2006 Volkswagen Rabbit problems

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The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 is the first generation of a small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was noteworthy for signalling Volkswagen's shift of its major car lines from rear-wheel drive and rear-mounted air-cooled engines to front-wheel drive with front-mounted, water-cooled engines that were often transversely-mounted.

Successor to Volkswagen's Beetle, the first generation Golf debuted in Europe in May 1974 with styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign.

History

Replacing the Beetle; early efforts

Volkswagen began producing prototypes of possible Beetle replacements as far back as the early 1950s, and may have received design proposals from Porsche earlier than that. All of the internal projects' names started with "EA", standing for "Entwicklungsauftrag" and meaning "Development assignment". This work began during the tenure of Heinz Nordhoff, who was Director General of Volkswagen from 1948 to 1968.

In 1952 the company built the EA41 in collaboration with Pininfarina. Essentially a rebodied Beetle, it never went into production.

The first EA47 prototype appeared in 1953; at least 11 more EA47 variations were built over the next three years.

By the mid- to late-1950s, questions about the future of the Beetle began to be asked from outside the company. In 1957, an article with the title "Is the Volkswagen dated?" appeared in the West German magazine Stern. Two years later, a similar headline was used in an article in Der Spiegel weekly news.: 236

In 1958 Porsche began a project numbered 728 for a revised Beetle. A few years later this became the Volkswagen EA53. This project continued for a number of years and produced several prototypes, with early ones having bodywork designed by Porsche and later ones styled by Ghia. The EA53 eventually led to the Type 3 model.: 92

In 1957 another design study, the EA97, was started. This exercise was larger than the Beetle, but kept the usual rear-mounted powertrain. Two hundred instances of this design were built. Styling varied, depending on whether a particular car's bodywork was done by VW or by Ghia. Some cars’ looks echo the later Type 3 cars, although the EA97 was smaller. The last EA97 was built in 1960. The EA97 would provide the basis for the Brasília model from Volkswagen do Brasil.: 158

The EA158 was a Beetle-successor project that started in 1962 with a unibody study by Pininfarina. As the project progressed the car grew in size and weight. Eventually it was rejected as a Beetle replacement, but served as the foundation of the subsequent Volkswagen Type 4 model.

In 1967 another set of prototypes for possible Beetle replacements appeared in the form of the EA235 and EA235a.

In 1968 the last internal prototype for a Beetle replacement built under Nordhoff's direction appeared. This car, designated EA276, was a small three-door hatchback with front-wheel drive using a front-mounted Volkswagen air-cooled engine. The EA276 program was cancelled after the death of Nordhoff, but did find new life as the inspiration for the Brazilian Gol.

During Nordhoff's time VW did broaden its product line with the launch of the Volkswagen Type 3 in 1961 and the Volkswagen Type 4 in 1968. In 1964 the company acquired control of the Auto Union group from Daimler-Benz and with it the technologies of the constituent companies of DKW, Horch, Audi and Wanderer.

2006 Volkswagen Rabbit

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Common 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit problems

The Volkswagen Rabbit, produced between 2006 and 2009, is known to have several common problems that affect its reliability and overall performance. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by Rabbit owners:

  • Transmission Valve Body Failure: This problem is particularly prevalent in the 2006 model year. The transmission valve body is a critical component of the automatic transmission system, and when it fails, it can cause the car to experience difficulty shifting gears, hesitation, and even complete transmission failure. This issue can be expensive to repair, with an average cost of around $2,000.
  • Defective Timing Chain: The Volkswagen Rabbit's EA888 2.0-liter engine has a history of tensioner failures, which can lead to a defective timing chain. This issue can cause the engine to make a loud noise, misfire, or even stall while driving. The cost to replace the timing chain and tensioner can range from $1,500 to $2,000, depending on the extent of the damage.
  • Faulty Door Module: This problem is common in the 2006 model year and can cause the car's power windows and power door locks to stop working. The door module is responsible for controlling these functions, and when it fails, it can be expensive to replace. The average cost to replace a faulty door module is around $500.
  • Bad Sensors: Some Rabbit owners have reported issues with bad sensors, such as the mass air flow sensor or the oxygen sensor. These sensors are critical for the car's engine management system, and when they fail, they can cause the car to experience poor fuel economy, reduced performance, or even stall while driving. The cost to replace a bad sensor can range from $100 to $500, depending on the type of sensor and the labor required to replace it.

