2008 Volkswagen Transporter: known problems and what to check
Too few Volkswagen Transporter cars first registered in 2008 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. Here’s what we do know about the 2008 Volkswagen Transporter, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2008 Volkswagen Transporter
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Fire-risk and handbrake recalls
Recalls covered a fuel pipe and fuel pump cover bolts that could cause a fire, a handbrake that could release by itself (over 8,000 vans), a steering rack that could come loose, second-row seat backrests and cooling fan wiring.
At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- Diesel
Blocked EGR valve
A blocked EGR valve causes stalling, judder and hunting revs. The fix is a new EGR valve and cooler.
At the viewing: Let it idle and listen for uneven revs, and check for warning lights.
- All engines
Oil leak between engine and gearbox
Badly threaded flywheel bolt holes can let oil leak where the engine meets the gearbox. Fixing it means taking the gearbox off.
At the viewing: Look under the van between the engine and gearbox for oil.
- All engines
Hard starting (camshaft sensor)
A failing camshaft position sensor can make it hard to start.
At the viewing: Start it from cold.
- Diesel
Exhaust whistle or fumes in the cab
A failed exhaust manifold gasket causes a whistle and can let fumes into the cab.
At the viewing: Listen for a whistle under load and sniff for fumes.
- All engines
False sliding door warning
The door switch can be out of adjustment, so the van thinks the sliding door is open.
At the viewing: Shut all doors and make sure no warning shows.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Volkswagen Transporter
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a VW dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2008 car
- MOT history
Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.
- Service history
Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.
- Finance and write-offs
MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.
- Test drive
Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.
Looking at a Volkswagen Transporter?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volkswagen Transporter compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2021 | – | Too few tests |
| 2020 | – | Too few tests |
| 2019 | – | Too few tests |
| 2018 | – | Too few tests |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | – | Too few tests |
| 2013 | – | Too few tests |
| 2012 | – | Too few tests |
| 2011 | – | Too few tests |
| 2010 | – | Too few tests |
| 2009 | – | Too few tests |
| 2007 | – | Too few tests |
| 2006 | – | Too few tests |
| 2005 | – | Too few tests |
| 2004 | – | Too few tests |
| 2003 | – | Too few tests |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score