The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is a wagon that came with a choice of 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 5-cyl engines. At 18 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Compact Cars, Small Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl (turbocharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 20–22 city / 29 highway / 24–25 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,800–$3,400 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 355–370 grams per mile |
| Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle) | 3,248 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 6 configurations: Jetta, Jetta SportWagen |
| Age | 18 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle…
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Jetta, new beetle, new beetle convertible, model year 2009 Jetta sportwagen and model year 2007-2009 rabbit vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. The Jetta, Jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may…
Risk: If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
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…
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 m
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…
Risk: Noncompliance can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment for roadway illumination, improperly aimed headlamps could cause reduced road visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 188 complaints about the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA. 4 reports involved a crash and 4 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 4 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 597 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
VW Engine oil quality standards
VW Engine oil quality standards
Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 ex
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2008 Jettas that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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