2008 Volkswagen Jetta SE
3VWRM71K78M160290
Vehicle history report for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta SE (VIN 3VWRM71K78M160290). Silver, sedan/saloon, 2.5L 5-cyl 170 hp, gasoline. 82,348 mi reported. Registered in Tx. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta worth?
What comparable 2008 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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What a full report checks for VIN 3VWRM71K78M160290
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 190 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 190
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ignition key is stuck in the vehicle with the ignition on will not come out
NHTSA ODI #11748168ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sometimes I feel as if my car is possessed I own a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and sometimes the passenger headlight works sometimes it doesn't I've replaced the bulbs doesn't matter. My sunroof All of a sudden stopped working. My turn signals on the right side don't work when the headlight is not on. I have no sound from my stereo cuz my speakers automatically we…
NHTSA ODI #11724289ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The ignition switch gets stuck sometimes and I can't crank my car nor turn it off I'm just dating that because that's what's going on on my end. Therefore, I've had times where I can't crank my car or I can't turn it off when I need to. So you may tell me if there was a recall on ignition switch or whatever
NHTSA ODI #11631894AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 253,000.
NHTSA ODI #11624015AIR BAGS
Airbag warning light is on.
NHTSA ODI #11604154STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Passenger airbag is always off. I saw reports on youtube wiring connectors under the seat are the reason. There’s a home remedy solution. Important air bag issues should be freely be done by manufacturer or dealer. Also steering issues are more common than reported. The electrical devise fails too often rendering driving the vehicle difficult.
NHTSA ODI #11536995ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during the daytime, the speedometer failed to illuminate adequately, causing her to be unable to see the speed she was driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fail…
NHTSA ODI #11496591LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
I would like to report driver door lock actuator goes bad over time, and could become an issue of getting out of the driver side of the door in a safely manner. I had to get door fixed a mechanic.
NHTSA ODI #11467171+ 182 more complaints on record.
