2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Random unwanted braking action during driving and dangerous steering force to the right side.I had to use both hands and force to keep car on the road on the interstate. No fault codes found VW Dealership could not find any Problem.They replaced the ABS Modem to a cost of $2669 but the problem remains.The brakes lock up when just backing up on my driveway too.I have read on the VW forums that a lot of people are having the same problems on 2009, 2012,2013 Jetta.I am afraid to take the car on the road and especially on the interstate again!”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2023
“The car had an ignition problem. I could not turn the car off using the key. For many years it is had a problem of not always being able to easily start the car with the key. But time time I could not turn the car off without pulling a fuse. Obvious safety issues if a car won't turn off and basically useless vehicle. It had not been inspected by others, but online I found this problem is not uncommon. There where no warning messages of the problem prior to failure. As mentioned before, for years it has been difficult to turn on. First time I could not turn it off.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2022
“ABS, esc indicator lights came on driving at highway speed, and with brake indicator flashing and audible sound. Diagnosed at capistrano vw as failure of ABS control module. Repair declined due to $2,500 cost, but the circumstances indicate this should be covered in safety recall 45f2, NHTSA campaign 16v913 (although VIN not indicated as part of recall according to NHTSA records). Will follow up with dealership. NHTSA should note other similar complaints to cause manufacturer to expand number of affected vehicles. Vw's response appears to be inadequate so far.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle has 100,088 miles on it. On 5/11/2019 the ABS module went bad. Under NHTSA campaign recall number 16v913000 the ABS module should be replaced. Volkswagon on 5/14/19 ran my VIN # and said no recall applied. They refused to replace the module despite the applicability of your recall campaign number. The vehicle is now in a mechanic's garage and is inoperable as computer code 01130 applies. The ABS warning light and flashing brake light appeared while I was in my driveway and had just started up the car.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2019
“My car ignition are continue failing on me. Sometimes it works and some times was not working. The keys got stuck in the ignition. We can't turn off the engine.some times we can't turn on the engine. I'm afraid its a safety hazard that ignition will fail during driving.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2018
“Vw refusing to complete ABS module recall because ABS module already has fault codes stored. The point of the recall is to repair or replace the faulty ABS modules, but in our case, since the module already contains fault codes, the dealership and vw corporate are refusing to perform the safety recall”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2017
“Took vehicle for ABS system module recall service. Dealer said ABS pump also broken, but was not covered repair under recall. Would cost additional $2320 to fix. As a result, vehicle ABS system still not functional. Unsafe.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 volkswagen jetta sportwagen. The contact stated that the speedometer failed without warning. In addition, the ABS indicator illuminated and the fuel mileage sensor failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS module failed, and the ABS cord was burned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v913000 (electronic stability control). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 volkswagen jetta sportwagen. The contact stated that the retractors for the rear driver and passenger seat belts failed to properly extend to accommodate adult passengers. The vehicle was taken to autobarn volkswagen of mt. Prospect (333 west rand road, mt prospect, illinois 60056, (847) 392-6300) where the seats belts were replaced; however, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2014
“My brakes frequently squeak . Something with the ignition also seems to not be working right when I try turning on my car, it won't start the first time(s) or starting is delayed.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2012
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
How other years compare
Check your exact Jetta Sportwagen by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.