2008 Volkswagen Jetta: fire, smoke or burning smell

5 of the 188 complaints about the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 70,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 99 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2024
1
2019
6
2017
5
2016
6
2015
3
2014
3
2013
2
2012
12
2011
13
2010
7
2009
12
2008
5
2007
9
2006
6
2005
11
2004
21
2003
53
2002
49
2001
8
2000
13
1999
5
1998
6
1997
1
1996
1
1995
14
1994
2
1993
1
1992
4
1990
1

What owners say

Filed May 30, 2019 · Engine · 174,000 miles · GA · fire

I turned my car completely off and the car was parked when I got out of my car to meet with a friend to go swimming at this neighborhood pool. I had my keys in my hand (still do have the key as well) and I smelled something burning, so I turned around and there was smoke coming out of my sunroof. I looked in the car and saw that it was a fire in my backseat on the passenger side (also where the gas tank is located) and saw the fire spreading. Therefore, I ran away from the car, yelled for help and called 911. Within three minutes my car was engulfed in flames and popped a few times as well. The fire also caught the grass, a few bushes and trees on fire as well. The firefighters came to put the fire out and informed me that the fire started in my engine and traveled from there to the gas tank and spread from there.

Filed Feb 16, 2016 · Seats · 70,000 miles · MO · fire

Driver heated leather seat caught fire after car was turned on and the heated seat button was turned on. The vehicle was stationary.

Filed Feb 27, 2013 · Electrical, Seats · 112,000 miles · OH · fire

I was driving to work one morning and it started to smell like something was burning. I thought maybe it was just a weird smell in my vents but within 10 minutes of driving a cloud of smoke filed the driver side of my car. Luckily I was not on the highway yet and I was able to pull over and shut off the car. Not knowing where the smoke came from I immediately got out of the car. It when then that I looked down and saw the source of the smoke, there was a quarter size hole in my driver seat. I had been driving with the seat heater on and it caught fire. Luckily I was not injured and was able to quickly get off the road and discover the issue however I have read other complaints of similar events and yet no recall.

Filed Feb 13, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 53,000 miles · VA

On 10 february 2012, at approximately 7:45 am, I was driving on interstate 395 north , washington, dc. In the high occupancy vehicle (hov) lane when I heard noise from the engine and I saw white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the engine. I checked the indicator lights and no lights were on that indicated there was a problems. At the stop sign near the entrance near the navy annex off colombia pike, I noticed a smell similar to burning oil. First, the vehicle was checked by jack taylor toyota in alexandria, va. Toyota stated they were not aware of a volkswagen dealership in the area and indicated they had the ability to identify any problems with the vehicle by conducting a diagnostic test. According to the diagnostic test, the rear main seal, which is located at the rear of the engine between the engine and the flywheel of flex plate/torque converter was leaking transmission fluid. I learned later via an internet search there was a volkswagen dealership approximately 10 miles from the toyota dealership. I consulted with a technician at volkswagen who indicated the problem described by toyota was confusing and was possibly an error was asked to bring the vehicle in for a certified volkswagen technician to inspect further. Presently, the car is at the volkswagen dealership in alexandria, va for further diagnostic testing and repairs. They confirmed the rear main seal was leaking transmission fluid and ordered the part which was projected to arrive on or about 13 february 2012. The car was serviced for 50k tune up at volkswagen in springfield, va and this problems was not identified. This is the first incident in-which I have encountered transmission problems with this car.

Filed Apr 27, 2010 · Brakes · 23 miles · NJ

Changed rear brake pads because of squeaking noise. After that brake started to lock and smoke coming out of rear passenger side. Went back to my mechanic and was told could be problem with caliper. Changed caliper and brake locked again with more smoke and smell of burn coming from rear passenger side. Had car towed to mechanic and they adjusted brakes. Took car to vw dealer and was told nothing was wrong with brakes. Nothing happened for about 5 days and again burned smell came back, took car back to my mechanic day after since they were the ones that changed pads and caliper but brakes were not locked anymore.