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2008 Volkswagen Passat

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 110.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

126 reports with mileage · 42 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports6 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

168 reports
80,025 miles · Dec 6, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

THIS IS ALL ABOUT VW PASSAT 2008 2.0T, IT WAS A RAINY DAY ON SATURDAY (NOV-14) ENGINE STARTED MISFIRE AND GAVE FLASHING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, IMMEDIATELY WENT TO SEE THE VW SERVICE TO GET THE FEEDBACK, SERVICE GUY GUESSED IT MIGHT CAUSED DUE TO MISFIRE IN ONE OR MORE CYLINDER AND TOOK VEHICLE BACK WITH ENGINE FLUID TOPOFF, ON THE …

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THIS IS ALL ABOUT VW PASSAT 2008 2.0T, IT WAS A RAINY DAY ON SATURDAY (NOV-14) ENGINE STARTED MISFIRE AND GAVE FLASHING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, IMMEDIATELY WENT TO SEE THE VW SERVICE TO GET THE FEEDBACK, SERVICE GUY GUESSED IT MIGHT CAUSED DUE TO MISFIRE IN ONE OR MORE CYLINDER AND TOOK VEHICLE BACK WITH ENGINE FLUID TOPOFF, ON THE WAY BACK HOME THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME AND STAYED CONSTANT. SO ON MONDAY MORNING WENT TO VW SERVICE TO GET FULL DIAGNOSE, SERVICE GUY GAVE P300 AND P301 AS RANDOM MISFIRES AND DID ADDITIONAL FINDINGS SAYING INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS DE-CARB WITH $1000+ IN SERVICE CHARGE, I DECLINED THE REPAIR AND GOT THE VEHICLE BACK WITH CLEARED CODE. NOW THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING SMOOTH AND SEEMS IT LOST TURBO POWER. EVEN DURING FREEWAY TAKE OVER IF I PRESS HARD ON GAS PEDDLE ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES FOR COUPLE TIMES AND THERE IS NO FASTER PICK UP TO DO SMOOTH OVER TAKE, IF I CHOOSE RUN VEHICLE UNDER THIS CONDITION IT MAY NOT BE SAFE ON ROADS. I READ SIMILAR COMPLAINTS REPORTED HERE. PLANNING TO TAKE BACK TO SERVICE CENTER TO SEE IF THEY GOT ANY POSSIBLE RECALL UPDATES FROM VW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10662594

106,483 miles · Nov 6, 2014
Steering

WHILE MERGING ONTO AN ON-RAMP ON A TOLL ROAD, AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING TRIED TO PULL THE CAR IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE ONE I WAS TURNING. THIS WAS A "CLOVERLEAF" ON-RAMP, WITH A TIGHT TURNING ANGLE. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 30 OR 35 MPH, AS I WAS BEGINNING TO COME OUT OF THE TURN AND IT HAPPENED A…

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WHILE MERGING ONTO AN ON-RAMP ON A TOLL ROAD, AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING TRIED TO PULL THE CAR IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE ONE I WAS TURNING. THIS WAS A "CLOVERLEAF" ON-RAMP, WITH A TIGHT TURNING ANGLE. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 30 OR 35 MPH, AS I WAS BEGINNING TO COME OUT OF THE TURN AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I WAS TURNING THE RIGHT AND STEERING WOULD TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT FOR A SECOND OR TWO. I WAS FORCED TO TRY TO MAINTAIN THE CORRECT DIRECTION AND AVOID CRASHING. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. IT ONLY SEEMED TO HAPPEN ON THIS ONE PARTICULAR ON-RAMP AT THE TIME. APPROXIMATELY A MONTH LATER (ON A MONDAY, 10/20/2014), I WAS ON ANOTHER SIMILAR "CLOVERLEAF" ON-RAMP BUT AT DIFFERENT LOCATION AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT. LATER THAT DAY THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE I WAS TURNING TO THE LEFT ON A LESSER EXIT RAMP, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD "GLITCH" AND TRY TO PULL THE CAR TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. BEING AWARE THAT THIS HAD HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES, I WAS VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT MY SPEED ON THESE RAMPS. REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED, THE ISSUE WOULD STILL OCCUR. THE NEXT DAY, THE STEERING ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN AT A DIFFERENT LOCATION, THREE TIMES WHILE ON THE RAMP, PULLING THE CAR IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SAME WEEK ON FRIDAY (10/24/2014). THEY WERE FINALLY ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE AND SAID I NEEDED TO HAVE THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK REPLACED. SINCE THE PROBLEM WAS GETTING WORSE AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, I WAS FORCED TO HAVE THE REPAIR MADE, WHICH COST MORE THAN $1,700. THIS WAS A VERY SCARY ISSUE AND I WAS VERY AFRAID IT WOULD CAUSE ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10653034

