2008 Volkswagen R32: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Volkswagen R32: 2 recalls, 115 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #07V442000 · 2007 · 340,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some vehicles May not have had a required cap installed which disables the headlight horizontal aim and some vehicles May contain a cap that disables the vertical aiming screw.
Why it matters: Noncompliance can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment for roadway illumination, improperly aimed headlamps could cause reduced road visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the low beam horizontal aiming screw and install one if missing, and inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the vertical aiming screw and if present, the cap will be removed. The recall will begin on October 31, 2007.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #09V093000 · 2009 · 5,000 vehicles
What's wrong: When certain driving conditions are accompanied by high ambient temperatures, the fuel tank ventilation valve May not remain fully closed. If this happens, liquid fuel May enter the fuel tank venting system and migrate into the evaporative system, saturating the carbon canister. Should this occur while driving, the vehicle May experience performance issues (i.e., vehicle jerking) and the malfunction indicator lamp…
Why it matters: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge. The recall began on June 2, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (82): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (62), noise or vibration (15), stalls / loses power (14).
- Fuel system (20): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (13), leaks (6).
- Electrical (6): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), stalls / loses power (2), leaks (2).
- Exterior lights (6): the most common themes are leaks (2), electrical failure (2).
The 2008 Volkswagen R32 has 115 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 4 R32 model years for complaints (3.6× the average R32 year). Complaints peaked in 2009 (71 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 12,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (1 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Volkswagen R32.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Volkswagen R32 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen R32. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Volkswagen R32 problems?
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (82), fuel system (20), electrical (6).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Volkswagen R32 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Volkswagen R32 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.