2008 Volkswagen Rabbit: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit: 2 recalls, 23 owner complaints and up to 24 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 #10V621000 · 2010 · 228,236 vehicles
What's wrong: 5l engines. The jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles May have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that May chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The new beetle and the new beetle convertible vehicles May have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that May be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel…
Why it matters: If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. Additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (6): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Steering (3): the most common themes are steering problems (3).
The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit has 23 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 4 Rabbit model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 38). Complaints peaked in 2009 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 45,296 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (54 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (62 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
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 Rabbit.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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 Rabbit problems?
Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (6), electrical (5), transmission & drivetrain (5).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit 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.