2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
Only 23 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2007 | 54 |
| 2008 | 23 |
| 2009 | 62 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 23 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WAS IN A TIGHT SPOT AT A PARKING LOT, WHEN I WAS BACKING UP I HIT A BARRIER BEHIND ME, AFTER STOPPING AND SHIFTING TO GO FORWARD, THE CAR SPED UP UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A WALL IN FRONT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180415
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT. THE CONTACT STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON, WHICH SEVERELY DAMAGED THE FRONT END OF HER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT AND OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090814
5 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I BOUGHT VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT 2008 MODEL TWO MONTHS AGO, AND LESS THAN 4,500 MILES THE OXYGEN SENSOR WIRE RIPPED YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080520
4 of 23 total reports mention: power train.
3 of 23 total reports mention: steering.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE STEERING STARTED MAKING A POPPING AND CRACKING SOUND WHILE TURNING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING UNIT WAS GOING BAD AND THEY HAD TO FIX IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120607
2 of 23 total reports mention: structure.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WAS IN A TIGHT SPOT AT A PARKING LOT, WHEN I WAS BACKING UP I HIT A BARRIER BEHIND ME, AFTER STOPPING AND SHIFTING TO GO FORWARD, THE CAR SPED UP UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A WALL IN FRONT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180415
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 CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERV
Campaign 10V621000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V442000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V621000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 Rabbit?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.