Passat (2008)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Volkswagen Passat Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
EA390 VR6
3.6L 6-cyl / 280 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
EA888 Gen1/2
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Volkswagen Passat, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2008 Volkswagen Passat
On a used 2008 Volkswagen Passat, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the fuel system (67), the engine (53) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (32). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on the 2008 Volkswagen Passat about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 53 owner complaints on the 2008 Volkswagen Passat about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 32 owner complaints on the 2008 Volkswagen Passat about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 23 owner complaints on the 2008 Volkswagen Passat about the electrical system.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2008 Volkswagen Passat about the steering.
Recalls (4)
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2008-2008 Volkswagen Passat complaints?
Owners have filed 174 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2008 Volkswagen Passat. The systems they name most often are the fuel system, the engine and the safety systems.
Is the 2008-2008 Volkswagen Passat a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 174 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2008 Volkswagen Passat. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2008 Volkswagen Passat have?
NHTSA has 174 owner complaints on file for the 2008-2008 Volkswagen Passat as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2008-2008 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2008-2008 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Passat?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the fuel system, the engine and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Passat?
The 2008 Volkswagen Passat received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 174 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.