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SteeringPart report

2008 Volkswagen Jetta Steering Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
2%of 188 total for the year
Median mileage
112,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, 2% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,500 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Key was stuck in n the ignition in the on position. Could not turn the key either way. After several hours of the car running I was forced to head to my local vw dealership for repair. The cost to replace the inside of the ignition plus labor was $1,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11366592, filed 2020-10, 170,000 miles

“Passenger airbag is always off. I saw reports on youtube wiring connectors under the seat are the reason. There’s a home remedy solution. Important air bag issues should be freely be done by manufacturer or dealer. Also steering issues are more common than reported. The electrical devise fails too often rendering driving the vehicle difficult.”

NHTSA complaint #11536995, filed 2023-08

“The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. When the vehicle was started, the air bag warning indicator intermittently illuminated. The failure recurred each time the vehicle was started over approximately a two week period until it was consistently illuminated each time the vehicle was started. The contact also stated that when he made a left or right turn, there was a clicking sound that came from the steering column. The failures recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #10780581, filed 2015-10, 55,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026117%
202513%
202424%
202312%
2022716%
202134%
202047%
2019122%
2017149%
2016117%
2015158%
2014174%
2013377%
2012428%
2011234%
2010132%
2009243%
200832%
200742%
2006102%
200521%
200442%
200310%
200281%
200151%
200082%
199982%
1998126%
199724%
1996310%
1995146%
199411%
199126%
198716%

Other parts of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta

Transmission and drivetrain
53 complaints
Electrical system
42 complaints
Brakes
23 complaints
Air bags
20 complaints
Engine
20 complaints
Other or unknown
14 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
10 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
Engine cooling
7 complaints
Seats
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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