2008 Volkswagen Jetta Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 11%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,450miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, 11% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,450 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I noticed my airbag indicator light for my left back seat stays on and after getting my car serviced, another airbag light for my driver side stays on. I find that unusual. Am I going to have to take my car in for service for every airbag that comes on within 3 months period??? Something needs to be done....concern and frustrated owner.”
NHTSA complaint #11035195, filed 2017-10, 128,000 miles“We have a 2008 Jetta purchased new in december 2007. It currently has 58,000 miles on it. We have had numerous safety issues with it. A crash sensor went out at about 50k. This cost over $500 to fix at the local dealer. Recently the airbag light came on and shows code 01221 which is drivers side airbag. The dealer said the airbag system is probably not functioning with the light on. I'd guess this is another expensive fix. This car has never been in an accident, submerged, or had a spill in it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10679854, filed 2015-01, 58,000 miles“A car hit me when I was stop trying to make a left hand turn. They hit me on the left front corner of my car . Took out my front end. My air bags did not go off.”
NHTSA complaint #10633531, filed 2014-09, 150,000 miles“We had the car in the body shop for a repair! Dent in the rear corner panel the air bag light came on a couple days later we took the car back to the body shop they took it the columbus ga vw dealer and were told the clock spring in the steering column was bad and they were getting quite a few cars back for the same problem.well it turns out all your electronics horn, radio,cruise control, air bags,dash lights,all the wires for these any many more items travel thru the clock spring! There having alot of problems with this item why is there no recall? …”
NHTSA complaint #10520618, filed 2013-06, 71,293 miles“I am getting a warning light on my dash indicating that there is an airbag fault in my 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. I have called the dealer where I purchased the vehicle, and after speaking with them, the dealer gave me a number to what he said was the Volkswagen corporate office in michigan. I was told by both the dealer and by Volkswagen corporate that my airbag was past its warranty and that it would be my responsibility to fix it. An airbag is a lifesaving safety component, and it seems to me to be the responsibility of the car manufacturer to see that the drivers of their vehicles are safe. …”
NHTSA complaint #10701778, filed 2015-03, 74,900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10231584Feb 2, 2023VW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 5 | 7% |
| 2020 | 2 | 4% |
| 2019 | 16 | 3% |
| 2018 | 6 | 19% |
| 2017 | 21 | 13% |
| 2016 | 7 | 4% |
| 2015 | 17 | 9% |
| 2014 | 37 | 10% |
| 2013 | 31 | 6% |
| 2012 | 34 | 7% |
| 2011 | 37 | 6% |
| 2010 | 31 | 4% |
| 2009 | 35 | 4% |
| 2008 | 20 | 11% |
| 2007 | 35 | 17% |
| 2006 | 65 | 11% |
| 2005 | 26 | 10% |
| 2004 | 21 | 9% |
| 2003 | 77 | 17% |
| 2002 | 108 | 15% |
| 2001 | 97 | 15% |
| 2000 | 41 | 9% |
| 1999 | 30 | 9% |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 9% |
| 1995 | 22 | 10% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
53 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsEngine
20 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology