2008 Volkswagen Eos: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (52% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
47
owner complaints
1
fire reports
26,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: power train (52%)1 fire reportProblems reported early (median 26,000 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)52% · 23 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)16% · 7 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)9% · 4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)5% · 2 complaints
Visibility/Wiper (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)2% · 1 complaint
Seats2% · 1 complaint
“While in drive, the car jumps out of gear and PRNDS lights are illuminated. The car is no longer able to put back in gear and is idle.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2021
“Car was in morning traffic and failed due to timing belt failure at 85000 miles. Car was maintained by dealership at recommended intervals. The manuals and dealer recommended belt replacement at 110000 miles. Fortunately my wife was not injured or killed in what could have led to a serious accident. After looking at the internet and talking to mechanics, this appears to be a major safety flaw that should lead to a recall of these motors by the NHTSA and correction by volkswagen and payment for motor replacement.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2019
“Even though the car is in drive it will go down I feel backwards this is going to cause accidents. The electric windows go up and down continuously yes, this is a known issue but they refused to fix this the distraction is going to cause people accidents. This makes texting while driving seem like a safe way to behave.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Car stalled and when brought to dealership was informed this car burns oil at a high rate and the engine needs to be replaced. Oil had just been added!”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2018
“Gearbox failure! Direct failure to gearbox causes car to malfunction while in motion. Vehicle will stop abruptly (travelling on the interstate!) and refuse to go back into any gear, including but not limited to, reverse and drive. Repeatitive problem and isn't isolated to one specific event (but many occasions)”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2017
“Upon waiting for the traffic light to change to green, I depressed the accelerator and within seconds, I heard a low boom and then the engine power cut out. I coasted to the side of the road and at that point was no longer able to start the car. I was at that point, forced to have it towed to the nearest dealership. I was notified that the camshaft timing chain had snapped.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2017
“The interior side door panel the material comes lose. I had to replace the driver side about 1 year ago and currently in the middle of replacing the passenger side. From researching this seems common with the eos. I would think this would be a qualifier for a recall. The car I have only has 67,000 miles, stored in a garage and very limited time with the top down. If being left outside for any time the top is always put up to protect the interior.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2017
“I was driving my car on a local city street and halfway through a turn all of a sudden it went into neutral on it's own, all the gears on the dash started flashing (the park, reverse, and drive) they started flashing on and off as my transmission went haywire. I had to pull over and avoid being hit as I had no control over my speed, I could not accelerate. The engine was racing and there was no forward motion at all. My car has a dsg (direct shift gearbox).”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen eos. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed a quart of oil every month. The contact also stated after changing the battery, the ecm had to be re-flashed. The contact stated the rear door warning light was illuminated. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2017
“Ignition coil failed. Had to get the coil replaced as well as replaced all spark plugs in case failure affected them all. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
TransmissionAutomatic · Manual/Standard
How other years compare
Check your exact Eos by VIN
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Is the 2008 Volkswagen Eos reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Volkswagen Eos. The most complained-about area is power train (52% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Volkswagen Eos problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 26,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.