2008 Volkswagen Rabbit Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 22%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit, 22% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,300 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.
“In motion: the transmission is not properly shifting up. There is delay, therefore the car is 'jumping' before the higher level of gear automatically shift. This problem last for about 4 months in motion: the use of fuel is much higher than used to be, even all injectors are properly working. This problem is now about 5 months old. The rear door - its latch broke in november 2014. The door felt on my head. Contacting vw USA - I was told that the repair has to be done by vw dealer.. Vw dealer made me a quote of $ 3.5 k which I rejected. …”
NHTSA complaint #11287388, filed 2019-12, 138,000 miles“I tried to enter the highway across oncoming traffic and had very slow acceleration. I switched to manual shift mode and the transmission was stuck in 5th gear and would not downshift. Once I started I couldn't stop and was barely able to make it across the lanes. I have had similar occurrences before. I took the car to my local shop and they changed the fluid which they said was very dirty and burned looking. Note, the transmission is (was) supposed to be service free for the life of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10553948, filed 2013-11, 79,000 miles“While driving in second gear, the vehicle abruptly stopped leaving dual skid marks on pavement. The engine was restarted but vehicle would not move forward or reverse. When towed, a pool of transmission fluid was found under car, mechanic reports new transmission is needed but exact cause currently unknown. Vehicle is 5 months and 14,300 miles over warranty and Volkswagen dealer will not cover any costs since out of warranty and is 5 speed. More importantly, if this occured at higher speed, injury or death could occur.”
NHTSA complaint #10531504, filed 2013-07, 74,300 miles“The engine loss power not only when you stop but when running too. It happens in a intermitent time. If you need more power in a specific time and push for more gasoline the engine goes down for a period of 4 to 6 seconds. It has a noise in the rear like when the exhaust pipe are loose. All this issues had been reported at the service department at euroclass Volkswagen dealer in puerto rico and they dont finf anithing. Regarding the noise in the rear they changed a few parts of the suspension and sock adsorvers but the noise is there.”
NHTSA complaint #10265350, filed 2009-04, 1,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10214473Jun 14, 2022Auto Trans fluid requirements.
- 10122981Jun 19, 2015Tech Tips: The document discusses the conditions of when turbo can to be fixed or replaced
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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