2009 Volkswagen Beetle Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has 33 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 31, ranked 10th out of 14 model years, with a Good verdict. Electrical System issues lead at 27% of complaints, and two recalls apply, including a fuel line inspection campaign.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 31/100
- #10 of 14 Beetle years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 33
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2009 Volkswagen Beetle problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System9 (27%)
- Airbags5 (15%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (15%)
- Other4 (12%)
- Engine3 (9%)
- Fuel System3 (9%)
- Structure & Body3 (9%)
- Seat Belts2 (6%)
- Steering2 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Power windows and convertible top rear window fail to move up or down, sometimes requiring repeated regulator replacements.
- Windshield wipers intermittently stop working during rainy driving, then resume normally after restarting the vehicle.
- Airbag warning light illuminates due to sensor problems, with one case involving the passenger airbag deploying but not the driver airbag during a crash.
- Seat belts fail to retract properly after being pulled to lock.
- Power steering momentarily cuts out along with a battery indicator light while turning, then returns without driver input.
- Lower body shields and cover plates under the vehicle require repeated replacement.
2009 Volkswagen Beetle recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V679000Sep 25, 2019Other113 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.
- NHTSA 10V621000Dec 10, 2010Fuel System228,236 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.
2009 compared with other Beetle years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
- Among the 14 model years with data, 2009 ranks 10th worst with a complaint index of 31 and carries a Good verdict, meaning it performs better than most other Beetle years on NHTSA complaint data.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle?
- Electrical System issues account for 27% of complaints (9 of 33), followed by Airbags and Visibility & Wipers issues, each at 15%.
- Does the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2009 Beetle: a fuel system recall covering underhood fuel line inspection/replacement, and a broader campaign affecting multiple Volkswagen models involving a repurchase remedy.
- How does the 2009 Beetle compare to other years?
- The 2009 Beetle's complaint index of 31 is much lower than 2005 (100) and 2006 (92), both rated Avoid, but higher than 2010 (23) and 2017 (0), which are rated Best.