Most common 2008 Volkswagen R32 problems
Share of the 115 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volkswagen R32 complaints by model year
2008 Volkswagen R32 recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Volkswagen R32:
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 R32 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 82 →
On four separate occasions, vehicle spontaneously shifted into neutral. This occurred on both highway and city streets, both while in motion and while braking (downshifting). The lever selector position flashed on the dashboard and the "depress brake" indicator light came on. Vehicle required shifting to park and turning engine on/off (sometimes several times) before becoming drive-able again. Repair facility reports transmission temperature fault, as described in the following recall for other Volkswagen/Audi vehicles with the same dsg transmission: NHTSA campaign id 09V333000 Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between September 2008 and August 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (dsg) May have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. …
I am experiencing the well known symptoms of a failing mechatronic unit in the Volkswagen dsg gearbox. There was a recall from previous complaints regarding this issue. Symptoms are lurching/harsh engagement when starting from a stop. Jerky/ almost bouncy reversing. Harsh/clunky shifts between gears. Loss of drive operation at freeway speeds. This can be dangerous in many situations. My recall was completed through Volkswagen at roughly 55,000 miles. I started to notice the symptoms arise again at approximately 103,000 miles. This is literally just after the vw "extended" warranty on the dsg gearbox and replaced mechatronics unit expired. (10 year/100,000 miles) I find it very odd that the first mechatronics unit lasted just 50,000 miles and it seems as if the 2nd has failed in nearly the exact same time frame. …
Fuel & propulsion system all 25 →
My vehicle started to develop a crank no start and intermittent stumble when idling at a light shortly after starting. I chalked it up to a possible fueling issue since I had lean codes. I replaced the fuel pump and filter with OE supplier parts. Within two months the crank no start situation returned. I began to research the concern and buried in a forum someone mentioned checking fuse 43 in the underhood fuse box. I went out to my car, removed the fuse and found that there was arcing on one of the legs and extending upwards into the fuse itself. I researched what the fuse is for on the VW service information page and it supplies power to the ignition coils. When I got home I removed the fuse box, opened it and found that the terminals for that fuse were slightly opened when compared to the rest of the box. …
Raw fuel spewing from leak detection pump (ldp) filter located under passenger side fender well. Charcoal canister, ldp, EVAP lines, & n80 valve all contaminated by raw fuel. Fuel entering EVAP system when high ambient temps are present. P026 recall was already performed (in 2012) but issue has come back. Contacted vwoa they said it's beyond the recall's 1 year 12,000 mile extended warranty and that they would not do anything to fix the issue. This is a fire hazard that could potentially lead to serious injury and/or death. Because vw knows about this issue they should be held accountable. Vehicle was driving in normal city traffic when I smelled raw fuel. Pulled over to see fuel spilling out of rear passenger fender well.
Electrical system
My vehicle started to develop a crank no start and intermittent stumble when idling at a light shortly after starting. I chalked it up to a possible fueling issue since I had lean codes. I replaced the fuel pump and filter with OE supplier parts. Within two months the crank no start situation returned. I began to research the concern and buried in a forum someone mentioned checking fuse 43 in the underhood fuse box. I went out to my car, removed the fuse and found that there was arcing on one of the legs and extending upwards into the fuse itself. I researched what the fuse is for on the VW service information page and it supplies power to the ignition coils. When I got home I removed the fuse box, opened it and found that the terminals for that fuse were slightly opened when compared to the rest of the box. …
My brand-new 08 vw makes severe hiccups on moderate acceleration when the outside temperature is above about 95 f. (sudden loss of power and come back up in short period of time.)have starting problem after the symptom, sometimes smell of gas from outside rear. The problem does not leave any error codes on computer, therefore dealers cannot fix or replicate problem. (usually takes about 30 min constant drive in the hot weather to have the symptom.) had numerous visit to a vw dealer but no fix. Always end up with my claim comments; "customer states..." and dealer states, "can not replicate the problem". I keep having the same problem since last year, only when outside is really hot (for california), above 95f. Total of 6-7 days I've had the same problem since last year.
2008 Volkswagen R32 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Volkswagen R32 a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the R32 to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volkswagen R32?
The transmission & drivetrain — 82 complaints, 71% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (25) and electrical system (6).
How many recalls does the 2008 Volkswagen R32 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen R32, the most recent from March 20, 2009 (tank assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2008 Volkswagen R32 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 12,000 miles; 87% 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.