2008 Volkswagen Passat engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 53 complaints for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 22% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 53 22% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 90,000 miles 47 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 4
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 5 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 8 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 11 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 7 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 5 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 47 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 90,000 miles, and 19% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 4 fires.
What owners wrote
The vehicle was parked in the parking garage after being driven at lunch and within approximately 15-30 minutes of owner having turned off the vehicle the garage attendant reported smelling smoke. According to an eyewitness, there was smoldering smoke coming from under the hood and within a minute or so of discovering the smoke an explosion took place under the hood and the entire front hood compartment was engulfed in flames. The fire department was able to put out the fire but the vehicle is a total loss.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power while being driven approximately 50 MPH. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v509000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted.
Other problems reported for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat
- Fuel system 63 complaints
- Air bags 33 complaints
- Electrical system 21 complaints