FaultScore

FaultScore report

2009 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Owners have filed 1,275 complaints about the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA between 2008 and 2026. The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 33 worst.

D

FaultScore 68/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Volkswagen Jetta.

How this is worked out

The numbers

1,275

Complaints

53

Crashes reported

10

Fires reported

17

Injuries reported

66,655 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

25%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 32 vs 50 Early failure 43 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Jetta. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 32
6.3% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2009 compares with every other Volkswagen Jetta

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Fuel & Propulsion 329 25.8%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 59,527 mi

Brakes 207 16.2%

15 crashes, 1 fires · median 87,500 mi

Engine & Cooling 169 13.3%

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 60,254 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 20,500 mi

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 78,500 mi

9 crashes, 0 fires · median 102,000 mi

Airbags 35 2.7%

14 crashes, 1 fires · median 75,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 84,294 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 42,722 mi

Lights 24 1.9%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

Steering 24 1.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 90,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 54,000 mi

Seat Belts 14 1.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 67,720 mi

Median failure at 27,750 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 9 0.7%

Median failure at 42,000 miles

Seats 9 0.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 77,800 mi

Tires 6 0.5%

Median failure at 44,500 miles

Suspension 6 0.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 69,600 mi

Wheels 5 0.4%

Median failure at 45,000 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 3 0.2%
Equipment & Accessories 2 0.2%

Median failure at 34,281 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Automatic Transmission 64 52.9%
Diesel 15 12.4%
Engine 12 9.9%
Body 10 8.3%
Manual Transmission 8 6.6%
Exhaust System 5 4.1%
Fuel Pump 4 3.3%
Automatic Emergency Braking 3 2.5%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 50 4.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 73 6.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 101 8.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 167 14.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 256 22.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 176 15.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 242 21.2%
150,000+ miles 77 6.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Aug 2008 peak 30 Apr 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

EA18003 Opened 18 Apr 2018 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

Air Bag Clockspring Failure

In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...

PE11023 Opened 2 Aug 2011 Closed 2 Dec 2011 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage

By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI Common Rail Clean Diesel engine (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-490).The recalled Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles were built from May 2008 through September 2011, the Golf vehicles were built from May 2009 through September 2011, and the Audi A3 vehicles were built fr...

EA11003 Opened 7 Feb 2011 Closed 27 Mar 2015 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any desig...

PE10034 Opened 26 Aug 2010 Closed 8 Feb 2011 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and Volkswagen (VW) have received a total of 160 complaints and field reports alleging incidents of engine stall and/or loss of power that appear to be related to high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and MY 2010 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with TDI clean diesel engines.Approximately half of the reports indicate that the failure resulted in an engine stall incident, with many of these alleging stall incidents at highway speeds in traffic with no restart.There has been one...

PE09035 Opened 17 Jul 2009 Closed 19 Nov 2009 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

VEHICLE STALL/LOSS MOTIVE POWER

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) TRANSMISSIONS, WHICH FEATURE A 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX WITH TWO WET RUNNING CLUTCHES (DUAL CLUTCH) IN WHICH THE CLUTCH MECHANISM AND GEAR CHANGES ARE ELECTROHYDRAULICALLY OPERATED BY A MECHATRONIC CONTROL UNIT.THE DSG MECHATRONIC CONTROLLER INCLUDES EXTENSIVE SELF DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTIONS AND STRATEGIES TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION AND PREVENT SYSTEM/COMPONENT DAMAGE IN THE EVENT OF COMPONENT FAILURES OR HARSH OPERATING CONDITIONS.THE BASIC HIERARCHY OF FAULT MODES INCLUDES SOME THAT ONLY RESULT IN THE STORAGE OF A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE...

Recalls on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

20E064000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

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. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.

Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

19V679000

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

16V913000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.

Risk: A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.

11V490000

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

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 FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.

Risk: DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.

10V621000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Risk: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

09V333000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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 (DSG) MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO ABRUPTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH. IN ADDITION, THE "DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL" INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES.

Risk: THE ABRUPT SHIFT TO NEUTRAL COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

09V164000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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 FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. SOME SCREWS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LOOSEN OVER TIME, CAUSING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS COULD LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHES FROM THE GEARBOX.

Risk: IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DETACHED DRIVESHAFT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE THE GEARBOX HOUSING. A DAMAGE GEARBOX HOUSING COULD LEAK GEARBOX OIL ONTO THE STREET AND CREATE A RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2020353 132,432 units in Canada

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning label for the engine block heater cable is written in English only. As a result, a French user may not receive important safety information about how to use the engine block heater. A label that is not provided in both official languages could create confusion. Safety Risk: User confusion could increase the risk of injury when trying to use the block heater. Corrective Actions: The company will mail each owner a new label for the block heater cable. If you would like help installing the label, you can contact a dealer for assistance.

