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
- 23
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2008
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2008: 23 complaints
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.
Air bags
6 of 23 total reports mention: air bags.
Show 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, 2018-04-15
Also filed under Structure and vehicle speed control
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, 2009-08-14
Electrical system
5 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show 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, 2008-05-20
Power train
5 of 23 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Steering
3 of 23 total reports mention: steering.
Show 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, 2012-06-07
Structure
2 of 23 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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2011-01-31Fuel system, gasoline10V621000 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.…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07V442000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 10V621000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.