Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

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

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

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2009 Volkswagen Jetta
BUILT 2026-10-10

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: 888
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 5
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2009: 888 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	0
1982	0
1983	0
1984	1
1985	13
1986	14
1987	18
1988	19
1989	28
1990	22
1991	32
1992	30
1993	17
1994	120
1995	220
1996	173
1997	141
1998	192
1999	349
2000	439
2001	668
2002	702
2003	456
2004	231
2005	248
2006	580
2007	201
2008	188
2009	888
2010	852
2011	607
2012	500
2013	517
2014	386
2015	194
2016	161
2017	159
2018	31
2019	549
2020	53
2021	69
2022	43
2023	43
2024	44
2025	29
2026	6

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

23% · 206 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving 30 MPH, the ABS warning indicator illuminated as the brake pedal was depressed. The contact's vehicle did not stop and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-11

Also filed under Air bags

Brakes squealed from the date of delivery in March 2009. Vehicle was taken to vw service department on several occasions to inspect brakes. I was told each time that that's common in the vw Jetta and I had to get used to it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-13

Fuel system, diesel

22% · 195 reports

FIRE

Power train

16% · 144 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Turning left from turn lane with green light. Oncoming traffic with ample space to make the left turn. Started to accelerate into intersection and auto transmission (Dsg) shifted to a lower gear causing sluggish acceleration.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-09-08

Electrical system

12% · 107 reports

Most commonly citing software.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

11% · 102 reports

FIRE

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2009Complaint volume 888 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2009-06-30Power train09V164000 Volkswagen is recalling 25,594 my 2006-2009 Jetta 5TH generation equipped with 2.01 engine. The fastening screw contact surfaces on the driveshaft cover plate may not have been manufactured to…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft screws and replace the screws free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2009. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2009-07-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-11-19 Vehicle stall/loss motive power
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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 →
I
2010-08-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-02-08 High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)
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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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2011-02-07Engineering analysisClosed 2015-03-27 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
I
2011-08-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-12-02 Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage
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2011-11-15Fuel system, diesel11V490000 Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from May 2008 through September 2011, model year 2010-2012 Volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured…

Remedy: Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and Audi will notify…

Check if this car was fixed →
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 →
I
2018-04-18Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-10-30Service brakes, hydraulic20E064000 Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles.

Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 206 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, diesel: 195 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 144 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 09V164000 · Power train
Recall 09V333000 · Power train
Recall 10V621000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 11V490000 · Fuel system, diesel
Recall 16V913000 · Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 19V679000 · Unknown or other
Recall 20E064000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta have?: 7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.