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2008 Volkswagen Eos problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Volkswagen Eos is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 12,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Eos model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
66/100
Owner complaints
47
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
512
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
22-24mpg

The worst 2008 Volkswagen Eos problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    26
  • Body
    7
  • Electrical
    7
  • Engine
    6
  • Tires
    3
  • Visibility
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Volkswagen Eos

Jerking 10Loss of power 5Stalling 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Vehicle stall/loss motive powerOpened July 17, 2009, closed November 19, 2009

The subject vehicles are equipped with direct shift gearbox (dsg) transmissions, which feature a 6-speed automatic gearbox with two wet running clutches (dual clutch) in which the clutch mechanism and gear changes are electrohydraulically operated by a mechatronic control unit.the dsg mechatronic controller includes extensive self diagnostic functions and strategies to ensure safe operation and prevent system/component damage in the event of component failures or harsh operating conditions.the basic hierarchy of fault modes includes some that only result in the storage of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) and cause no loss of function, some that store a dtc and reduce vehicle operation to a limp home mode, and some that store a dtc and cause an interruption of motive power (I.e., open clutch).the driver is alerted to the latter two modes by the dash gear position indicator (prnds) flashing. One of the conditions that results in interruption of motive power is excess gearbox temperature.the system initially responds to increased gearbox temperature by ramping down engine torque.if the temperature keeps rising the mechatronic unit responds by opening the clutch.in a defect information report submitted to the federal safety agency on august 20, 2009, volkswagen described a potential defect in the wiring harnesses of the dsg gearbox temperature sensors used in approximately 16,000 model year (my) 2009 and 2010 volkswagen (eos, jetta and gti) and audi (a3 and tt/tt roadster) vehicles equipped with dsg transmissions and built from september 2008 through august 2009 (the federal safety agency recall no. 09v‑333, volkswagen recall no. 37e3/s7 and audi recall no 37e4/j7). Volkswagen provided this description of the defect, the wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the dsg may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped by the connector supplier during a limited production period.with insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral.if this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash.in addition, the depress brake pedal indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.in heavy traffic, the abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.volkswagen estimated that less than one percent of the recalled vehicles may contain the defect condition. Odi identified 40 complaints that appear to be related to the temperature sensor defect condition described by volkswagen.volkswagen received 139 complaints related to the condition, with 7 involving vehicles reported to odi, resulting a 172 total complaints to odi and volkswagen.all of these complaints involve the my 2009 an 2010 vehicles subject to recall 09v‑333. Odi also identified complaints of harsh/jerky shifting in some volkswagen vehicles with dsg.volkswagen attributed this condition, which typically occurs at very low speeds, to excessive wear in the bushings of the two solenoid valves in the mechatronic unit that control clutch operation.volkswagen does not believe that the this condition is a safety defect because the changes in shift quality develop gradually over time, do not cause a loss of motive power and have not resulted in any fatalities, injuries or serious crashes (there were three reported property damage incidents resulting in minor body damage in very low speed, parking maneuvers).volkswagen addressed this problem in the field with a customer service program that includes the replacement of potentially affected mechatronic units as well

PE09035

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Volkswagen Eos 512

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 512 bulletins for the 2008 Volkswagen Eos

2008 Volkswagen Eos fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD20-2129-3024
3.2L 6‑cylFWD192622

What 2008 Volkswagen Eos owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · Tires · 72,245 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen EOS equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Assurance A/S, Tire Size: 215-55/R16, DOT Number: (NA). While the contact’s son was driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. After pulling over and inspecting the vehicle, the driver noticed a blowout of the front passenger’s side tire. The tire was replaced with the spare tire. The vehicle was taken back to the tire shop where the tire had been purchased approximately one year prior; however, there was no replacement provided free of charge because there was no recall or warranty coverage on the tire. The tire was not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 72,245. The tire failure mileage was approximately 7,423

Filed Sep 12, 2021 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

While in drive, the car jumps out of gear and PRNDS lights are illuminated. The car is no longer able to put back in gear and is idle.

Filed Jul 21, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen eos. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed a quart of oil every month. The contact also stated after changing the battery, the ECM had to be re-flashed. The contact stated the rear door warning light was illuminated. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Nov 21, 2019 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · OK

Car was in morning traffic and failed due to timing belt failure at 85000 miles. Car was maintained by dealership at recommended intervals. The manuals and dealer recommended belt replacement at 110000 miles. Fortunately my wife was not injured or killed in what could have LED to a serious accident. After looking at the internet and talking to mechanics, this appears to be a major safety flaw that should lead to a recall of these motors by the federal safety agency and correction by volkswagen and payment for motor replacement.

Filed Jan 25, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 14,700 miles · CA

Even though the car is in drive it will go down I feel backwards this is going to cause accidents. The electric windows go up and down continuously yes, this is a known issue but they refused to fix this the distraction is going to cause people accidents. This makes texting while driving seem like a safe way to behave.

Filed Jul 15, 2018 · Transmission · 9 miles · VT

Gearbox failure! Direct failure to gearbox causes car to malfunction while in motion. Vehicle will stop abruptly (travelling on the interstate!) and refuse to go back into any gear, including but not limited to, reverse and drive. Repeatitive problem and isn't isolated to one specific event (but many occasions)

Filed Apr 5, 2018 · Engine · 110,000 miles · TX

Car stalled and when brought to dealership was informed this car burns oil at a high rate and the engine needs to be replaced. Oil had just been added!

Filed Nov 10, 2017 · Engine · 198,000 miles · MI

Upon waiting for the traffic light to change to green, I depressed the accelerator and within seconds, I heard a low boom and then the engine power cut out. I coasted to the side of the road and at that point was no longer able to start the car. I was at that point, forced to have it towed to the nearest dealership. I was notified that the camshaft timing chain had snapped.

Filed Oct 10, 2017 · 67,000 miles · MO

The interior side door panel the material comes lose. I had to replace the driver side about 1 year ago and currently in the middle of replacing the passenger side. From researching this seems common with the eos. I would think this would be a qualifier for a recall. The car I have only has 67,000 miles, stored in a garage and very limited time with the top down. If being left outside for any time the top is always put up to protect the interior.

Filed Sep 23, 2017 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · TX

I was driving my car on a local city street and halfway through a turn all of a sudden it went into neutral on it's own, all the gears on the dash started flashing (the park, reverse, and drive) they started flashing on and off as my transmission went haywire. I had to pull over and avoid being hit as I had no control over my speed, I could not accelerate. The engine was racing and there was no forward motion at all. My car has a dsg (direct shift gearbox).

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Questions about the 2008 Volkswagen Eos

Is the 2008 Volkswagen Eos reliable?

Owners have filed 47 complaints about the 2008 Volkswagen Eos, close to a typical Eos model year.

What is the 2008 Volkswagen Eos year score?

The 2008 Volkswagen Eos scores 66 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Eos: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volkswagen Eos?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 26 complaints, typically around 12,000 miles. Next is body (7).

How many recalls does the 2008 Volkswagen Eos have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Volkswagen Eos have bad transmission?

The Volkswagen Eos model years with the most transmission complaints are 2009 (36 complaints), 2008 (26 complaints) and 2010 (22 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Volkswagen Eos get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Volkswagen Eos range from 22 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20-21 city and 29-30 highway.

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