2009 Volkswagen Beetle
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 171 |
| 1999 | 174 |
| 2000 | 263 |
| 2001 | 203 |
| 2002 | 165 |
| 2003 | 314 |
| 2004 | 349 |
| 2005 | 261 |
| 2006 | 124 |
| 2007 | 56 |
| 2008 | 60 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2013 | 91 |
| 2014 | 50 |
| 2015 | 83 |
| 2016 | 47 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
18% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE SLOWLY APPROACHING A PARKING SPACE IN A SHOPPING CENTER MY 2009 VW BEETLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPING OVER THE CURB AND SIDEWALK, AND CRASHING INTO THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING. IT THEN REBOUNDED ABOUT 6-8 FEET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160313
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
15% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE. THE WAS DRIVING 50 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. THE CONTACT STOPPED DRIVING TO WAIT FOR THE RAIN TO STOP BEFORE PROCEEDING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100927
9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE STALLIG USUALLY WHEN TURNING, AFTER A STOP, WHEN GOING SLOW... WE HAVE TRIED TO FIX THIS ISSUE BY TAKING THE CAR TO MECHANICS AND THEY CAN'T RULE OUT A SOLUTION BECAUSE IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND IT SEEMS TO BE WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN WARMED UP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180504
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and ENGINE
9% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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. T
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 RESERV
Campaign 10V621000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 19V679000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Volkswagen Beetle — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V621000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V679000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.