2009 Volkswagen Jetta problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, most often about brakes. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
64
Recalls
4
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Median mileage
124,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 40 of 64 complaints (63%).
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (14) and electrical system (9) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 124,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries.
  • The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has 4 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 10th of 22 Volkswagen Jetta model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 220% more complaints than the 2008 model year (20).

2009 Volkswagen Jetta problems by category

  • Brakes · 1 crash
    40 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    14 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    11 complaints
  • Electrical System
    9 complaints
  • Engine
    9 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    5 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    3 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Service brakes30
Unknown or other11
Electronic stability control (esc)10
Electrical system9
Engine9
Service brakes, hydraulic8
Steering6
Power train5

When problems happen (mileage)

2Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k660k–100k14100k–150k10150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2009 Volkswagen Jetta complaints that list mileage.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta recalls (4)

  • Recall 19V679000Sep 25, 2019113 vehicles
    UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

    Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.

  • Recall 16V913000Dec 20, 2016135,683 vehicles
    ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 11V490000Oct 3, 2011168,275 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012 audi a3 vehicles, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0l tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and rpm conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line.

    Risk: Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

  • Recall 10V621000Dec 10, 2010228,236 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    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.

    Risk: 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 defect investigations

  • EA18003Opened Apr 18, 2018Open

    Air Bag Clockspring Failure

    In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel…

  • PE11023Opened Aug 2, 2011Closed Dec 2, 2011led to recall 11V490000

    Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage

    By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI Common Rail Clean Diesel engine (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-490).The recalled Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles were built from May 2008 through September 2011, the Golf vehicles were built from May 2009 through September 2011, and the Audi A3 vehicles were built fr…

  • EA11003Opened Feb 7, 2011Closed Mar 27, 2015

    High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

    The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any desig…

  • PE10034Opened Aug 26, 2010Closed Feb 8, 2011

    High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and Volkswagen (VW) have received a total of 160 complaints and field reports alleging incidents of engine stall and/or loss of power that appear to be related to high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and MY 2010 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with TDI clean diesel engines.Approximately half of the reports indicate that the failure resulted in an engine stall incident, with many of these alleging stall incidents at highway speeds in traffic with no restart.There has been one…

  • PE09035Opened Jul 17, 2009Closed Nov 19, 2009led to recall 09V333000

    Vehicle stall/loss motive power

    The subject vehicles are equipped with direct shift gearbox (dsg) transmissions, which feature a 6-speed automatic gearbox with two wet running clutches (dual clutch) in which the clutch mechanism and gear changes are electrohydraulically operated by a mechatronic control unit.the dsg mechatronic controller includes extensive self diagnostic functions and strategies to ensure safe operation and prevent system/component damage in the event of component failures or harsh operating conditions.the basic hierarchy of fault modes includes some that only result in the storage of a diagnostic trouble …

Recent 2009 Volkswagen Jetta complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 8, 2026NVEngineOther / Unknown
    I am reporting an unsafe vehicle release and failed recall remedy by Findlay Volkswagen Henderson regarding NHTSA Campaign Number 16V913000 (Volkswagen Campaign 45F2) on my 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The dealership closed out the safety recall on October 7, 2026, via Invoice #485977, claiming the repair was finalized. However, their paperwork is explicitly non-compliant. Page 1 bills out an outdated, uncorrected factory part number (1K0-907-375-AH), completely violating the 45F2…
    NHTSA complaint #11769785 · source
  2. Filed Apr 6, 2026FLBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    The vehicle experienced a complete loss of communication with the ABS control module, resulting in multiple warning lights and loss of ABS and related safety systems. The failure is consistent with Volkswagen Recall 45F2, which describes internal ground and solder failures in the ABS module. Prior to total failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent warning lights and an ABS fault code (01130 – Implausible Signal) in 2021 but was told the car was not under recall by dealer.…
    NHTSA complaint #11729349 · source
  3. Filed Mar 18, 2026177,000 miMABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the odometer was inoperable. The ABS, Brake, DRL, and EPC warning lights were illuminated. During the failure, the vehicle drove like the parking brake was…
    NHTSA complaint #11725252 · source
  4. Filed Aug 25, 202586,000 miFLBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact…
    NHTSA complaint #11682847 · source
  5. Filed Dec 1, 2024OKDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineOther / Unknown
    I purchased it unknown condition Accident History Damage Report - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - [xxx] Accident or Damage Reported Vehicle Damage Reported Right Side Damage or Repair Reported Damage or Repair to Bumper Reported Damage or Repair to Hood Reported Damage or Repair to Radiator Reported Damage or Repair to Grille Reported Damage or Repair to Fender Reported INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11628164 · source
  6. Filed Nov 27, 2024157,000 miNCBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that ABS and the ESC warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied the recall repair coverage…
    NHTSA complaint #11627688 · source
  7. Filed Aug 2, 2024ILAirbags
    Since there has been ongoing investigation on airbags, thought to report the issue related to this. For some reason, the airbag yellow warning light came up for no reason on my dashboard. It came up months ago and never has'nt gone away. Was wondering this is part of the airbag recall debate that has been reported in the media
    NHTSA complaint #11606043 · source
  8. Filed Jul 16, 2024115,000 miOHBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the ABS warning chime was activated, and the warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel along with…
    NHTSA complaint #11602633 · source

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Other 2009 Volkswagen models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology