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.
The worst 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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.
- Fuel system63
- Engine52
- Airbags32
- Electrical21
- Steering12
- Transmission12
- Brakes6
- Visibility6
- Acceleration4
- Lights3
- Seats3
- Body2
- Driver assistance2
- Seat belts2
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Volkswagen Passat
Fuel pump 41Stalling 21Check engine light 19Won't start 12Loss of power 7Fire or smoke 5Fuel smell 5Power steering loss 5
Recalls 4
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V‑078.
Recall number 18V148000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Recall number 17V509000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834.
Recall number 16V078000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen is recalling 4,079 my 2008 passat and 2,500 my 2009 tiguan passenger vehicles equipped with 2.0t fsi ulev ii engines. These vehicles have an engine control module (ECM) containing software that may not properly control engine idle with the air conditioning turned on. In rare cases, the ECM may unexpectedly increase engine RPM.
- Risk
- An engine surge caused by an unexpected increase in engine RPM may surprise the vehicle operator and can result in a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and update the ECM software free of charge. The recall began on may 30, 2008. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑893‑5298.
Recall number 08V235000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat 622
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- VW Engine oil quality standards
- Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger
- Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
- Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- Diagnostic assistance for excessive static current draw
- Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
- Software Version Management (SVM) instruction.
- Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.
2008 Volkswagen Passat fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19-20 | 28-29 | 22-24 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 26 | 20 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 24 | 19 |
What 2008 Volkswagen Passat owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while her husband was reversing out of the garage, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the insurance company later informed the contact that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
My son bought this used car. The STOP ENGINE light came on, got an oil change but the light did not go away. Were told that the oil pressure might be the issue so took it to the mechanic. We were told it was most likely the oil pressure switch. There were multiple codes(cones) and were cleared. The switch was replaced but the engine light's still on & the STOP ENGINE comes on but goes off. It appears it is a gas pump issue that it might be manufacture fault. Is there a recall for this issue on this 2008 Passat? It's my [XXX] 's first car, he saved & bought it but it's dangerous...he got it diagnosed & was told it's a $5,000 job. If it's an oil/gas pump manufacturer issue, is Volkswagen responsible? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering Lock Warning Light flashes yellow and car takes two to three attempts to start. Periodically light changes to red with audible. Car occasionally shuts down while driving but recovers before stopping completely. This has been happening for over a year and is now getting significantly worse. Dealer serviced about 4 weeks ago and key fob replaced but no other notations. Full dealer inspection but no mention about this issue. There seems to be a lot of comments about this issue. Please research as it is definitely not a "one-off".
There is a recall with the fuel pump and the manufacturer is claiming that I need to replace certain parts to be able to do the recall.
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving, the steering became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the RPM increased rapidly and the engine revved without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she was able to maneuver the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle without a failure. The contact then stated that a week later while driving the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Transmission went into neutral while accelerating at highway speed last night. False neutral? No noticeable lights came on and finally put itself back in gear after we came to a stop. Gear selector was never moved. I've read many people having this issue and seems to be a temp or speed sensor in the trans.
Driver seat moves back and forth on its own while driving. All lumbar and seat supports also move without warning while operating vehicle in motion.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while her son was driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted on several occasions. Recently, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's son had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was previously taken to team volkswagen (3990 e lincoln hwy, merrillville, in 46410) however, the mechanic was also unable to duplicate the failure or provided a cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v509000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
I received the call so I would like to know how I can contact you or when I could make an appointment to take my car thank you very much my car has lights on air bags brand I would love to bring my car as soon as possible thank you very much!
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2008 Volkswagen Passat
Is the 2008 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Owners have filed 168 complaints about the 2008 Volkswagen Passat, close to a typical Passat model year.
What is the 2008 Volkswagen Passat year score?
The 2008 Volkswagen Passat scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Passat: 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 Passat?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 63 complaints, typically around 100,170 miles. Next is engine (52).
How many recalls does the 2008 Volkswagen Passat have?
4 recalls, covering air bags, fuel system, gasoline and engine and engine cooling.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Volkswagen Passat fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 17V509000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volkswagen Passat have the most fuel system problems?
The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2003 (169 complaints), 2013 (88 complaints) and 2002 (73 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Volkswagen Passat get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat range from 19 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-20 city and 28-29 highway.
VIN decoder
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