2008 Volkswagen Jetta

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Volkswagen Jetta
Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, front 3.28.25. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan 2.5/2.0t/Gli, 4dr Wagon 2.5/2.0t/Tdi
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
Length
179.1–179.5 in
Curb weight
3,230 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Overview

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 5-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 179 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,230 lb (4dr Sedan 2.5/2.0t/Gli).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 14% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Jetta — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Jetta →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan 2.5/2.0t/Gli179.1 in70.1 in57.5 in101.6 in60.2 / 58.3 in3,230 lb60/40
4dr Wagon 2.5/2.0t/Tdi179.5 in70.1 in–101.2 in60.2 / 59.4 in–

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+14%$3,300355
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 24+10%$3,400370
Jetta2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+10%$2,800370
Jetta2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+10%$2,800370
Jetta SportWagen2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+7%$2,800370
Jetta SportWagen2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+7%$2,800370
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.9 MPG2008 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Volkswagen Jetta (this car)25 MPGNot rated2
2008 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated7
2008 Honda Civic42 MPGNot rated6
2008 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated4
2008 Toyota Prius46 MPGNot rated3
2008 Mazda 327 MPGNot rated0
2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI25 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (2)

Unknown Or Other · Sep 25, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V679000 · 113 vehicles

Problem
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 Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Dec 10, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V621000 · 228,236 vehicles

Problem
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 CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.
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.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

75Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
114,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System21
Power Train16
Air Bags15
Engine12
Unknown Or Other10
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Steering3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/10: 118/12: 219/01: 119/04: 119/05: 319/06: 119/07: 119/08: 119/09: 120/02: 220/06: 220/10: 221/04: 221/06: 121/12: 122/05: 222/06: 122/12: 123/08: 124/07: 124/11: 124/12: 126/03: 126/07: 118/1019/0419/0720/0221/0422/0523/0824/12max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 21 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Air Bags — 15 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 114,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Jetta years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Jetta34–Not rated00
2026 Jetta34185.8 inNot rated16
2025 Jetta33185.8 in★★★★★231
2024 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★046
2023 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★043
2022 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★143
2021 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★470
2020 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★654
2019 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★11549
2018 Jetta33–★★★★★232
2017 Jetta33183.1 in★★★★★6160
2016 Jetta44183.1 inNot rated4164

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →