One problem related to engine clicking and tapping noises has been reported for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the 2008 Passat.
We came home from a 30 mile trip and parked the car in the driveway. Went in the house and about 5 minutes later heard a big pop sound. I think is was a tire exploding and found the entire engine on fire. Another popping sound occurred and another tire blew. On the drive home there were no problems noted on the dash board. When we got out of the car there were no odors or indication of a fire. My keys were in the house at the time of the fire. Other issues that might be related. This past week my charger got extremely hot to touch and I stopped using it. I also felt the car try to start after I turned it off.