2009 Volkswagen Beetle

▲ Better than typical

2009 Volkswagen Beetle
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:34:18.971Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2009: 33 complaints

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	90
2014	50
2015	83
2016	47
2017	15
2018	16
2019	14

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 18%

18% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 15%

15% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show 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

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9%

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY 6%

6% of complaints: visibility — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20110131 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20191106 — unknown or other

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 fuel/propulsion system issues (3 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

▲ 2010 ▲ 2016 ▲ 2014

WORST YEARS

■ 2004 ■ 2003 ■ 2000

See all years ranked →

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.