Most common 2008 Volkswagen Eos problems
Share of the 47 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volkswagen Eos complaints by model year
Best Eos years: 2015, 2016, 2011. Years to avoid: 2012, 2009, 2010, 2008, 2014. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Volkswagen Eos:
Vehicle stall/loss motive power
The subject vehicles are equipped with direct shift gearbox (dsg) transmissions, which feature a 6-speed automatic gearbox with two wet running clutches (dual clutch) in which the clutch mechanism and gear changes are electrohydraulically operated by a mechatronic control unit.the dsg mechatronic controller includes extensive self diagnostic functions and strategies to ensure safe operation and prevent…
What 2008 Volkswagen Eos owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 26 →
First incident (many more to follow) occurred while driving downhill on highway. The entire dash panel appeared to have gone haywire and then car just turned off. Coasted off of the road and was towed down the hill. Charged the battery and it started just fine, for about 20 miles, then the same thing occurred and car turned off. Had car towed to dealership, after diagnosis, had fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator and gasket replaced. During their test drive, car stalled out again. Had to also replace alternator, freewheel pulley and battery. Picked up car, before I even got home engine lamp came on again, took back to dealership in a closer location to me. Now the problem was turbo underboost and EVAP system leaks, reccommended replacement of turbo purge valve, EVAP purge valve and EVAP vent hose. …
Car was in morning traffic and failed due to timing belt failure at 85000 miles. Car was maintained by dealership at recommended intervals. The manuals and dealer recommended belt replacement at 110000 miles. Fortunately my wife was not injured or killed in what could have LED to a serious accident. After looking at the internet and talking to mechanics, this appears to be a major safety flaw that should lead to a recall of these motors by the NHTSA and correction by Volkswagen and payment for motor replacement.
Body & structure
I was already parking in my space in front of my house when suddenly instead of stop the car run off passing the concrete barrier and going toward the house .I couldn't stop it, I just drove across the lawn, avoiding to crash first against the brick wall turned right then I went against a ficus tree and the car keep going toward a palm tree so I turned again right but finally was out of control and crash against my neighbor car that was parked. The good think was nobody was there, so there were not injures.
I don't think a $38,000 car that is only 3 years old should leak rain in it all the time and the convertible top not work properly - it has been in the shop 5 times in the last 2 months and is currently in the shop fixing a problem that was suppose to be fixed last Friday. Volkswagen dealership service department mechanic even told me that 98% of Eos leak rain inside them and the convertible tops don't work. Datemilesproblem 3/19/08328wiper blades split apart (car was brand new) 6/17/0911400leaks rain inside car on drivers side - replaced header seal and mounting bracket 6/17/0911400drivers side sunvisor cracked 6/23/0911540replaced drivers side sunvisor 9/4/1023056recall - mechantronic unit 9/4/1023056convertible top not operating properly - flap tension string needed new clips 9/4/1023056side window grinding and hesitating when going up and down - defective window regulator …
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Eos. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed a quart of oil every month. The contact also stated after changing the battery, the ECM had to be re-flashed. The contact stated the rear door warning light was illuminated. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Even though the car is in drive it will go down I feel backwards this is going to cause accidents. The electric windows go up and down continuously yes, this is a known issue but they refused to fix this the distraction is going to cause people accidents. This makes texting while driving seem like a safe way to behave.
2008 Volkswagen Eos engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 30 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 29 / 24 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Volkswagen Eos a good car?
Based on 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Eos rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Eos at the same age. It is one of the Eos years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volkswagen Eos?
The transmission & drivetrain — 26 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the body & structure (7) and electrical system (7).
How many recalls does the 2008 Volkswagen Eos have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen Eos. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volkswagen Eos?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2016 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2009, 2010, 2008 and 2014. See the full Volkswagen Eos years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Volkswagen Eos problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 17,000 miles; 65% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.