2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2007 | 54 |
| 2008 | 23 |
| 2009 | 62 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
63% of complaints: service brakes — 39 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I am making a complaint against volkswagen for refusing to perform the abs safety recall. The ABS module is dead, I found out the hard way that I have no ABS or traction control.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231205
2009 VOLKSWAGON RABBIT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ABS FAILURE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171031
40% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 25 distinct reports on file.
18% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN USING THE HEATED SEATS THE PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CABIN FILLED UP WITH THICK SMOKE AND WE COULD NOT BREATH. WE HAD TO STOP THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160128
16% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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. T
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 RESERV
Campaign 10V621000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Rabbit — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V621000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V913000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 63% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 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.