DecodedCars2008 Volkswagen R32
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 18 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints10 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 50 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Volkswagen R32 is a compact car offered with a 3.2L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 23 highway), 9% worse than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R32 | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 444 |
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 R32 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Volkswagen R32 (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Volkswagen R32.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Volkswagen R32 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Volkswagen R32 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 112,856 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 R32. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →