2008 Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen Jetta 2008

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta repairs by problem area

Engine (37%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (9%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (30%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (13%)

Other (4%)

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Chart based on 128 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.

2008 Volkswagen Jetta electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (18%)

$500 - $999 (9%)

$100 - $499 (21%)

< $100 (52%)

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Chart based on 33 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Volkswagen Jetta

Engine not specified

80000 mi

US $1000
Air bag malfunction. Replaced a spring and the driver airbag. 

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

81000 mi

US $120
Replaced front right dipped beam bulb 
86800 mi

C $1850
Wiper spray motor quit functioning, also car accessory plugs died. A control module was the problem. 
52000 mi pax visor light inop 
77000 mi

US $250
Lights in visor 
30380 mi The iPod interface stopped working Radio was replaced 
44640 mi Wiring harness had to be changed in passenger door. Door lock working intermittently. 
45570 mi Outside temperature sensor failed. Replaced.  Outside temperature sensor failed. Replaced. 
26000 mi

US $1500
Car refused to start sometimes, starter replaced. 

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

69440 mi Left mirror blinker; LED array needed replacing 
138000 mi

US $767
AC Compressor leak 
45100 mi

US $65
The Satellite radio stopped working - we took it to the dealer and the module appears to have failed - did not repair to costly - just paid $65.00 to have it checked 
58000 mi

US $90
The Satellite radio failed - a receiver module I am told - To costly to repair - Had to pay diagnostic fee 
90300 mi

US $140
Replaced driver's door latch module to address faulty "door open" microswitch. 
87000 mi

US $1157
AC intermittently ran very hot or cold. Emissions CEL turned on. Car overheated once. Mechanic found both radiator fans had failed and were replaced. AC ran properly. Thermostat read 110 C. Car driven 50 miles on flat terrain. Car overheated on steep grade mountain at constant 3,000-3,500 RPM. Car cooled down. Thermostat read 90 C. Mechanic replaced radiator valve thermostat. AC intermittently ran hot. Mechanic replaced defective radiator fan. Horn not functioning. Airbag CEL turned on. Mechanic replaced clock spring. 
58300 mi AC becoming progressively less effective. They replaced a faulty sensor and ordered another compressor. Car is "Certified Preowned" so repairs were made under warranty (after 2 trips and 5 hours/trip). 
61000 mi

US $110
Rear passenger door lock malfunctions at times. 
57000 mi Air vent recirculation valve motor replaced 
23000 mi Ipod connector not working 
25000 mi Had part installed. Repair successful 
60500 mi Horn not working when setting alarm. Sensor replaced in rear door. 
26660 mi Left rear door does not open sometimes. If I insist on the remote 3 or 4 times, the door will eventually open. The dealer claims that the "electrical motor" of the door lock is defective. I contacted VW to demand a (denied) free replacement 
26660 mi Door lock still not working well when sold. 
61100 mi

US $25
Drivers side headlight out. Replaced both headlight bulbs. 
122000 mi

US $1500
Replaced all 4 door lock actuators. 

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD

78000 mi

US $100
Airbag light on. Mechanic cleared and problem has not resurfaced. 
24000 mi Rear doors failed to lock. 
19000 mi Cigarette DC power outlets wouldn't work anymore. Were replaced with new fuse. 
30000 mi Airbag light was on. Sensor needed to be replaced. 
36000 mi Driver door lock indicator would display that door was still locked even though door was physically open. This behavior was inconsistent. 
75000 mi

US $260
Replaced faulty driver's side seat belt latch due to airbag light turning on and disabling airbag due to airbag light. 
80000 mi

US $120
AC wasn't getting cold anymore. Checked AC system and recharged/filled up with new freon. 
93000 mi

US $1022
Leak in evaporator. Evaporator replaced. New recharge. 

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

68640 mi

$870
Change of 4 door locks. 2 doors won't lock, 1 won't unlock, 1 was OK. 

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

86900 mi

US $600
ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH BACK SEAT LOCK: REPLACED DOOR LOCK. 

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2008 Volkswagen Jetta problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.