2009 Volkswagen Rabbit Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit ranks worst of 4 model years with a complaint index of 100 and 62 complaints, most tied to brakes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls, including an ABS software fix, and owners reported failures at a median of 90,555 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 4 Rabbit years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 62
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 20.5 city / 29.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 1
Top 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes46 (74%)
- Electrical System11 (18%)
- Steering10 (16%)
- Engine9 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (8%)
- Structure & Body4 (6%)
- Airbags3 (5%)
- Fuel System3 (5%)
- Other3 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (5%)
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 sudden, unexplained hard braking or complete ABS failure that led to loss of control and crashes on highways.
- Some describe the stability control and ABS warning lights coming on together, with electronic brake assistance dropping out while manual braking still worked.
- Side airbags reportedly failed to deploy in some crashes, including one where only the steering wheel airbag activated during a serious collision.
- Owners describe heated seats catching fire and filling the cabin with smoke while driving.
- Some report the engine shaking on the highway, losing power, or randomly stalling without a clear cause.
- One owner reported the fuel system limiting engine RPM and blocking downshifts during passing maneuvers.
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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 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 Volkswagen Rabbit fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29.5 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 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 Rabbit years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Rabbit ranks worst among the 4 model years covered, with a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict. Brakes account for 74% of its complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2009 VW Rabbit?
- Brakes are the top problem area, with 46 complaints making up 74% of all reports, including ABS failures linked to crashes. Median mileage at failure for this group was 91,000 miles.
- Does the 2009 VW Rabbit have a recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one from 2016 covering an ABS control module software update, and one from 2010 covering fuel line inspection and possible replacement on 2.5L engines.
- How does the 2009 Rabbit compare to other Rabbit years?
- The 2009 Rabbit has the highest complaint index (100) and worst rank (1 of 4, worst first). The 2006 Rabbit rates Good with an index of 0, and 2008 also rates Good with an index of 33.