MYRModel Year Report

2008 Volkswagen R32

○ Not enough data
2008 Volkswagen R32
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:46:31.361Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
115
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

72% of complaints

Complaints per year

2004: 13 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 115 complaints 2008 115
2004: 13 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 115 complaints 2008 115
2004: 13 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 115 complaints 2008 115

2008: 115 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200413
20050
20060
20071
2008115

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

72% · 83 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

On four separate occasions, vehicle spontaneously shifted into neutral. This occurred on both highway and city streets, both while in motion and while braking (Downshifting).

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-29

2008 Volkswagen r 32 is having issues with dsg transmission operation vehicle is extremely rough shifting into first from neutral and engaging into reverse from a stop. Vehicle also shift extremely rough in sport mode.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-27

The car has very rough slow speed lurching and jerking when moving in reverse and also in slow forward. Its worse on cold start moving.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-02

Fuel system, gasoline

17% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing auxillary tank.

Show complaint excerpts

My brand-new 08 vw makes severe hiccups on moderate acceleration when the outside temperature is above about 95 f.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-06-17

Also filed under Electrical system and engine and engine cooling

Exterior lighting

5% · 6 reports

Electrical system

5% · 6 reports
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-03

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Suspect clock spring failed. Airbag indicator light is illuminated. Lost all functions to steering wheel mounted controls. Vw would not pay for the repair.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-13

Also filed under Air bags

Fuel/propulsion system

3% · 4 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2007-10-31Exterior lighting07V442000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2009-06-02Fuel system, gasoline09V093000 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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2009-07-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-11-19 Vehicle stall/loss motive power

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Volkswagen R32 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 83 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 07V442000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09V093000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2008 Volkswagen R32 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volkswagen R32?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Volkswagen R32 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.