2008 Volkswagen Passat Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 4% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“The car was parked and would not start even after a check of the battery. The car had no power whatsoever and could not be placed into neutral to tow-the electronic emergency brake was also locked.the vehicle sat two nights in a shopping center parking lot before a towing company could figure something out. The tow was $106.00 to the vw dealership.the dealer wanted $107 labor charge for each problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10614742, filed 2014-07, 92,000 miles“My car stalled on me while I was driving and would not start. I was told I need a new feul pump module. I took it to the dealership to get it replace and the feul pump but the car will not start.”
NHTSA complaint #11671276, filed 2025-07“2008 vw Passat. Purchased brand new from mcdonald automotive littleton co transmission slipping 2009 brakes / rotors. 2010 sunroof / would not close pouring rain. Needs new motor 2011 leaking oil vacuum pump 2013. 87000 miles turbo cut off valve 2013 front rotors 2013 engine revving up 2013 headlights keep going out.”
NHTSA complaint #10553543, filed 2013-11“The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle continued to move. It took great effort to stop the vehicle. He exited the freeway and the failure recurred at the very next stop. The contact went to the dealer and shut off the vehicle. The mechanic attempted to duplicate the failure; however, it did not recur once the vehicle was restarted. The contact continued to drive the vehicle until he discovered NHTSA campaign id number 08v235000 (engine and engine cooling) on june 23, 2008. …”
NHTSA complaint #10232132, filed 2008-06, 1,500 miles“Parking brake engaged at highway speed ( 1 2 ) considered buying one of these, but concerned after reading this forum post from vw vortex. The Passat has a electronic/computer control parking brake system. It engaged at 65mph!”
NHTSA complaint #10254832, filed 2009-01Related service bulletins
- 10181413Oct 2, 2020Mandatory fastener.
- 10180603Sep 25, 2020Antilock brake function test direction.
- 10180101Sep 4, 2020Antilock brake function test direction.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 25% |
| 2018 | 13 | 28% |
| 2017 | 17 | 15% |
| 2016 | 17 | 16% |
| 2015 | 28 | 12% |
| 2014 | 8 | 1% |
| 2013 | 8 | 1% |
| 2012 | 12 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 16 | 6% |
| 2006 | 49 | 9% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% |
| 2002 | 72 | 11% |
| 2001 | 63 | 15% |
| 2000 | 207 | 41% |
| 1999 | 233 | 35% |
| 1998 | 90 | 27% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 14 | 15% |
| 1994 | 4 | 16% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1991 | 3 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2008 Volkswagen Passat
63 complaintsEngine
43 complaintsAir bags
32 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat
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