In summary, the Volkswagen Rabbit has several common problems that can affect its reliability and overall performance. These issues can be expensive to repair, especially if they occur at high mileage. It is essential to maintain regular maintenance and address any issues promptly to ensure the car's longevity and reliability.

2006 Volkswagen Rabbit engine

Are Volkswagen Rabbits reliable?

The VW Rabbits are some of the more reliable VWs in the last few years. I got this one from a grad student, for $6800-trade in price at the dealer-, with only 51,000+miles on it. A steal. Newest and nicest car I've ever owned.

How many miles will a VW Rabbit last?

Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles.

What is the gas mileage for a 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit?

Based on data from 18 vehicles, 906 fuel-ups and 242,992 miles of driving, the 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit gets a combined Avg MPG of 24.72 with a 0.27 MPG margin of error.

What happened to the VW Rabbit?

Is Volkswagen planning an electric Rabbit for the US? Although the Rabbit made its US return in 2006, it was discontinued again in 2009. The agile compact car is only available as a special edition of the Golf. However, don't count it out too soon, as it may be making its return in the electric era.

Is a 2006 VW Rabbit a good car?

A little known secret is the excellence in the VW Rabbit. This car is amazingly reliable, economical, good on moderate to short trips (DC to NY), easy to park, great on gas and economical regarding car insurance.

How many miles will a VW Rabbit last?

Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles.

What is the top speed of the 2006 VW Rabbit?

Re: rabbit top speed (bagged bunny)

.. electronically limited to 130mph...if it can reach that.

What happened to the VW Rabbit?

Is Volkswagen planning an electric Rabbit for the US? Although the Rabbit made its US return in 2006, it was discontinued again in 2009. The agile compact car is only available as a special edition of the Golf. However, don't count it out too soon, as it may be making its return in the electric era.

2006 Volkswagen Rabbit car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Rabbit problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Seats problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2006 Volkswagen Rabbit complaints

The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit.

2013-03-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-03-04
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: MY CAR IS A 2006 AND AFTER ONE OF MY FUEL UPS WITH THE WIFE WE SMELLED GAS, THOUGHT IT WAS NOTHING MAYBE SOME GAS ON MY HAD OR SOMETHING. DURING THE WEEK WE STILL GOT SMELLS OF GAS OFF AND ON, WELL THE SMELL WAS SO STRONG THAT MY WIFE WAS GETTING HEADACHES FROM IT. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR TO SEE FOR FUEL LEAK, AROUND THE GAS TANK BUT NOTHING. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V621000 WHICH STATED ,"RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE." SO I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND EXACTLY WHERE IT WAS AS STATED ABOVE, ONLY MY CAR IS A 2006 AND NOT "MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES" SO IT IS A 175 DOLLAR COST TO ME. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE WITH MY WIFE IN THE CAR AS SHE IS THE MAIN DRIVER OF THAT CAR, GOOD THING I DO NOT HAVE KIDS YET. *TR
2013-03-11

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-03-11
  • VIN: WVWCR71K16W
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 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
2012-11-24

