2009 Volkswagen Beetle

▲ Better than typical
2009 Volkswagen Beetle
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:46.068Z

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
33
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Exterior lighting

18% of complaints

Complaints per year

1998: 171 complaints 1998 1999: 174 complaints 2000: 263 complaints 2001: 203 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 314 complaints 2004: 349 complaints 2004 2005: 261 complaints 2006: 124 complaints 2007: 56 complaints 2008: 60 complaints 2009: 33 complaints 2009 33 2010: 30 complaints 2012: 65 complaints 2013: 93 complaints 2014: 50 complaints 2014 2015: 83 complaints 2016: 47 complaints 2017: 15 complaints 2017 2018: 17 complaints 2019: 14 complaints
1998: 171 complaints 1998 1999: 174 complaints 2000: 263 complaints 2000 2001: 203 complaints 2002: 165 complaints 2002 2003: 314 complaints 2004: 349 complaints 2004 2005: 261 complaints 2006: 124 complaints 2006 2007: 56 complaints 2008: 60 complaints 2009: 33 complaints 2009 33 2010: 30 complaints 2012: 65 complaints 2013: 93 complaints 2013 2014: 50 complaints 2015: 83 complaints 2015 2016: 47 complaints 2017: 15 complaints 2017 2018: 17 complaints 2019: 14 complaints 2019
1998: 171 complaints 1998 1999: 174 complaints 1999 2000: 263 complaints 2000 2001: 203 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2002 2003: 314 complaints 2003 2004: 349 complaints 2004 2005: 261 complaints 2005 2006: 124 complaints 2006 2007: 56 complaints 2007 2008: 60 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2009 33 2010: 30 complaints 2010 2012: 65 complaints 2012 2013: 93 complaints 2013 2014: 50 complaints 2014 2015: 83 complaints 2015 2016: 47 complaints 2016 2017: 15 complaints 2017 2018: 17 complaints 2018 2019: 14 complaints 2019

2009: 33 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
1998171
1999174
2000263
2001203
2002165
2003314
2004349
2005261
2006124
200756
200860
200933
201030
201265
201393
201450
201583
201647
201715
201817
201914

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior lighting

18% · 6 reports

Air bags

15% · 5 reports
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, 2016-03-13

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Visibility

15% · 5 reports

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, 2010-09-27

Fuel/propulsion system

9% · 3 reports
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, 2018-05-04

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and engine

Electrical system

9% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2011-01-31Fuel system, gasoline10V621000 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.…

    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…

  2. R
    2019-11-06Unknown or other19V679000 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.

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Volkswagen Beetle — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 10V621000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 19V679000 · Unknown or other

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.