88,752 miles · Sep 21, 2014
EngineFire

SMELLED SMOKE IN CABIN OF CAR STOPPED CAR ON INTERSTATE I-4. SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. LIFTED HOLD TO SEE OIL ALL OVER ENGINE AND EXHAUST. HAD TOW TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED AS A REAR MAIN SEAL DEFECT DUE TO NOT BEADING THE SEAL AT THE FACTORY. FIRE HAZARD!!!!!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637884

43,000 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Engine

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AT 42K MILES IN MAY 2010. THE VW DEALERSHIP HAD CHANGED OIL AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE. ALMOST EXACTLY 4 WEEKS LATER I CHECKED MY OIL AND NONE REGISTERED ON THE DIPSTICK. IT REQUIRED AN ENTIRE QUART OF OIL TO BRING BACK TO ACCEPTABLE FILL LEVEL. CALLING VW THEY STATED THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH OIL TO EVEN…

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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AT 42K MILES IN MAY 2010. THE VW DEALERSHIP HAD CHANGED OIL AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE. ALMOST EXACTLY 4 WEEKS LATER I CHECKED MY OIL AND NONE REGISTERED ON THE DIPSTICK. IT REQUIRED AN ENTIRE QUART OF OIL TO BRING BACK TO ACCEPTABLE FILL LEVEL. CALLING VW THEY STATED THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH OIL TO EVEN CONSTITUTE AN OIL TEST. THEY STATED THAT THIS FSI MOTOR CAN BURN UP TO 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1200 MILES AND WILL STILL BE WITHIN THE MFR ACCEPTABLE LIMITS. THIS MEANS IN THIS 2.0T 4 CYL MOTOR IT CAN BURN OVER 6 QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, WHICH IS MORE THAN IT CAN HOLD. A QUART OF FULL SYNTHETIC OIL CASTROL BRAND AS REQUIRED IS OVER $9, THIS IS NOT COST EFFECTIVE AND INFURIATING. I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER VW BECAUSE OF THIS EXPERIENCE AND RECOMMEND ANYONE ELSE NOT TO AS WELL. VW OFFERED NO OPTIONS REPAIRS OR FIXES AND I FOOT THE EXPENSIVE OIL HABIT. WHO BUYS A CAR THAT KNOWINGLY BURNS AND BREAKS DOWN FULL SYNTHETIC OIL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10630929

65,000 miles · Aug 26, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES PER HOUR ON STATE HIGHWAY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD AND COAST INTO PARKING LOT. CAR WOULD NOT START FOR 24 HOURS TO MOVE TO REPAIR SHOP. AFTER DIFFICULTY DIAGNOSING DUE TO LOSS OF ALL POWER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT…

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WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES PER HOUR ON STATE HIGHWAY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD AND COAST INTO PARKING LOT. CAR WOULD NOT START FOR 24 HOURS TO MOVE TO REPAIR SHOP. AFTER DIFFICULTY DIAGNOSING DUE TO LOSS OF ALL POWER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE POWER SUPPLY RELAY WAS APPARENTLY BAD. COULD FIND NO RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE. SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A CAR WITH SO FEW MILES WHICH HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY ISSUE! WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER IN TIME TO AVOID TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10628479

75,112 miles · Jul 22, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

VEHICLE HAS APPROX ONE YEAR OF DIFFICULT STARTS REQUIRING MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. ON 7/20/14 WHILE DRIVING IN PARKING LOT VEHICLE STALLED AND REFUSED TO RESTART DESPITE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. TOWED HOME. DTC SHOWED CONTROL MODULE FOR ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK LEAKING. VEHICLE REFUSING TO START DESPITE ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENT…

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VEHICLE HAS APPROX ONE YEAR OF DIFFICULT STARTS REQUIRING MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. ON 7/20/14 WHILE DRIVING IN PARKING LOT VEHICLE STALLED AND REFUSED TO RESTART DESPITE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. TOWED HOME. DTC SHOWED CONTROL MODULE FOR ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK LEAKING. VEHICLE REFUSING TO START DESPITE ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS CHECKING OUT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOT ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615276

92,000 miles · Jul 19, 2014
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WOULD NOT START EVEN AFTER A CHECK OF THE BATTERY. THE CAR HAD NO POWER WHATSOEVER AND COULD NOT BE PLACED INTO NEUTRAL TO TOW-THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ALSO LOCKED.THE VEHICLE SAT TWO NIGHTS IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT BEFORE A TOWING COMPANY COULD FIGURE SOMETHING OUT. THE TOW WAS $106.00 T…