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-11-01
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2006 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT ON US 98 PREPARING TO ENTER I-4 WHEN THE VEHICLE ENTERED LIMP HOME MODE (EPC LIGHT & CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON) RPMS WENT TO OVER 3000 AND VEHICLE REFUSED TO GO ABOVE 25MPH, SHE WAS ALMOST KILLED BY THE SEMI THAT WAS BEHIND HER ON US 98 LUCKILY THE SEMI SWERVED TO AVOID HER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PER THEIR DIAGNOSTICS THE CAM POSITION SENSOR, AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND BATTERY WERE SHOWING CODES BUT THEY ASSURED US THAT THE PROBLEM THAT CAUSED LIMP HOME MODE WAS THE CAM POSITION SENSOR PROBLEM AND REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF OVER 700.00 WITHOUT CHANGING BATTERY OR AIR BAG SENSOR, FOUR DAYS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM RETURNED THE DEALERSHIP STATED TO BRING VEHICLE BACK FOR RE-DIAGNOSTICS AND IF THE CAM POSITION SENSOR IS BAD THEY WILL CHANGE IT FREE, I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND VEHICLE WORKED FINE FOR ANOTHER DAY THEN SAME PROBLEM RESURFACED. AFTER THIS HAS HAPPENED I CAN ONLY SAY I WILL NEVER BUY OR RECOMMEND A VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN. I GOGGLED THE PROBLEM AND IT IS LISTED ALL OVER THE INTERNET FORMS BUT VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM. IT IS NOT ONLY THEIR RABBIT IT IS HAPPENING IN MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES SOME WITH LESS THEN 3000 MILES AND THEY HAVE BOUGHT THOSE VEHICLE BACK FORM THE CUSTOMERS TO COVER UP THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN FAILURE IN THEIR DRIVE BY WIRES SYSTEM EPC SYSTEMS. HOPEFULLY THEY HAVE SOME REALLY DEEP POCKETS BECAUSE IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURT OR KILLED.
2012-08-13

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-08-09
  • VIN: WVWDS71K86W
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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
2011-12-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-12-03
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WVWDS71K56W
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
  • Summary: 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
2009-07-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-07-17
  • VIN: WVWAR71K76W
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: I HAD SUSPECTED THAT MY DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL ON MY MANUAL 2006 RABBIT W/ 24K WAS BEGINNING TO FAIL BECAUSE I HEARD/FELT SOMETHING SHAKING AROUND IN THE BELL HOUSING OF THE VEHICLE 1 OUT 10 TIMES THAT I WOULD DEPRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL IN 1ST GEAR. THE SHAKE HAD BEEN PRESENT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR BUT IN THE PAST YEAR IT HAD GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. SO I WAS ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN MY CAR BEGAN SHIFTING POORLY. THE GEAR WOULD ENGAGE RIGHT WHEN I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE CLUTCH PEDAL. IT WOULD NOT GO INTO 2ND GEAR. THE CAR WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE AT IDLE AND MAKE A TICK OVER NOISE WITH ENGINE REVS UP. AS MY SHIFTS GOT WORSE AND WORSE I DECIDED TO TAKE THE NEXT EXIT AND FIND A SAFE SPOT TO STOP THE CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED IN THE REST OF THE WAY. THE DEALER DROPPED THE TRANSMISSION AND FOUND MY DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL WAS STINKING AND IT HAD ALSO SHREDDED THE CENTER BUSHING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FLYWHEEL. BOTH THE CLUTCH DISC AND PRESSURE SHOWED NO DAMAGE AND THE VWOA REPLACED MY DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT HAD SHOWN NO SIGNS OF ABUSE LIKE HEAT SPOTS OR CLUTCH DUST. *TR
2008-12-29

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-01-07
  • VIN: WVWDS71K36W
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 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
2008-11-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-11-05
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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
2008-10-26

