10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,188 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Volkswagen Passat seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

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2008 Volkswagen Passat Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #32

May 012020

Passat 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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!

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #31

Dec 122019

Passat

  • 157,000 miles
I bought the car around mid-September 2019. I've been driving it since and just recently, I'd say December 9th, 2019 to be exact, got a letter in the mail saying my vehicle had a recall for the airbag. I went online to the car brands website and looked up my exact car to verify. Upon doing this, I discovered it had a second recall for the fuel pump. I took the car in for the free repairs, only to be told that they can't fix the fuel fump issue as my check engine light is on. From what I've been told by a mechanic I went to, the light is on due to a leak in my vacuum pump. He said it'd cost about $600 for part and labor, but that this fix isn't extremely important and that my car should run well enough without this fix. Me being broke, I didn't get it fixed. Well, now that I'm here to get my recall parts fixed, I'm being told I can't get one of them fixed, and I'd have to pay around $124 for a diagnosis of why the check engine light is on, or pay the estimated cost to fix what's casuing it (which I'd only know if I allowed the diagnosis). So no matter what, I'd have to pay money, or just not get my fuel pump, which was recalled, fixed. Is this something they can do? seems unlikely they'd have to clear the light to fix the fuel pump...

- Norman, OK, USA

problem #30

Apr 252019

Passat

  • 96,000 miles
Takata recall. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was coasted over to the side of the road and then towed to the owner's residence. The contact was not notified, but the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V509000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. In addition, the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 18V148000 (air bags). Joe holland Volkswagen (150 maccorkle ave sw a, South charleston, wv 25303, (304) 744-1561) was contacted, but did not respond within a reasonable timeframe to address the two recall repairs. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

- Charleston, WV, USA

problem #29

Dec 192018

Passat

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Hello NHTSA I have a 2008 Volkswagen Passat that was recalled about an airbag this to me was unsafe I tried to get it fixed a soon as possible, getting to the Volkswagen dealership I leave my Passat to them to fix it like the letter I received in the mail said I would pay anything out of pocket, I get my car in less than an our supposedly fixed my air bag but bit only did they change my air bag but they tampered with a few other things one of them being the fuel pump control moduel because according to them the cars parts where all recalled, now I'm getting to my complain I took my car in in good condition now my car turns off at random time being in the street or in the freeway driving when I fill it up with gas I have to strip on my engine for it to turn on or it won't start, also the car keeps marking tire pressure every day I used this car before I took it into Volkswagen, my car was not like this I gave them a call to make an appointment but I don't really trust the people who I believe messed up my vehicle it is in the bakc now sitting U can contact me at (xxxx) my name is (xxxx) thansk you for your time parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- San Bernardino, CA, USA

problem #28

Feb 092019

Passat

  • miles
My wife and I purchased a 2008 VW Passat 2.0 sedan new from a VW dealership and recently (within the past 6-8 months the air bag light came on from time to time). Because the vehicle is not a primary vehicle for me or my wife it is seldom driven, but about 2 TO3 months ago I notice the air bag light coming on which immediately concerned me and I remember hearing about the takata air bag recall, but due to my/my wife work schedule it was hard to get to a dealer, but I recall receiving notifications, but I honestly will have search for them. Anyway I took the vehicle to hagerty Volkswagen and they told me that I missed three(3) factory recalls and if I wanted them done now I would have to pay out my pocket. The air bag light is on, I am afraid of being injured seriously or killed. The dealership says it's they can do about the issue because the vehicle is one which was not tagged as needing attention, that's mighty nice that mike hagerty of orland park feels that way. What I want know is does the NHTSA feel that car manufacture are so honest that if a tax paying american citizen should base on the word of a global manufacture who already has been caught using defective parts. I received something about a recall, I expect that the NHTSA has enough experience as to correct the manufacture to repair a clearly dangerous situation in which and others may perish from an unforeseen explosive steering default that the manufacture and takata are making every effort to avoid any responsibility/liability by simply denying a faulty bag was placed in this particular vehicle. I have always look upon every individual as an equal, I would appreciate it if whom ever processes this complaint. I do not want to die in a car that I paid for according to the contract that I signed, can vollkswagen of America and it parent company do the same. I pray your Agency will represent me.