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THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WOULD NOT START EVEN AFTER A CHECK OF THE BATTERY. THE CAR HAD NO POWER WHATSOEVER AND COULD NOT BE PLACED INTO NEUTRAL TO TOW-THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ALSO LOCKED.THE VEHICLE SAT TWO NIGHTS IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT BEFORE A TOWING COMPANY COULD FIGURE SOMETHING OUT. THE TOW WAS $106.00 TO THE VW DEALERSHIP.THE DEALER WANTED $107 LABOR CHARGE FOR EACH PROBLEM. I ALREADY LOOKING AT A $214.00 BILL FOR THE STARTING ISSUE AND BRAKE.I TOLD THE TECHNICIAN IF THE CAR STARTS THE BRAKE SHOULD RELEASE ACCORDING THE OPERATORS MANUAL-ITS ELECTRONIC.HOW THIS HAPPENED IS A COMPLETE MYSTERY AS THERE HAD NEVER BEEN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST INDICATION.I HAVE SEEN MANY, MANY REPORTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THIS CAR ON THE INTERNET AS I DID SOME RESEARCH AFTER THIS HAPPENED. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP- THE STEERING WHEEL MODULE WAS $565 SINCE THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO MOVE THE CAR AND TRY AND GET IT STARTED , ,,WHICH SEEMS RIDICULOUS TO ME GIVEN THAT THE CAR ONLY HAS 90,000 MILES. I TRIED TO GET SOME HELP FROM VW CUSTOMER CARE GIVEN THAT THIS SEEMS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW...IT REALLY IS UPSETTING TO HAVE TO PAY SO MUCH FOR A CAR SO LIGHTLY USED WITH ONLY MAKING 3 MONTHLY VEHICLE PAYMENTS AND. VW WAS COMPLETELY UNWILLING TO WORK WITH ME IN ANY WAY. GERMAN ENGINEERING = GERMAN JUNK! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10614742

150,000 miles · May 7, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire

WE CAME HOME FROM A 30 MILE TRIP AND PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY. WENT IN THE HOUSE AND ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER HEARD A BIG POP SOUND. I THINK IS WAS A TIRE EXPLODING AND FOUND THE ENTIRE ENGINE ON FIRE. ANOTHER POPPING SOUND OCCURRED AND ANOTHER TIRE BLEW. ON THE DRIVE HOME THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS NOTED ON THE DASH BOARD. WHEN …

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WE CAME HOME FROM A 30 MILE TRIP AND PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY. WENT IN THE HOUSE AND ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER HEARD A BIG POP SOUND. I THINK IS WAS A TIRE EXPLODING AND FOUND THE ENTIRE ENGINE ON FIRE. ANOTHER POPPING SOUND OCCURRED AND ANOTHER TIRE BLEW. ON THE DRIVE HOME THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS NOTED ON THE DASH BOARD. WHEN WE GOT OUT OF THE CAR THERE WERE NO ODORS OR INDICATION OF A FIRE. MY KEYS WERE IN THE HOUSE AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. OTHER ISSUES THAT MIGHT BE RELATED. THIS PAST WEEK MY CHARGER GOT EXTREMELY HOT TO TOUCH AND I STOPPED USING IT. I ALSO FELT THE CAR TRY TO START AFTER I TURNED IT OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10587079

68,000 miles · Mar 1, 2014
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0T. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED WITH 66000 MILES. AFTER NUMEROUS VISITS TO MY DEALER ABOUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON AND THEM SAYING IT WAS A SENSOR NOT A PROBLEM THEY WOULD REPLACE IT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 65 DOING 65MPH THE CAR SPUTTERED AND LOST MOST POWER DOWN A MAJOR INTERSTAT…

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I HAVE A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0T. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED WITH 66000 MILES. AFTER NUMEROUS VISITS TO MY DEALER ABOUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON AND THEM SAYING IT WAS A SENSOR NOT A PROBLEM THEY WOULD REPLACE IT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 65 DOING 65MPH THE CAR SPUTTERED AND LOST MOST POWER DOWN A MAJOR INTERSTATE. THIS CAUSED A QUICK REDUCTION IS SPEED. COME TO FIND OUT THE CAMSHAFT AND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WERE DESTROYED BY THE TWO COMPONENTS GRINDING AGAINST EACH OTHER. NOW THE 2006 AND THE 2007 VEHICLES BOTH HAD THIS PROBLEM AND VOLKSWAGEN PUT EXTENDED WARRANTIES ON THESE VEHICLES. THIS COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT SOONER OR LATER. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10566579

125,000 miles · Feb 24, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AS THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED OIL TO THE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE REFUSED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT AND THE HEAD GASKET …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AS THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED OIL TO THE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE REFUSED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT AND THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #10565564

Official recalls

4

18V148000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Mar 6, 2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

17V509000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 16, 2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

16V078000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 10, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

08V235000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

May 28, 2008

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 4,079 MY 2008 PASSAT AND 2,500 MY 2009 TIGUAN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0T FSI ULEV II ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CONTAINING SOFTWARE THAT MAY NOT PROPERLY CONTROL ENGINE IDLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING TURNED ON. IN RARE CASES, THE ECM MAY UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASE ENGINE RPM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN ENGINE SURGE CAUSED BY AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM MAY SURPRISE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR AND CAN RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND UPDATE THE ECM SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.