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-10-20
  • VIN: WVWAR71KX6W
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 2006 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT. HIGH MOUNT CENTER THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IS INACCESSIBLE. BULB IS BLOWN OUT AND I CANNOT ACCESS TO REPAIR IT. *TR
2008-10-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-10-12
  • VIN: WVWDR71K06W
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT. MY 06 VW RABBIT HAS BEEN STALLING SINCE APPROX. THE SECOND MONTH THAT I HAD IT (BOUGHT 06/06). IN AUGUST 08 AFTER CONTINUALLY COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE MY CAR FIRST STARTED TO SPUTTER "LIKE THE TIMING WAS OFF" WHILE DRIVING (NOT THE FIRST TIME FOR SPUTTERING BUT IT USUALLY DOES IT WHEN IDLE, NOT DRIVING). I TOOK THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG EVEN THOUGH THE CAR SPUTTERED 3 TIMES ON MY WAY BACK HOME. THE VERY NEXT MORNING THE CAR STARTED TO SMOKE VERY BAD, SMELL LIKE GASOLINE, AND A LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD. I BURNED A 1/4 TANK OF GAS DRIVING APPROX 10 MILES TO DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP HAD THE CAR FOR TWO+ WEEKS AND HAS SINCE REPLACED THE 02 SENSOR, FUEL INJECTORS, ETC. HOWEVER APPROX 2+ WEEKS AFTER GETTING THE CAR BACK IT STALLED AGAIN. THE CAR IS ALSO OCCASIONALLY MAKING A STRANGE KNOCKING NOISE BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL (WHICH HAS ALSO BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM) AND OCCASIONALLY THE TAILPIPE IS "BACKFIRING" NOT LIKE A LOUD BOOM BUT LIKE A RELEASE OF AIR (WHICH HAD ONLY HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE AND NOW HAPPENS MORE OFTEN). I CAN'T STRESS ENOUGH HOW BAD MY NERVES HAVE BECOME WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC WHICH IS WHAT I DO AT LEAST TWICE A DAY. THE CAR MOSTLY STALLS WHEN THE CAR IS IDLE (I.E. SITTING AT LIGHTS, SITTING IN TRAFFIC, PARKING SPACES). BECAUSE THE ISSUE IS SPORADIC I CANNOT GET ANYONE TO TAKE THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY BECAUSE I HAVE NO WAY TO PROVE IT SINCE THE CODES CLEAR AFTER THE CAR IS RESTARTED AND VW DOES NOT HAVE A BLACK BOX TO RECORD THE INCIDENTS. I HAVE FOUND SITES WITH PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AND GETTING THE SAME RESPONSE FROM THE DEALERSHIPS. I THINK THIS UNSOLVED MYSTERY WITH THE STALLING IS MAKING THE WEAR AND TEAR ON MY ENGINE WORSE BECAUSE MY CAR NO LONGER RUNS THE SAME AND PROBLEMS JUST KEEP GETTING WORSE. I DON'T WANT TO WAIT FOR THE WARRANTY TO RUN OUT BEFORE MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS SHOW THEMSELVES. *TR
2008-07-08

