2008 Volkswagen R32 problems
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Common 2008 Volkswagen R32 problems
Based on the information gathered from various sources, here are some common problems reported by owners of the Volkswagen R32 2008:
- Uneven Tire Wear: Some owners have observed uneven tire wear on their R32s, with the outer edges of the tires being in good condition while the inner edges wear out faster. This uneven wear pattern is attributed to the factory setup of the R32 for heavy cornering, leading to potential alignment issues and the need for periodic camber adjustments by Volkswagen.
- Headliner Material Deterioration: A common issue reported by owners is the deterioration of the headliner material. This problem is not unique to the R32 but is a general concern with Volkswagen vehicles. While it may not affect the performance of the car, it can impact the overall aesthetic and comfort of the interior.
- Lack of Power Seats: Some owners have noted the absence of power seats in the R32 as a minor drawback. This feature, which is not available in the car, could be a preference for those looking for added convenience and adjustability in seating positions.
- Bluetooth Absence: Another common complaint is the lack of Bluetooth connectivity in the R32. In today's tech-savvy world, this missing feature can be a downside for drivers who rely on hands-free communication and entertainment systems while on the road.
These reported issues provide insights into the experiences of Volkswagen R32 2008 owners, highlighting both the positive aspects of the car, such as its performance and handling, as well as areas that may require attention or improvement for a more satisfying ownership experience.
Is the 2008 R32 reliable?
If you want to buy a vw R32 don't hesitate to do it. Being 12 years old car you expect all kinds of issues but no, engine runs great, DSG transmission runs great. All together a well build car.
What are common R32 issues?
Minor electrical problems usually relating to the luxury aspects. In my experience the essential functions of the car are pretty darn Rock solid but things like the navigation, sound system and other more minor electrical issues are what you will more commonly encounter.
How long does an R32 engine last?
If well maintained the engines are good for 200k.
What is the lifespan of a R32?
R32 has an atmospheric lifetime of less than five years. However, other common kinds of refrigerants like R410A and R11, can stay in the atmosphere for between 17 to 45 years. Aside from R32's environmentally-friendly characteristics, this substance is also known for its general safety.
Is the 2008 R32 reliable?
If you want to buy a vw R32 don't hesitate to do it. Being 12 years old car you expect all kinds of issues but no, engine runs great, DSG transmission runs great. All together a well build car.
What are common R32 issues?
Minor electrical problems usually relating to the luxury aspects. In my experience the essential functions of the car are pretty darn Rock solid but things like the navigation, sound system and other more minor electrical issues are what you will more commonly encounter.
How long does an R32 engine last?
If well maintained the engines are good for 200k.
What engine does 2008 R32 have?
The R32's engine is a 3.2-liter V-6 producing 250 horsepower. Surprisingly, VW doesn't use its FSI direct-injection technology on this engine, opting for multipoint injection through an intake manifold. We are big fans of the DSG dual-clutch transmission, and VW includes it standard on the R32.
2008 Volkswagen R32 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Volkswagen R32.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2008 Volkswagen R32 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2008 Volkswagen R32.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 5,000 MY 2008 R32 (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES. WHEN CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE ACCOMPANIED BY HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE MAY NOT REMAIN FULLY CLOSED. IF THIS HAPPENS, LIQUID FUEL MAY ENTER THE FUEL TANK VENTING SYSTEM AND MIGRATE INTO THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM, SATURATING THE CARBON CANISTER. SHOULD THIS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE PERFORMANCE ISSUES (I.E., VEHICLE JERKING) AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COULD ILLUMINATE. FUEL COULD LEAK FROM THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION PUMP FILTER.
- Consequence: A FUEL LEAK, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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.
Negative 2008 Volkswagen R32 car reviews
Positive 2008 Volkswagen R32 car reviews
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I tested both the GTI and the R32 on the same road and with the same driving style. If it weren't for the price tag, it would be a no-brainer that the R32 is the one to choose. However, I picked the R32 anyway. This car is super fun to drive! After getting used to the car and starting to push it, I was shocked at how much a $33,000 car can do! Especially on wet roads, this car can pretty much beat any moving object on the road! If you can totally master this car, you can outrun most of the higher-powered cars on the market, even with only 250bhp. I often play with my co-worker's BMW 335i, and as long as there are some turns, he has a hard time catching up. The sweetest feature? Launch Control!!