Recall 2016629 12,205 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, a fault within the antilock brake system (ABS) may cause the module to fail during ABS and/or electronic stability control (ESC) activation. This will cause warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. If this happens, the brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) may not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will update the ABS control module with improved diagnostic capability to detect insufficient PCU ground connection. ABS modules with insufficient ground connections will be replaced.

Recall 2014069 19,349 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, a fuse can overheat and damage the fuse box, causing a partial loss of exterior vehicle lighting. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a fuse of an updated design.

Recall 2011355 41,078 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L TDI diesel engine, the fuel injection lines could crack. Diesel fuel leakage may ignite on a hot engine surface and cause a fire, which could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install vibration dampers on all four fuel injection lines. Additionally, on some vehicles (depending on the date of manufacture) the #2 fuel injection line will be replaced.

Recall 2010444 30,255 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain Golf, Golf wagon, Jetta and Rabbit equipped with a 2.5L Engine, a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. If chafing occurs fuel leakage could develop which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and, if necessary, replace the fuel line. In addition, as a preventive measure, the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir will be removed.

Recall 2009249 3,467 units in Canada

Powertrain

On certain Audi A3, TT, TT Roadster, and Volkswagen EOS, Golf wagon, GTI, Jetta and Jetta wagon equipped with a Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG), the wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the DSG may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped during assembly. As such, the temperature sensor could falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to the Neutral position. A loss of propulsion, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software..

Recall 2009141 2,388 units in Canada

Structure

On certain vehicles, driveshaft cover plate screws may not have been torqued properly during vehicle assembly. Should they loosen, a knocking sound may be heard while the vehicle is in motion. In the worst case, the driveshaft screws could loosen to the point where the driveshaft detaches from the gearbox. If the vehicle is moving when this happens, the detached driveshaft could cause damage to the gearbox housing. A damaged gearbox housing could leak gearbox oil onto the street and create a risk of vehicle crash for both the driver and other motorists. This could result in property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driveshaft screws.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Tacoma, WA Crash 2 injured

SEAT BELTS

1) seat belt did not lock and airbags did not deploy. Available for requested inspection. 2) injured driver & passenger. Both flew up out of their seats hitting their heads and body on windshield 3) Not yet appointment only available in 2 weeks 4)No 5)police and tow impound company. Still in impound waiting on insurance 6)no

NHTSA complaint #11435121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tacoma, WA Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

1) seat belt did not lock and airbags did not deploy. Available for requested inspection. 2) injured driver & passenger. Both flew up out of their seats hitting their heads and body on windshield 3) Not yet appointment only available in 2 weeks 4)No 5)police and tow impound company. Still in impound waiting on insurance 6)no

NHTSA complaint #11435121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Branchport, NY Crash

STEERING

I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN A DEER CAME INTO THE ROAD FROM THE RIGHT SIDE. I SEEN THE DEER AND SHOULD HAVE HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO MISS IT AND COME TO A STOP. I REMOVED THE CAR FROM 5TH GEAR WHILE USING BOTH THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PADS. ONCE I APPLIED SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES THE COMPLETELY LOCKED UP, AS DID THE STEERING WHEEL. MY CAR COLLIDED WITH THE DEER AND SUBSEQUENTLY TRAVELED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD IN A SPIN, STOPPING APPROXIMATELY 40 FEET DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD NO LUCK KEEPING THE VEHICLE RUNNING. I HAVE HAD THE ALTERNATOR, PLUGS AND COIL PACKS, STARTER, AND IGNITION CHANGED WITH NO REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START.

NHTSA complaint #11354594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Branchport, NY Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN A DEER CAME INTO THE ROAD FROM THE RIGHT SIDE. I SEEN THE DEER AND SHOULD HAVE HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO MISS IT AND COME TO A STOP. I REMOVED THE CAR FROM 5TH GEAR WHILE USING BOTH THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PADS. ONCE I APPLIED SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES THE COMPLETELY LOCKED UP, AS DID THE STEERING WHEEL. MY CAR COLLIDED WITH THE DEER AND SUBSEQUENTLY TRAVELED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD IN A SPIN, STOPPING APPROXIMATELY 40 FEET DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD NO LUCK KEEPING THE VEHICLE RUNNING. I HAVE HAD THE ALTERNATOR, PLUGS AND COIL PACKS, STARTER, AND IGNITION CHANGED WITH NO REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START.

