Volkswagen R32 Problems by Year

We compared every Volkswagen R32 model year from 2004–2008 using 128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. No R32 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

2model years
128complaints
3recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

2004200813115
Owner complaints per model year, Volkswagen R32. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2008115—2TransmissionLimited data
200413—1Wheel & TireLimited data

* Complaints compared with the median R32 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Volkswagen R32 problems

  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2008
    8566%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2008
    2620%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2008
    86%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2008
    75%
  • Lightsworst: 2008
    75%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2004
    43%
  • Air bagsworst: 2004
    32%
  • Body & structureworst: 2004
    22%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2004
    22%
  • Suspensionworst: 2004
    11%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2004
    11%
  • Seatsworst: 2004
    11%
  • Other / not specified
    11%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2008
    11%

Latest Volkswagen R32 recalls

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 09V-093 · Mar 20, 2009 · 5,000 vehicles

Volkswagen is recalling approximately 5,000 my 2008 r32 (5th generation) vehicles. When certain driving conditions are accompanied by high ambient temperatures, the fuel tank ventilation valve May not remain fully closed.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge. The recall began on June 2, 2009. Owners May contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Exterior lighting › Headlights

NHTSA recall 07V-442 · Sep 24, 2007 · 340,000 vehicles

Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some vehicles May not have had a required cap installed which disables the headlight horizontal aim and some vehicles May contain a cap that disables the vertical aiming…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the low beam horizontal aiming screw and install one if missing, and inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the vertical aiming screw and if…

Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch

NHTSA recall 07V-063 · Feb 20, 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles

On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch May malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

Remedy: Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through September 21, 2007.

All 3 Volkswagen R32 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Volkswagen R32 should you avoid?

None of the Volkswagen R32 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common Volkswagen R32 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (85), fuel & propulsion system (26) and electrical system (8). Transmission complaints peak in the 2008 model year.

How many recalls has the Volkswagen R32 had?

3 recalls across 2004–2008. The model year with the most is 2008. See all Volkswagen R32 recalls by year.

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.