2008 Volkswagen Passat Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the body and structure of the 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 1% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,500 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“We came home from a 30 mile trip and parked the car in the driveway. Went in the house and about 5 minutes later heard a big pop sound. I think is was a tire exploding and found the entire engine on fire. Another popping sound occurred and another tire blew. On the drive home there were no problems noted on the dash board. When we got out of the car there were no odors or indication of a fire. My keys were in the house at the time of the fire. Other issues that might be related. This past week my charger got extremely hot to touch and I stopped using it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10587079, filed 2014-05, 150,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the front passenger side door could not be opened from the inside of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred three times prior. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 31,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10446903, filed 2012-02, 31,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10232117Feb 20, 2023Strut or Shock leak assessment.
- 10185665Jan 14, 2021Body surfaces (engine compartment and underside of hood) are not directly visible (exposed) therefore do not match exterior paint finish.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 | 31 | 4% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 29 | 5% |
| 2002 | 30 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 5% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 8% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 6 | 6% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
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 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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