MYRModel Year Report

2009 Volkswagen GTI

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2009 Volkswagen GTI
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:48:28.834Z

This year had more than double the complaints of 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

Complaints per year, Volkswagen GTI Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2009 highlighted. 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 1 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 0 complaints 1995: 18 complaints 1996: 9 complaints 1997: 10 complaints 1997 1998: 10 complaints 1999: 8 complaints 2000: 45 complaints 2001: 74 complaints 2002: 124 complaints 2003: 53 complaints 2003 2004: 7 complaints 2005: 8 complaints 2006: 43 complaints 2007: 77 complaints 2008: 67 complaints 2009: 167 complaints 2009 2010: 53 complaints 2011: 54 complaints 2012: 40 complaints 2013: 34 complaints 2014: 10 complaints 2015: 97 complaints 2015 2016: 66 complaints 2017: 50 complaints 2018: 16 complaints 2019: 178 complaints 2020: 8 complaints 2021: 3 complaints 2021 2022: 26 complaints 2023: 6 complaints 2024: 28 complaints 2025: 0 complaints 2025
2009: 167 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19852
19862
19872
19880
19890
19900
19911
19920
19930
19940
199518
19969
199710
199810
19998
200045
200174
2002124
200353
20047
20058
200643
200777
200867
2009167
201053
201154
201240
201334
201410
201597
201666
201750
201816
2019178
20208
20213
202226
20236
202428
20250

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES 56%

56% of complaints: service brakes — 94 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 34 FROM GREELEY CO TOWARDS LOVELAND CO AT SPEED LIMIT OF 65.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150612

MY VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED EXACTLY WHAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 16V913000 AND IT IS THE MODEL AND YEAR AS LISTED IN THE CAMPAIGN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171213

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 41%

41% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 69 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the ABS control unit indicator light was illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260421

MY VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED EXACTLY WHAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 16V913000 AND IT IS THE MODEL AND YEAR AS LISTED IN THE CAMPAIGN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171213

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19%

19% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The warning light went on engine oil pressure off. Search manual. Then it wouldn't start. But lights where on so we put a new starter. But it wouldn't turn the engine. So We thought it must be the battery needs a jump start.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230909

I HAVE A 2009 VW GTI THAT IS ONLY 3 MONTHS OLD. THE REAR BRAKELIGHT IN THE SPOILER IS FILLED WITH MOISTURE AND DOES NOT GO AWAY. I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO CHANGE THIS BULB OUT EASILY WHEN IT FAILS BECAUSE IT WILL IF MOISTURE REMAINS TRAPPED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20081109

STEERING 12%

12% of complaints: steering — 20 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

MY VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED EXACTLY WHAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 16V913000 AND IT IS THE MODEL AND YEAR AS LISTED IN THE CAMPAIGN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171213

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2009 — complaint volume: 167
I 20090717 — PE (closed 20091119)

VEHICLE STALL/LOSS MOTIVE POWER

R 20091020 — power train

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DS

Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Campaign 09V333000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170214 — electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic

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.

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.

Campaign 16V913000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2009 Volkswagen GTI — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (94 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (69 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09V333000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V913000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2013 ▲ 2012 ▲ 2006

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2002 ◆ 2015

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2009 Volkswagen GTI reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Volkswagen GTI is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen GTI?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen GTI 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.