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U.S. public vehicle records

Volkswagen RABBIT recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

160 owner complaints analyzed

20 distinct recall campaigns

72,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1975 to 2009 model years. Data snapshot: . 127 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2006
1
2007
2
2008
2
2009
2
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
20061
20072
20082
20092

2006: 1; 2007: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 2

Year-by-year records

Volkswagen RABBIT model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
197505Not available
1976050
197706+1
197809+3
197906-3
198023-3
1981030
198241-2
1983110
1984110
1985010
2006131Not available
2007542+1
20082320
20096220

Recall history

20 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

77V245000 · Vehicle Speed Control:Cables

Reported: 1977-12-30 (December 30, 1977) · Model years: 1975, 1976

THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ASSEMBLY IN THE INVOLVED VEHICLES COULD FAIL PREMATURELY UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS. THIS WOULD EITHER PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION OR CAUSE A LOSS OF ADEQUATE ENGINE POWER.

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW ACCELERATOR CABLE, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
77V246000 · Steering:Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion)

Reported: 1977-12-30 (December 30, 1977) · Model years: 1975

ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE ROLLER BEARING INSIDE THE STEERING GEAR BOX COULD BECOME DISLOCATED. THIS COULD CAUSE LOOSENESS AND EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING SYSTEM.

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A LOCK PLATE TO ENSURE THAT THE ROLLER BEARING STAYS IN ITS DESIGNED POSITION, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
79V120000 · Electrical System:Starter Assembly:Relay

Reported: 1979-05-17 (May 17, 1979) · Model years: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

DUE TO AN IMPROPERLY SEALED ANTENNA MOUNTING HOLE, WATER COULD SEAP INTO THE FUSE RELAY BOARD. THE WATER ENTERING THE FUSE RELAY BOARD ACTS AS A CONDUCTOR OF CURRENT, THEREBY CHARGING THE STARTER.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL SEAL ALL RADIO ANTENNA CABLE HOLES. IN ADDITION, ELECTRICAL PARTS OF THE RELAY/FUSE BOARD WILL BE CHECKED AND REPLACED IN THE CASE OF CORROSION.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
80V035000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 1980-03-26 (March 26, 1980) · Model years: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE FENDER OPENING THROUGH WHICH THE ANTENNA CABLE IS ROUTED MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED. AS A RESULT, SPLASHED WATER FROM THE TIRES COULD ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE OPENING, ENTER THE FUSE RELAY BOARD AND CAUSE CORROSION OF THE TERMINALS. ALSO, BECAUSE WATER IS A GOOD CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY, THE STARTER CAN BE ACTIVATED ACCIDENTALLY; THE HIGH FLOW OF ELECTRICITY MAY EXHAUST THE BATTERY WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THUS RESTARTING THE ENGINE WOULD BECOME IMPOSSIBLE AND PARKING LIGHTS AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, SEAL THE RADIO ANTENNA HOLES AND REPLACE CORRODED COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER..

NHTSA campaign record ↗
83V116000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 1983-11-09 (November 9, 1983) · Model years: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

BRAKE LINES INSTALLED UNDERNEATH THE CARPETING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT MAY RUST DUE TO THE ENTRY OF WATER AND ROAD SALT. IF RUSTING REMAINS UNCHECKED, IT PRODUCES LEAKS IN THE LINES AND BRAKE FLUID MAY BE LOST.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERIOR BRAKE LINES AT NO COST TO OWNER. OWNERS ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT ALL BRAKE LINES SHOULD BE INSPECTED AT TWO-YEAR INTERVALS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
77V175000 · Equipment:Other:Labels

Reported: 1977-10-13 (October 13, 1977) · Model years: 1976

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE INADVERTENTLY EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE FLUID CONTAINER CAP ON WHICH THE WARNING TEXT WAS PRINTED IN GERMAN.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A SUPPLEMENT LABEL, PRINTED IN ENGLISH, ON THE BRAKE FLUID CONTAINER, DISPLAYING THE REQUIRED STATEMENT, FREE OF CHARGE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
81V012000 · Vehicle Speed Control:Cables

Reported: 1981-01-28 (January 28, 1981) · Model years: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980

THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHICH LEADS FROM THE TRANSMISSION LEVER TO THE THROTTLE HOUSING MAY MALFUNCTION. ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN BENT DURING INSTALLATION OR DURING SERVICING OF ENGINE COMPONENTS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE STEEL BAND CABLE TO BIND AND CAN RESULT IN DELAYED RESPONSE DURING DECELERATION, HIGH ENGINE IDLE AND HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION.

Remedy: THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. IN ADDITION, OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE ACCELERATION SYSTEM WILL BE CHECKED, LUBRICATED, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACED. THIS WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
81V113000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 1981-09-24 (September 24, 1981) · Model years: 1977, 1978, 1979

CORROSIVE DAMAGE AND INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY TO STOP FUNCTIONING. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY IS ONE OF SEVERAL RELAYS ON A RELAY BOARD LOCATED NEAR THE FIREWALL. CORROSION CAUSED BY RAIN ENTERING AN IMPROPERLY SEALED ANTENNA HOLE HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF PREVIOUS CAMPAIGNS, BUT ADDITIONAL MEASURES ARE REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT THE PROBLEM IS CORRECTED.

