2009 Volkswagen Passat
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
- 146
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2009
Opened by NHTSA
41% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 146 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 40 |
| 1993 | 68 |
| 1994 | 25 |
| 1995 | 94 |
| 1996 | 142 |
| 1997 | 70 |
| 1998 | 331 |
| 1999 | 664 |
| 2000 | 507 |
| 2001 | 430 |
| 2002 | 636 |
| 2003 | 629 |
| 2004 | 279 |
| 2005 | 148 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 262 |
| 2008 | 168 |
| 2009 | 146 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 484 |
| 2013 | 749 |
| 2014 | 594 |
| 2015 | 243 |
| 2016 | 106 |
| 2017 | 110 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 13 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
41% · 60 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Traveling at posted speed limit on local highway when the engine lost power, battery light illuminated, a/c stopped blowing altogether. Vehicle was traveling up slight incline so vehicle pulled into nearest parking lot off of highway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-29
As we were approaching a stop sign the engine hesitated or stuttered as we came to a stop. As I attempted to start again, the engine hesitated, I noticed that the engine light had come on, smoke was coming out from under the hood.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-27
The check engine light and oil pressure light appeared on my dash screen as I was driving home from work. I pulled over to the nearest repair shop to have the vehicle diagnosed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-03
Fuel/propulsion system
32% · 46 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On 11/15/11 @33,125 miles when accelerating intermittently shift into neutral correct back to drive "Could not be replicated" By vw service. Then, car started to become "Hesitant" On acceleration from a stop or when on driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-18
Also filed under Electrical system and electronic stability control (esc)
On [XXX], a MIDAS shop found an alleged crack in the front part of the gas tank on the upper part of the tank by the floor board. The manager also stated that it could be a plastic seal from the fuel pump on the top part of the tank.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-13
Steering
14% · 20 reportsElectrical system
13% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
On Sunday morning about 11:20 am as I turned my car on it immediately started to rattle followed by black smoke coming from under my hood.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-25
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Passat. While parked for 30 minutes the vehicle caught on fire. The fire started in the front under the engine. The fire department stated it could be an electrical fire or a leak in the engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-12-18
Air bags
8% · 12 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2008-12-05Steering08V577000 Vw is recalling 130 my 2009 Passat, Passat Wagon, and Passat cc vehicles. Some vehicles may have an electromechanical steering gear control unit that can malfunction due to a damaged capacitor. If…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear in the affected vehicles. The recall began on December 5, 2008. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.
-
I
2009-05-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-07-09 Transmission fluid hose chafe
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R
2017-03-10Air bags16V078000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available.
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R
2018-03-16Air bags18V148000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
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R
2018-06-26Fuel system, gasoline17V509000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 60 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 46 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 20 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08V577000 · Steering
- Recall 16V078000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V148000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V509000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2009 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Volkswagen Passat is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Passat?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Passat have?
- 4 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.