2008 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 11%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, 11% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car while driving immediately slows like it was shifted into neutral. When you press the gas car races but does not move. The prnds flashes and the car had to be shut down and restarted. I heard there was a recall but it never showed for my car nor will they help, because my VIN was not listed. This is a serious safety hazard. Especially at 55 MPH in heavy traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11207572, filed 2019-05, 101,230 miles“While I was driving the car started shaking and when I checked the oil there was no oil on the dipstick.no oil light came on and when I brought it to my mechanic he stated that the rear seal needed to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10887820, filed 2016-07, 120,000 miles“The car initially had troubles when it would be hot outside it would and the temperature gauge would go high in temperature also if it was cold outside and you were driving slow temperature gauge down below safe temperature. After applying 2-5 bottles in a month the car started shuting down on its on . After an oil change in april, I experienced the most scary incident... While driving on freewaay I felt kerking a seen smoke from under the hood. I oulled in s gas station and let the car cool topk over 4hrs to do so. …”
NHTSA complaint #11160846, filed 2018-12, 200,000 miles“My pcv valve got clogged which caused the rear main seal to blow out causing a lot of damage. This is not supposed to happen at this mileage. Volkswagen has acknowledged they are receiving a lot of these vehicles between 80k and 100k, unacceptable. They are not covering any repairs. There has been 3 revisions by Volkswagen to the pcv valve thats in my vehicle but they won't acknowledge mine is faulty..why did they remake it 3 times? Also model years before me had pcv valve recalls for this exact reason. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10706445, filed 2015-04, 85,000 miles“I turned my car completely off and the car was parked when I got out of my car to meet with a friend to go swimming at this neighborhood pool. I had my keys in my hand (still do have the key as well) and I smelled something burning, so I turned around and there was smoke coming out of my sunroof. I looked in the car and saw that it was a fire in my backseat on the passenger side (also where the gas tank is located) and saw the fire spreading. Therefore, I ran away from the car, yelled for help and called 911. Within three minutes my car was engulfed in flames and popped a few times as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #11210866, filed 2019-05, 174,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10244545Oct 30, 2023VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10212929May 26, 2022Engine oil pressure priming.
- 10208284Feb 21, 2022Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 10206820Jan 21, 2022Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 10202843Oct 28, 2021Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 10198230Jun 22, 2021Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10198166Jun 21, 2021VW approved gasoline fuel additive, update to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10190228Apr 5, 2021Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 10181413Oct 2, 2020Mandatory fastener.
- 10169142Dec 2, 2019This Document informs dealers on the the Frequently Asked Questions for the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 | 12 | 26% |
| 2023 | 11 | 26% |
| 2022 | 12 | 28% |
| 2021 | 5 | 7% |
| 2020 | 12 | 22% |
| 2019 | 147 | 27% |
| 2018 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 33 | 21% |
| 2016 | 43 | 27% |
| 2015 | 43 | 22% |
| 2014 | 108 | 28% |
| 2013 | 112 | 22% |
| 2012 | 84 | 17% |
| 2011 | 90 | 15% |
| 2010 | 117 | 14% |
| 2009 | 96 | 11% |
| 2008 | 20 | 11% |
| 2007 | 16 | 8% |
| 2006 | 39 | 7% |
| 2005 | 27 | 11% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 16 | 4% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
53 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsAir bags
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 Oct 28, 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