- Chicago, IL, USA

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problem #27

Oct 232017

Passat

  • 165,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was pushed to an independent mechanic auto shop and it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V509000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 18V148000 (air bags). The contact called ganley westside Volkswagen at (440) 734-2000 (located at 25580 lorain rd, North olmsted, oh 44070) and was informed that the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available and parts distribution disconnect.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #26

Apr 252018

Passat 4-cyl

  • 117,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owned a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. While driving approximately 20 mph, the contact's vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

- Crane, TX, USA

problem #25

Mar 182018

Passat

  • 114,000 miles
When the car is started it immediately shuts itself off and says steering column lock defective. I took it to the dealer today and they told me this could cause more serious problems while driving, especially the airbag system. This seems like a very common issue with these cars and could potentially lead to life threatening situations while driving. A simple google search reveals hoards of people who experience the same issue with this model Passat.

- Bloomington, IN, USA

problem #24

Feb 122018

Passat

  • 131,000 miles
I'm concerned that there could be an interruption in electrical power to the fuel pump control module. This could result in the fuel pump running continuously, resulting in a drained battery and/or a no start condition, or cause a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. In addition, the airbag recall is a great concern. I'm also concerned for any other recalls associated with my Volkswagen. Now that takata has settled the lawsuit, I hope my concerned can be resolved expeditiously.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #23

Nov 012017

Passat

  • miles
Got recall notice took to dealership Nov. First showed recall card service manager said I would get something else in mail and then to come back. Deadline to file claim Dec. 17 2017.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

problem #22

Aug 012017

Passat

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Nothing.

- Fullerton, CA, USA

problem #21

Mar 152017

Passat

  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V078000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact spoke to hansel Volkswagen (2951 corby ave, santa rosa, ca 95407) who stated that parts were not available and did not know when they would arrive. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Petaluma, CA, USA

problem #20

Jun 152017

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V078000 (air bags). 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 contact called a local dealer (bommarito Volkswagen of hazelwood located at 400 brookes drive hazlewood, mo 314-731-7777) and was informed that the recall remedy parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 08/04/17 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 08/15/2017

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #19

Apr 082017

Passat

  • miles
Takata recall. I took the vehicle in for the takata recall to the autobarn city Volkswagen located in Chicago, il. The first time I took it in, on March 31st, the consultant told me that it was too late to work on it even though I brought it in at 5 pm while they closed at 7 pm. The option they gave me was to leave the car overnight and pick it up the next day. I needed the car over the weekend so they rescheduled my appointment to the folloiwng Saturday, the 8th. On the 8th, I had the luck to speak with a different consultant by the name of brayner asatouri. When he found out that the vehicle had a re-built title he told me that they will not be doing the recall. He told me to hope that the airbag does not malfunction while im in the vehicle but that there was nothing they can do about it and that I was not the first recall he had to send home. It left me wondering that I should junk the car if there was a chance of somebody being harmed by the airbag. With a little research and many calls to the Volkswagen care team, an investigation was started and it turns out that the consultant gave me false information. I have to use the vehicle to go to work, go places and do some everyday day activities. While the investigation was going on, I had to use the vehicle for two weeks before they could work on the car. For two weeks I was put at risk and everybody around me because a Volkswagen service consultant would not work on the takata airbag recall. He did not make any effort to find out from his superiors if the car qualified for the repair let alone explain some options to make the vehicle safer. Fortunately, nothing happened during the time that they rejected to work on the vehicle but if something would have happened, I dont know how the dealer would react since they neglected the safety recall. Who knows how many vehicles have been neglected in this dealer?

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #18

Mar 012016

Passat

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V078000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part distribution disconnect.

- Rio Vista, CA, USA

problem #17

Mar 142016

Passat

  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V078000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part distribution disconnect.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #16

Apr 152016

Passat

  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V078000 (air bags); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

problem #15

Jul 252016

Passat

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16V078000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Pelham, AL, USA

problem #14

Apr 012016

Passat

  • miles
Takata recall: We got a letter from VW in April 2016 about this. I called the dealer this week and they still have no repair for the problem. It's dangerous and it's been a long time, so I don't understand the delay. The date below is the approximate date of the first letter. The letter identifies the problem as: NHTSA 16V078, safety recall 69M9

- Belmont, MA, USA

problem #13

Apr 012016

Passat

  • miles
Takata recall

- Hayward, CA, USA

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