2008 Volkswagen R32 recalls and problems

The 2008 Volkswagen R32 has 2 safety recalls and 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
115
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Volkswagen R32 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Volkswagen R32 recalls

Recall 09V-093: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Mar 20, 2009 · 5,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: Volkswagen is recalling approximately 5,000 my 2008 r32 (5th generation) vehicles. When certain driving conditions are accompanied by high ambient temperatures, the fuel tank ventilation valve may not remain fully closed. If this happens, liquid fuel may enter the fuel tank venting system and migrate into the evaporative system, saturating the carbon canister. Should this occur while driving, the vehicle may experience performance issues (I.e., vehicle jerking) and the malfunction indicator lamp (Mil) in the instrument cluster could illuminate. Fuel could leak from the evaporative system leak detection pump filter.

Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge. The recall began on june 2, 2009. 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 R32 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train83
Fuel System, Gasoline20
Electrical System6
Exterior Lighting6
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Unknown or Other1
Fuel System, Other1
Tires1
Engine1
Air Bags1
Vehicle Speed Control1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 60
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 6
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 12,000 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 R32 complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Apr 3, 2024
My vehicle started to develop a crank no start and intermittent stumble when idling at a light shortly after starting. I chalked it up to a possible fueling issue since I had lean codes. I replaced the fuel pump and filter with OE supplier parts. Within two months the crank no start situation returned. I began to research the concern and buried in a forum someone mentioned checking fuse 43 in the underhood fuse box. I went out to my car, removed the fuse and found that there was arcing on one of the legs and extending upwards into the fuse itself. I researched what the fuse is for on the VW…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 112,856 miles · reported Jul 19, 2020
I exited from a driveway at a riteaid to get to the light across the street, I have about 3/4 tank of gas and the odometer reads 175 miles, when I get to the my next destination, a drive thru, the fuel marker starts dropping fast and so does my odometer, it goes down to above 1/4 of a tank and my miles read 110 left, in a span of about 10-15 minutes. The vehicle was stationary in the drive thru except when moving
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 133,000 miles · reported Jun 27, 2020
When certain driving conditions are accompanied by high ambient temperatures, the fuel tank ventilation valve may not remain fully closed. If this happens, liquid fuel may enter the fuel tank venting system and migrate into the evaporative system, saturating the carbon canister. Should this occur while driving, the vehicle may experience performance issues (I.e., vehicle jerking) and the malfunction indicator lamp (Mil) in the instrument cluster could illuminate. Fuel could leak from the evaporative system leak detection pump filter. Consequence a fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 117,000 miles · reported Jun 21, 2019
Raw fuel spewing from leak detection pump (Ldp) filter located under passenger side fender well. Charcoal canister, ldp, evap lines, & n80 valve all contaminated by raw fuel. Fuel entering evap system when high ambient temps are present. P026 recall was already performed (In 2012) but issue has come back. Contacted vwoa they said it's beyond the recall's 1 year 12,000 mile extended warranty and that they would not do anything to fix the issue. This is a fire hazard that could potentially lead to serious injury and/or death. Because vw knows about this issue they should be held accountable.…
Air Bags · at 36,000 miles · reported Mar 13, 2019
Suspect clock spring failed. Airbag indicator light is illuminated. Lost all functions to steering wheel mounted controls. Vw would not pay for the repair.

Other Volkswagen R32 years

Compare all Volkswagen R32 years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Volkswagen R32 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen R32: 09V-093 (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 R32?

Owners report power train problems most often (83 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 12,000 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.