148 (air bags), 17V-509 (fuel system, gasoline), 16V-078 (air bags), 08V-235 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (44 reports), followed by engine (43). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 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.