The 2008 Volkswagen Passat has 6 recalls, the most serious being a defective driver's frontal airbag inflator that can rupture or explode in a crash, sending metal fragments into the cabin and potentially causing serious injury or death.
Multiple recalls cover this airbag inflator issue, including one where long-term heat and humidity exposure can cause the propellant to degrade and the inflator to burst even in lower-speed deployments. On the engine side, two recalls address the same underlying problem: software in the engine control module may fail to properly manage idle speed when the air conditioning is on, causing the engine to unexpectedly surge and the vehicle to jump forward without warning. There is also a fuel system concern: an electrical interruption to the fuel pump control module can cause the fuel pump to stop working, stalling the engine while driving.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by long-term exposure to high humidity, high heat, and repeated temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator can build up excessive pressure during deployment and rupture, potentially causing injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator with a safer alternative at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump control module may lose electrical power, causing the fuel pump to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up too much internal pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control software may not properly manage idle speed when the air conditioning is on. In rare cases, engine RPM may unexpectedly increase.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and update the engine control software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control software may fail to properly manage engine speed when air conditioning is on, causing brief unexpected RPM and speed increases that can surprise the driver.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine control module and update its software if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
