2006 Volkswagen Rabbit: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving noticed that there was a dull pain beginning in my back, looked at the drivers side seat and noticed that seat heater shorted out and left dime sized hole in upholstery as well as discoloring piece of clothing I was wearing. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2013
“On two separate incidents I had my air bags light came on. I brought it to the volkswagen dealer and they fixed the wires under the seat the first time at no charge the second time I was charged $100.00. The problem was the same but on both seats first, was the passengers seat the second time, was the drivers seatdriver seat. I contacted customer care at volkswagen and they said due to the age and mileage (2006 with 69000 miles ) the cost wont be covered I feel that since this is a safety issue and other people have had the same issue (internet) they should be a recall and reimbursement for repairs. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2012
“While idling car after starting, seat warmer was turned on. Drivers side inside back warmer shorted out and caused a grape size burn hole in cloth seat. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2011
Show 4 more owner reports
“2006 volkswagen rabbit. High mount center third brake light is inaccessible. Bulb is blown out and I cannot access to repair it. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2008
“2006 vw rabbit, 2.5l, 5 cyl. Has been stalling intermittently while idling, over and over again since buying this car brand new in 2006. I prefer not to give my VIN # for confidentiality reasons. I have read numerous posts on forums online, including vw employees who own the car and claim vw of america is pretending like they don't know of such an issue when it has occurred many times. My car has been to the dealer many times and they say its fine, well I don't think it is and I have 2 little kids that ride in this car on a daily basis. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2007
“Car has been towed to the dealer 3 times in the past 7 months and 4700 miles with the same problem. The car failed to start. The failure that was thought to have caused this problem has been replaced, but the problem recurred. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2006 volkswagen rabbit. When starting off from a stopped position and the consumer steps on the accelerator, the vehicle moves forward about ten feet and then dies no response from the accelerator. In the same position as when starting from a stopped position. The car stays in hesitation mode for a period of 2-5 seconds, then the vehicle would accelerator rapidly. The failure mileage was 6,000 and current mileage was 37,000. Updated 02-18-09 updated 02/18/09. *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2007
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 SCREW.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE LOW BEAM HORIZONTAL AIMING SCREW AND INSTALL ONE IF MISSING, AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW AND IF PRESENT, THE CAP WILL BE REMOVED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
How other years compare
Check your exact Rabbit by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.