2009 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 21 Jetta years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has 888 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 21 Jetta model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is fuel system (307 complaints, 35% of the total). Complaints report 31 crashes, 8 fires, and 17 injuries.
- Complaints
- 888
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 31 / 8
- Injuries / deaths
- 17 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21.5 city / 30.5 hwy
Top 2009 Volkswagen Jetta problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta ranks worst among Jetta model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 888 complaints and 6 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The most reported problem areas are fuel system (307 complaints), brakes (221 complaints), and engine (187 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 60,200 miles.
- Does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, most recently reported 2019, covering other, brakes, fuel system, and transmission & powertrain.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta?
- EPA rates the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta at 25 MPG combined (21.5 city / 30.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.