MYRModel Year Report

2009 Volkswagen GTI

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2009 Volkswagen GTI
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:53:13.148Z

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
167
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

59% of complaints

Complaints per year

1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 0 complaints 1990 1991: 1 complaint 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 0 complaints 1995: 18 complaints 1995 1996: 9 complaints 1997: 10 complaints 1998: 10 complaints 1999: 8 complaints 2000: 45 complaints 2000 2001: 74 complaints 2002: 124 complaints 2003: 53 complaints 2004: 7 complaints 2005: 8 complaints 2006: 43 complaints 2007: 77 complaints 2008: 67 complaints 2009: 167 complaints 2009 167 2010: 53 complaints 2011: 55 complaints 2012: 40 complaints 2013: 34 complaints 2014: 10 complaints 2015: 97 complaints 2015 2016: 67 complaints 2017: 52 complaints 2018: 17 complaints 2019: 179 complaints 2020: 8 complaints 2020 2021: 4 complaints 2022: 29 complaints 2023: 6 complaints 2024: 29 complaints 2025: 0 complaints 2025
1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 0 complaints 1994 1995: 18 complaints 1996: 9 complaints 1997: 10 complaints 1997 1998: 10 complaints 1999: 8 complaints 2000: 45 complaints 2000 2001: 74 complaints 2002: 124 complaints 2003: 53 complaints 2003 2004: 7 complaints 2005: 8 complaints 2006: 43 complaints 2006 2007: 77 complaints 2008: 67 complaints 2009: 167 complaints 2009 167 2010: 53 complaints 2011: 55 complaints 2012: 40 complaints 2012 2013: 34 complaints 2014: 10 complaints 2015: 97 complaints 2015 2016: 67 complaints 2017: 52 complaints 2018: 17 complaints 2018 2019: 179 complaints 2020: 8 complaints 2021: 4 complaints 2021 2022: 29 complaints 2023: 6 complaints 2024: 29 complaints 2024 2025: 0 complaints
1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 0 complaints 1995: 18 complaints 1995 1996: 9 complaints 1997: 10 complaints 1997 1998: 10 complaints 1999: 8 complaints 1999 2000: 45 complaints 2001: 74 complaints 2001 2002: 124 complaints 2003: 53 complaints 2003 2004: 7 complaints 2005: 8 complaints 2005 2006: 43 complaints 2007: 77 complaints 2007 2008: 67 complaints 2009: 167 complaints 2009 167 2010: 53 complaints 2011: 55 complaints 2011 2012: 40 complaints 2013: 34 complaints 2013 2014: 10 complaints 2015: 97 complaints 2015 2016: 67 complaints 2017: 52 complaints 2017 2018: 17 complaints 2019: 179 complaints 2019 2020: 8 complaints 2021: 4 complaints 2021 2022: 29 complaints 2023: 6 complaints 2023 2024: 29 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
201155
201240
201334
201410
201597
201667
201752
201817
2019179
20208
20214
202229
20236
202429
20250

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

59% · 99 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Driving on highway 34 from greeley co towards loveland co at speed limit of 65.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-12

Also filed under Structure

My vehicle has experienced exactly what NHTSA campaign # 16V913000 and it is the model and year as listed in the campaign.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-13

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and steering

Electronic stability control (esc)

41% · 69 reports
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, 2026-04-21

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Power train

19% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Electrical system

19% · 31 reports
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, 2023-09-09

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, 2008-11-09

Also filed under Interior lighting

Steering

12% · 20 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2009Complaint volume 167 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2009-07-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-11-19 Vehicle stall/loss motive power
  3. R
    2009-10-20Power train09V333000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2017-02-14Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic16V913000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Volkswagen GTI — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 99 reports on file for this year.
  • Electronic stability control (esc): 69 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 32 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09V333000 · Power train
  • Recall 16V913000 · Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 59% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen GTI 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.