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-08-30
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: MY 06 VW RABBIT (BOUGHT IN JUNE, PROBLEMS STARTED IN APPROX AUGUST) WILL STALL OR SPUTTER SPORADICALLY. THIS HAPPENS USUALLY WHEN WAITING AT A LIGHT, SITTING IN TRAFFIC, OR WHEN ABOUT TO TAKE OFF AND THE CAR IS IDLE. IT HAS HAPPENED MONTHS APART AND SOMETIMES DAYS APART. IF THE CAR DOES NOT SHUT OFF COMPLETELY IT SOMETIMES DOES A HARD JERK BACK AND FORTH LIKE WHEN YOU DON'T EASE OF THE CLUTCH RIGHT WHEN DRIVING A STICK (THIS IS AN A/T TRANSMISSION) AND THE RPM'S DROP TO JUST ABOVE 0. THE CAR STARTS BACK UP AFTER IT SHUTS OFF HOWEVER THE LAST COUPLE OF TIMES IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART. THE VERY LAST TIME THE CAR SHUT OFF I WAS NOT DRIVING. THE CAR WAS PARKED I GOT IN, STARTED IT, AND IT IMMEDIATELY SHUT BACK OFF. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. WHEN I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THESE THINGS DO NOT HAPPEN WHEN THEY DRIVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK AND IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE SCAN CODES CLEAR UPON RESTARTING THE CAR. I DID SUGGEST THE NEXT TIME THE CAR SHUTS OFF TO HAVE THEM TOW IT SO THAT WAY THE CODES DO NOT CLEAR OUT BUT THEY DID NOT AGREE WITH THE SUGGESTION. THE ONLY SUGGESTION THEY CAN OFFER ME IS TO WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. *TR
2007-04-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-04-11
  • VIN: WVWDS71K06W
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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
2006-12-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-12-23
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WVWBR71K96W
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ***NOTE: THIS WAS A VW RABBIT, NOT A VW GOLF, BUT RABBIT WAS NOT AN OPTION UNDER THE REQUIRED MODEL*** AT 12:30AM ON DECEMBER 23, 2006, I PARKED MY 2006 VW RABBIT IN MY DRIVEWAY. I THEN PLUGGED IN THE BLOCK HEATER, AS USUAL. AT 11AM THAT SAME DAY, I WAS AWOKEN BY THE SOUND OF AN EXPLOSION AND MY CAR ALARM GOING OFF. WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE, THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF MY CAR. I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT NOT BEFORE IT TOTALED MY CAR. THE CAR WAS SIX MONTHS OLD WITH APPROXIMATELY 4500 MILES ON IT. THE BLOCK HEATER WAS INSTALLED BY THE VW DEALERSHIP ON PURCHASE. THE FIRE APPEARED TO START INSIDE THE ENGINE AS IT DID NOT BREAK THROUGH THE FIRE WALL INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. SO FAR, THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED, AND IS UNLIKELY TO BE DETERMINED DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. HOWEVER, IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT IT WAS A SHORT WITHIN THE CAR'S ENGINE. I AM STILL FIGHTING WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE DEALERSHIP TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. *NM

2006 Volkswagen Rabbit recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit.

2007-09-24
  • 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.

Positive 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit car reviews

  1. Efren Heidenreich 2025-01-09

    I've only had the car for two days, but I can already tell you that it's great! The quality of this car is even higher than before, and Volkswagen has clearly made sure that your money is worth it. I used to have a 2003 Golf, and it was a bit of a love-hate relationship. It was weak when it came to acceleration, as expected, but it was ridiculously fun when it came to getting through traffic and driving through the curvy 76 through Escondido in the San Diego mountains to Julian. However, this new car is freaking sweet! It accelerates like no other sub 3.0L car I've ever driven, and it handles like Steve Nash...left, right, left, left again...go, go, go! And that's with the automatic! Imagine how it would be with the manual!

  2. Turner Ullrich 2025-01-07

    My fiancé and I were lucky enough to stumble upon this amazing car. The first time I drove it, I was completely surprised and wanted more. With just a tap of the pedal, you're off to wherever you want to go. Every time I drive it, I find myself saying, 'I love this car!' It's the most fun thing to drive!! I have a lead foot and it's great right off the line. However, I do have to be careful because all of a sudden, I find myself at 80 mph without even realizing it. The car could get better gas mileage all around, but it's really not too bad. With the way I drive sometimes, it doesn't quite matter. I absolutely love this car!

  3. Christopher Lowe 2024-11-22

    Our new Rabbit Black 2 Door Manual is only three weeks old! I traded in my '06 Ford Focus ZX4 for it. I was very disappointed with the Focus. However, I have already driven 1,350 miles on the Rabbit and I drove from NYC to Montreal and I have never had a better driving experience! The seats are great and the car is so smooth. Also, it was great on gas. I just spent $50 for the round trip! This car has great handling and quick acceleration. In my opinion, it is the best car I have owned so far. I just love it!

  4. Keaton Crooks 2024-11-22

    Great job! You've achieved excellent performance and economy at a super price compared to Audi or BMW.

  5. Dave Fadel 2024-11-13

    Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with the Rabbit. I did a lot of shopping around and I have to say, for the price, it's really hard to beat. Even though my engine isn't fully broken in yet, I've had a blast driving it on fun roads. The manual transmission is so smooth and easy to use. And even though it only has 150 horsepower, the engine is still really powerful and quiet. Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase!

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