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Hi there! I've been driving my 2008 R32 since December 07 and overall it's been a great ride. However, I did experience a bit of trouble a while back. In February of 08, the car stalled on me at a red light and the check engine light came on. After that, the car hesitated on acceleration a few times. I took it to my dealer and they found that the fuel canister was soaked and needed to be replaced. They were really helpful and even gave me a rental car while they fixed it. Recently, I've been experiencing a similar issue and plan to take it back to the dealer this week (4/18/08). I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem with their 2008 R32? Do you think it could be a design flaw?
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You should definitely consider buying this car! The build quality is comparable to Audi's. The interior is fantastic, and the steering wheel feels great in your hand. The car has excellent grip and the AWD system allows you to go exactly where you want. Additionally, the car comes in one of the best shades of blue ever. And let's not forget, it's also incredibly fast! The mid-range passing power is always there when you need it. While the STI and EVO are faster, they fall short in comparison to the R32 in many other areas. The interior build quality of the STI and EVO suggest that the occupants were not a top priority, unlike the R32.
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This replaced a 3.2 Audi TT quattro. I must say, the same basic running gear has been so much more refined. The DSG no longer grabs as if you'd popped the clutch when you tip in too quickly. The power is seemingly endless and always on tap. The DSG continues to be the miracle transmission; I have no regrets and no need for manual even though I have driven shift for years. The dividing line between Audi and VW is fluff, things like tipping-down mirrors, homelink and such, luxury features. This car is more elemental and more to my liking because of it. I just completed a 2K road trip and I have no complaints!
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After experiencing some issues with my car, I took it to the dealer for inspection. Despite their initial inability to identify the problem, I persisted in bringing the car back until the issue was finally resolved. The dealer ultimately replaced the 'EVAPCANIST', and I am now satisfied with the car's performance.
Other years of Volkswagen R32
Are you having problems with your 2008 Volkswagen R32?
Helmer Stracke 2025-07-24
This vehicle has had three major recalls in just a year and a half. One of them required dropping the entire fuel tank, which caused a lot of nightmares for many people as seen on VW forums. I won't go into my own experience, but I will say that VW service can be questionable. It's important to be careful when buying a used one. The ergonomics are a bit strange, with the AUX input located in the glove box and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel, even though Bluetooth is not an option (unfortunately, the dealer won't tell you this). Cruise control is a switch on the turn indicator, which could have been placed where the phone button is on the steering wheel, and the paddle shifters are quite small.
Nathen Torphy 2025-05-26
I love this vehicle too! It's sporty, functional, and fairly comfortable. However, I've also experienced the gas tank problem that some of you have mentioned. My R32 was idling when it suddenly started dumping multiple gallons of gas from the underside of the car. Although the VW people assure me that this problem was unique to my car, all the parts are back-ordered. They've had my car for almost 2 weeks and said it could be 2-3 weeks more. It seems like VW needs to acknowledge this design flaw.
Rocio Kautzer 2025-03-02
Hey there! I wanted to share my experience with my 2008 R32 that I purchased back in January. It was a great little car that had good performance thanks to the AWD, and sounded magnificent with the dual exhaust. Coming from an '06 Z4 3.0i, it was a totally different experience. Although it wasn't as luxurious and didn't have as sporty handling, it felt just as fast. Ultimately, I decided to trade it in for a BMW 135i convertible because I missed the convertible and didn't think the 'boy-racer' styling fit my personality. Thanks for listening!
Elbert Koepp 2024-04-14
I made a mistake in purchasing the Over Steroid GTI, as it did not meet my expectations for the price. However, I have only driven it for 901 miles and it remains in my garage. While I regret my decision, I am confident that I will make a more informed choice in the future.
Mohamed Reichert 2024-03-03
In the price range of new c300, 328i, G35 and is350, this car is perfect for VW enthusiasts who don't mind paying a premium. The engine sounds great (thank you VW engineers!), the transmission is smooth, and the semi-sleeper styling is eye-catching. It has more than enough power for non-racers. However, it's worth noting that this car is essentially a golf, which first came to the EU in 2003. The interior may feel a bit dated (shame on VWoA for being slow), and after my second day with the car, I noticed some interior pieces rattling on rough roads. The stereo sounds decent until you crank up the bass - then it sounds like some economy speakers.