2008 Volkswagen R32
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 13 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 115 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
72% of complaints: power train — 83 distinct reports on file, 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, 20190129
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, 20121227
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120402
17% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 20 distinct reports on file, 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, 20080617
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
5% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
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, 20240403
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, 20190313
Also filed under AIR BAGS
3% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 REQUIRE
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 AIM
Campaign 07V442000 — check if this car was fixed
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 NO
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.
Campaign 09V093000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE STALL/LOSS MOTIVE POWER
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Volkswagen R32 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (83 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V442000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V093000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.