YearToAvoid

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen has a complaint index of 17, the second-lowest among the 7 model years with data, and carries a Good verdict, though that verdict is capped due to incomplete records for 2005-2009 vehicles. Brakes are the top problem area, with 9 of 16 complaints tied to the ABS module recall.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
17/100
#6 of 7 Jetta SportWagen years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
16
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Brakes
Best nearby year
2012
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
25
21.5 city / 30.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes9 (56%)
  2. Electrical System5 (31%)
  3. Other4 (25%)
  4. Seat Belts2 (13%)
  5. Airbags1 (6%)
  6. Fuel System1 (6%)
  7. Steering1 (6%)
  8. Structure & Body1 (6%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the ABS module failing, sometimes with a burned ABS cord, alongside speedometer and fuel mileage sensor faults.
  • Some owners say dealers found the ABS pump also broken but refused to cover it under the recall.
  • Several owners report Volkswagen denying the ABS module recall repair, citing stored fault codes or unavailable parts despite the vehicle qualifying.
  • Rear seat belt retractors reportedly failed to properly extend for adult passengers.
  • Owners describe ignition problems where the key sticks or the engine won't start or won't turn off.
  • One owner reported the transmission suddenly downshifting into limp mode and getting stuck in second gear.
2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen complaints: complaints filed per month3Jan 2017Jul 2017Sep 2018Jul 2019Sep 2022Jan 2024
16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2017 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2017 (3).

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V913000Dec 20, 2016Brakes135,683 vehicles

    Electronic stability control (esc)

    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.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen fuel economy and fuel cost

City
21.5 MPG
Highway
30.5 MPG
Combined
25 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,950
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2009 compared with other Jetta SportWagen years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002008200920102011201220132014
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2008No verdict02024
2009Good1716125
2010Caution5023128.5
2011Avoid8333129.5

All Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen reliable?
NHTSA data gives it a complaint index of 17, the second-lowest of the 7 Jetta SportWagen model years tracked, with 16 total complaints. It has a Good verdict, though that rating is capped because complaint records for 2005-2009 models are less complete.
Does the 2009 Jetta SportWagen have a recall?
Yes, one recall (campaign 16V913000) covers the ABS control module software, which VW updates to improve the module's self-test function.
What is the biggest problem with the 2009 Jetta SportWagen?
Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 9 of 16 complaints (56%), mostly tied to ABS module failures at a median mileage of 107,028 miles for the year overall.
How does the 2009 model compare to other Jetta SportWagen years?
The 2009 model ranks 6th worst out of 7 years by complaint index (17), well below the worst year, 2014, which has an index of 100 and an Avoid verdict.
What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Jetta SportWagen?
EPA rates it at 25 mpg combined (21.5 city / 30.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.