2008 Volkswagen Jetta Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, 28% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 25,650 miles. The words owners use most often: “dsg transmission” (23% of reports).
- 53power train complaints
- 25,650median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 28%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Dsg transmission: mentioned in 12 of 53 complaints (23%)
- Mechatronic unit: mentioned in 6 of 53 complaints (11%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 50 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 53 complaints, 1 mention a crash.
Volkswagen Jetta power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Jetta | 6 | 20% | — |
| 2024 Jetta | 7 | 16% | 17,600 |
| 2023 Jetta | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2021 Jetta | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2020 Jetta | 7 | 13% | 843 |
| 2019 Jetta | 162 | 30% | 888 |
| 2018 Jetta | 5 | 16% | 30,100 |
| 2017 Jetta | 15 | 9% | 27,750 |
| 2016 Jetta | 22 | 14% | 32,000 |
| 2015 Jetta | 23 | 12% | 45,500 |
| 2014 Jetta | 74 | 19% | 70,000 |
| 2013 Jetta | 141 | 27% | 67,000 |
| 2012 Jetta | 46 | 9% | 40,770 |
| 2011 Jetta | 54 | 9% | 17,500 |
| 2010 Jetta | 111 | 13% | 43,000 |
| 2009 Jetta | 141 | 16% | 21,000 |
| 2008 Jetta | 53 | 28% | 25,650 |
| 2007 Jetta | 33 | 16% | 60,000 |
| 2006 Jetta | 245 | 42% | 68,000 |
| 2005 Jetta | 84 | 34% | 78,000 |
| 2004 Jetta | 35 | 15% | 29,000 |
| 2003 Jetta | 54 | 12% | 33,985 |
| 2002 Jetta | 103 | 15% | 70,000 |
| 2001 Jetta | 62 | 9% | 40,850 |
| 2000 Jetta | 37 | 8% | 51,203 |
| 1999 Jetta | 30 | 9% | 69,950 |
| 1998 Jetta | 14 | 7% | 130,000 |
| 1997 Jetta | 8 | 15% | 55,117 |
| 1996 Jetta | 2 | 6% | 78,000 |
| 1995 Jetta | 22 | 10% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Problem: Volkswagen is recalling 25,594 my 2006-2009 jetta 5th generation equipped with 2.01 engine. The fastening screw contact surfaces on the driveshaft cover plate may not have been manufactured to factory specifications. Some screws may not have been torqued properly during assembly and could loosen over time, causing a knocking sound when the vehicle is in motion. The driveshaft screws could loosen to the point where the driveshaft detaches from the gearbox.
Risk: If the vehicle is moving when this happens, the detached driveshaft could cause damage the gearbox housing. A damage gearbox housing could leak gearbox oil onto the street and create a risk of a vehicle crash for both the driver and other motorists.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft screws and replace the screws free of charge. The recall began on june 24, 2009. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and swaying in the rear of the vehicle. The contact slowed down and proceeded to drive. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or…
Just after i purchased the used vehicle from a private party, i was driving on the interstate at approximately 70 miles per hour, when the vehicle without warning slammed into second gear, sending my face into the steering wheel, while the cars travelling behind me had to brake to avoid collision…
Vehicle suddenly comes out of gear. Will not let you select forward or reverse ,leaving you stuck in a possible dangerous situation. Throws code p0717 , transmission speed sensor. After some research i've discovered this is a common issue and recalls have been issued in other countries.
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2008 Volkswagen Jettas have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 53 owner complaints about power train for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (28% of the 188 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 25,650 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most frequent phrase is “dsg transmission”, in 12 of 53 complaints, followed by “mechatronic unit” (6).
See all 2008 Volkswagen Jetta problems or power train problems across all Jetta years.