NHTSA complaint #11354594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Branchport, NY Crash

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN A DEER CAME INTO THE ROAD FROM THE RIGHT SIDE. I SEEN THE DEER AND SHOULD HAVE HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO MISS IT AND COME TO A STOP. I REMOVED THE CAR FROM 5TH GEAR WHILE USING BOTH THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PADS. ONCE I APPLIED SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES THE COMPLETELY LOCKED UP, AS DID THE STEERING WHEEL. MY CAR COLLIDED WITH THE DEER AND SUBSEQUENTLY TRAVELED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD IN A SPIN, STOPPING APPROXIMATELY 40 FEET DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD NO LUCK KEEPING THE VEHICLE RUNNING. I HAVE HAD THE ALTERNATOR, PLUGS AND COIL PACKS, STARTER, AND IGNITION CHANGED WITH NO REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START.

NHTSA complaint #11354594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 197,000 miles Baltimore, MD Fire

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FELT WARMER THAN USUAL WHILE THE SEAT WARMER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT PLACED A LUMBAR CUSHION ON THE SEAT AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS ON FIRE. THE SEAT BACK AND CUSHION WERE BURNED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HERITAGE VOLKSWAGEN PARKVILLE (9215 HARFORD RD, PARKVILLE, MD 21234, (877) 398-1963) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT COVER AND COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190942827. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000.

NHTSA complaint #11280831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Orlando, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle experienced a complete loss of communication with the ABS control module, resulting in multiple warning lights and loss of ABS and related safety systems. The failure is consistent with Volkswagen Recall 45F2, which describes internal ground and solder failures in the ABS module. Prior to total failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent warning lights and an ABS fault code (01130 – Implausible Signal) in 2021 but was told the car was not under recall by dealer. After the condition progressed, the module became non-communicative and no longer generated fault codes. This is consistent with internal failure preventing communication. The failure affects braking-related safety systems, including ABS and stability control, and creates a potential safety risk, particularly during emergency braking or low-traction conditions. The condition has been confirmed by both a Volkswagen dealership and an independent Volkswagen/Audi specialist. A dealership diagnosis in 2025 once again confirmed that the ABS pump and module had no communication and required full replacement. Independent electrical testing verified that all external wiring, power, and ground inputs were functioning properly, indicating the failure is internal to the ABS module. Despite this, the manufacturer denied recall repair based on the absence of diagnostic fault codes. However, the lack of communication prevents the module from generating fault codes, creating a situation where complete failure does not qualify for recall repair. The failed ABS module is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11729349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle experienced a complete loss of communication with the ABS control module, resulting in multiple warning lights and loss of ABS and related safety systems. The failure is consistent with Volkswagen Recall 45F2, which describes internal ground and solder failures in the ABS module. Prior to total failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent warning lights and an ABS fault code (01130 – Implausible Signal) in 2021 but was told the car was not under recall by dealer. After the condition progressed, the module became non-communicative and no longer generated fault codes. This is consistent with internal failure preventing communication. The failure affects braking-related safety systems, including ABS and stability control, and creates a potential safety risk, particularly during emergency braking or low-traction conditions. The condition has been confirmed by both a Volkswagen dealership and an independent Volkswagen/Audi specialist. A dealership diagnosis in 2025 once again confirmed that the ABS pump and module had no communication and required full replacement. Independent electrical testing verified that all external wiring, power, and ground inputs were functioning properly, indicating the failure is internal to the ABS module. Despite this, the manufacturer denied recall repair based on the absence of diagnostic fault codes. However, the lack of communication prevents the module from generating fault codes, creating a situation where complete failure does not qualify for recall repair. The failed ABS module is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11729349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

The vehicle experienced a complete loss of communication with the ABS control module, resulting in multiple warning lights and loss of ABS and related safety systems. The failure is consistent with Volkswagen Recall 45F2, which describes internal ground and solder failures in the ABS module. Prior to total failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent warning lights and an ABS fault code (01130 – Implausible Signal) in 2021 but was told the car was not under recall by dealer. After the condition progressed, the module became non-communicative and no longer generated fault codes. This is consistent with internal failure preventing communication. The failure affects braking-related safety systems, including ABS and stability control, and creates a potential safety risk, particularly during emergency braking or low-traction conditions. The condition has been confirmed by both a Volkswagen dealership and an independent Volkswagen/Audi specialist. A dealership diagnosis in 2025 once again confirmed that the ABS pump and module had no communication and required full replacement. Independent electrical testing verified that all external wiring, power, and ground inputs were functioning properly, indicating the failure is internal to the ABS module. Despite this, the manufacturer denied recall repair based on the absence of diagnostic fault codes. However, the lack of communication prevents the module from generating fault codes, creating a situation where complete failure does not qualify for recall repair. The failed ABS module is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11729349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 177,000 miles Holyoke, MA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the odometer was inoperable. The ABS, Brake, DRL, and EPC warning lights were illuminated. During the failure, the vehicle drove like the parking brake was engaged. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving and experiencing the failures, the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle, and observed smoke coming from all four wheels. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder to the ABS module had failed to communicate with the computer and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, but the contact was made aware of an associated recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the ABS module was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 177,000.

