2009 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has 888 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 100, the highest of all 21 model years covered, earning an Avoid verdict. Fuel System problems lead at 35% of complaints, backed by 6 recall campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 21 Jetta years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 888
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 31
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 8
- Injuries
- 17
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21.5 city / 30.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 17 / 0
Top 2009 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System307 (35%)
- Brakes221 (25%)
- Engine187 (21%)
- Transmission & Powertrain141 (16%)
- Electrical System115 (13%)
- Airbags35 (4%)
- Other35 (4%)
- Structure & Body28 (3%)
- Steering24 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 (2%)
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 DSG automatic transmission dropping into a lower gear or losing acceleration during highway merges and turns, sometimes leading to collisions.
- Some describe the driver-side airbag deploying unexpectedly during normal driving, including while using cruise control.
- Several report the vehicle lurching or moving without driver intent while parking, striking objects or buildings.
- Owners of the 2.0 TDI report sudden loss of power on the highway paired with an engine fault warning, in one case followed by an underhood fire.
- Multiple owners describe rear brakes wearing down quickly or requiring repeated dealer visits after brake pressure or fluid problems.
- Some report the transmission failing to respond when accelerating from a stop, requiring a manual shift to neutral and back to drive.
2009 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
6 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 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.
- NHTSA 11V490000Oct 3, 2011Fuel System168,275 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.
2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
- Compared to other Jetta model years, the 2009 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 888 NHTSA complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Jetta?
- NHTSA data shows Fuel System complaints make up 35% of all reports, followed by Brakes at 25% and Engine at 21%.
- Does the 2009 Jetta have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2009 Jetta, covering fuel system lines, brake ABS module software, transmission control module software, and driveshaft screws.
- At what mileage do 2009 Jetta problems usually show up?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: Transmission & Powertrain issues appeared around 21,000 miles, Fuel System around 59,081 miles, and Brakes around 89,000 miles.
- How does the 2009 Jetta compare to other years?
- The 2009 Jetta has the highest complaint index (100) of all 21 model years with data, while years like 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 earn Best verdicts with much lower complaint indexes.