Remedy: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE MODIFICATION HAS BEEN PERFORMED. IF NOT, A BYPASS WILL BE INSTALLED TO LOCATE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY AWAY FROM THE RELAY BOARD. ANY CORRODED RELAY BOARDS OR CONNECTORS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
83V117000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System

Reported: 1983-11-09 (November 9, 1983) · Model years: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980

THE FUEL PUMP MAY STOP FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAN OCCUR BECAUSE AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR IN THE FUSE PANEL MAY OVERHEAT AND INTERRUPT THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUSE BOX AND ITS CONNECTORS FOR CORROSION, AND CORRECT WHERE NECESSARY. A BYPASS ADAPTER TO THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL BE INSTALLED.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
77V182000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 1977-10-18 (October 18, 1977) · Model years: 1978

ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE TWO RUBBER ELBOWS, LOCATED AT EACH END OF THE PLASTIC PIPE LEADING FROM THE THROTTLE VALVE BODY HOUSING TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM PUMP, MAY BE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER CLAMP INSTALLATION.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE RUBBER ELBOW CONNECTIONS AND INSTALL NEW TYPE CLAMPS, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
77V214000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Carburetor System

Reported: 1977-12-08 (December 8, 1977) · Model years: 1978

ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE VACUUM LINE CONNECTING THE CARBURETOR AND THE THERMO VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. THIS CONDITION MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE PLATE FROM RETURNING TO ITS IDLE POSITION.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE WITH A LONGER VERSION HOSE, REROUTING AND SECURING IT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
78V118000 · Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable

Reported: 1978-06-01 (June 1, 1978) · Model years: 1978

THE REAR AXLE BRAKE CABLE BRACKET IS ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE OF A FLANGE BOLT OF THE REAR AXLE. THIS BRACKET WAS NOT CORRECTLY INSTALLED DURING ASSEMBLY.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL RELOCATE THE BRACKET AND INSTALL A NEW FLANGE, IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
81V058000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Reported: 1981-05-15 (May 15, 1981) · Model years: 1980, 1981

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE PRESSURE COULD INCREASE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK FROM HIGH SURROUNDING TEMPERATURES WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS MORE THAN HALF FULL.

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A RESTRICTOR VALVE INTO THE FUEL FILLER PIPE, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
81V106000 · Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Reported: 1981-09-09 (September 9, 1981) · Model years: 1981

THE LEFT AND RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD ENDS OF THE STEERING SYSTEM MAY HAVE CIRCUMFERENTIAL CRACKS DUE TO AN IMPROPER MACHINE SET-UP IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.

Remedy: THE TIE ROD ENDS WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
82V016000 · Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Reported: 1982-02-23 (February 23, 1982) · Model years: 1981

A LOCK NUT WHICH SECURES THE TIE ROD TO THE INNER BALL JOINT OF THE STEERING SYSTEM MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SECURELY FASTENED ON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ALONG POOR ROADS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE TIE ROD COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING ASSEMBLY.

Remedy: DEALER WILL CHECK THE LOCK NUT FOR ADEQUATE TIGHTNESS, CORRECTING WHERE NECESSARY.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
85V015000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Carburetor System

Reported: 1985-02-12 (February 12, 1985) · Model years: 1982, 1983, 1984

THE THROTTLE SHAFT OF THE CARBURETOR MAY CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BREAK AT THE THREADED HOLE FOR THE THROTTLE PLATE CONNECTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION OF THE THROTTLE SHAFT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE THROTTLE SHAFT BREAKS, THE THROTTLE WOULD NOT RETURN TO ITS IDLE POSITION. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE IF THERE IS NO CRACK IN THE THROTTLE SHAFT. INSTALL A NEW CARBURETOR WITH REINFORCED THROTTLE SHAFT IF A HAIRLINE CRACK HAS DEVELOPED IN THE SHAFT.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
85V031000 · Seat Belts

Reported: 1985-03-25 (March 25, 1985) · Model years: 1985

FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY NOT PROPERLY LOCK DURING SUDDEN HEAVY BRAKE APPLICATION OR IMPACT DUE TO THE INTERFERENCE OF TWO POSITIONING TABS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETAIN THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SUBJECTING THEM TO POSSIBLE INJURY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELTS AND MODIFY THE RETRACTOR POSITIONING TABS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
07V442000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Reported: 2007-09-24 (September 24, 2007) · Model years: 2006, 2007, 2008

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
10V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 2010-12-10 (December 10, 2010) · Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Consequence: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
16V913000 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Reported: 2016-12-20 (December 20, 2016) · Model years: 2009

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.

Consequence: A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

NHTSA campaign record ↗