NHTSA complaint #11725252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 177,000 miles Holyoke, MA

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the odometer was inoperable. The ABS, Brake, DRL, and EPC warning lights were illuminated. During the failure, the vehicle drove like the parking brake was engaged. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving and experiencing the failures, the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle, and observed smoke coming from all four wheels. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder to the ABS module had failed to communicate with the computer and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, but the contact was made aware of an associated recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the ABS module was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 177,000.

NHTSA complaint #11725252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,000 miles Sarasota, FL

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA complaint #11682847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,000 miles Sarasota, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA complaint #11682847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,000 miles Sarasota, FL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA complaint #11682847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sun Valley, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ABS module

NHTSA complaint #11670021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sun Valley, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS module

NHTSA complaint #11670021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sun Valley, CA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

ABS module

NHTSA complaint #11670021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jersey City, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES

Break fluid is leaking from abs cylinder and breaks are too soft to apply

NHTSA complaint #11636235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oklahoma City, OK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I purchased it unknown condition Accident History Damage Report - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - [xxx] Accident or Damage Reported Vehicle Damage Reported Right Side Damage or Repair Reported Damage or Repair to Bumper Reported Damage or Repair to Hood Reported Damage or Repair to Radiator Reported Damage or Repair to Grille Reported Damage or Repair to Fender Reported INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11628164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oklahoma City, OK

ENGINE

I purchased it unknown condition Accident History Damage Report - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - [xxx] Accident or Damage Reported Vehicle Damage Reported Right Side Damage or Repair Reported Damage or Repair to Bumper Reported Damage or Repair to Hood Reported Damage or Repair to Radiator Reported Damage or Repair to Grille Reported Damage or Repair to Fender Reported INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11628164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oklahoma City, OK

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I purchased it unknown condition Accident History Damage Report - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - [xxx] Accident or Damage Reported Vehicle Damage Reported Right Side Damage or Repair Reported Damage or Repair to Bumper Reported Damage or Repair to Hood Reported Damage or Repair to Radiator Reported Damage or Repair to Grille Reported Damage or Repair to Fender Reported INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11628164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 157,000 miles Kannapolis, NC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that ABS and the ESC warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied the recall repair coverage due to lack of communication between the computer and the ABS module. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11627688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 157,000 miles Kannapolis, NC

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that ABS and the ESC warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied the recall repair coverage due to lack of communication between the computer and the ABS module. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11627688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Belleville, IL

AIR BAGS

Since there has been ongoing investigation on airbags, thought to report the issue related to this. For some reason, the airbag yellow warning light came up for no reason on my dashboard. It came up months ago and never has'nt gone away. Was wondering this is part of the airbag recall debate that has been reported in the media

NHTSA complaint #11606043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Cincinnati, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the ABS warning chime was activated, and the warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel along with several other unknown warning lights. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer attempted to charge for the ABS module replacement despite the recall campaign stating that the ABS module should be replaced. The dealer stated that because the ABS had not experienced a failure, there would be a cost out-of-pocket to replace the ABS module. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 115,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11602633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Cincinnati, OH

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the ABS warning chime was activated, and the warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel along with several other unknown warning lights. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer attempted to charge for the ABS module replacement despite the recall campaign stating that the ABS module should be replaced. The dealer stated that because the ABS had not experienced a failure, there would be a cost out-of-pocket to replace the ABS module. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 115,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11602633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cocoa, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

I received a letter stating there was a ABS Control module Software. My abs lights came on. I took it to Volkswagen to have them do the recall. They said it’s the ABs control module and pump and it isn’t part of the recall. So they didn’t do any part of the recall, they just closed out the recall and she said it’s a Volkswagen problem. This was the Volkswagen service department that said this. My daughter almost wrecked the day this happened because it was raining. She is 16.

NHTSA complaint #11579650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 182,000 miles Xenia, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pads made grinding sounds. The brake pedal went to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the speedometer was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) which was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who performed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) by updating the ABS control module software; however, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the ABS module required replacement but that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.

NHTSA complaint #11579349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 182,000 miles Xenia, OH

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pads made grinding sounds. The brake pedal went to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the speedometer was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) which was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who performed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) by updating the ABS control module software; however, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the ABS module required replacement but that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.

NHTSA complaint #11579349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 228,255 miles Nipomo, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact’s daughter owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that on several occasions while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, several unknown warning lights intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module software needed to be updated and the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 228,255.

NHTSA complaint #11550484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 228,255 miles Nipomo, CA

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

The contact’s daughter owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that on several occasions while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, several unknown warning lights intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module software needed to be updated and the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 228,255.

NHTSA complaint #11550484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.