Research · Compact Cars

2009 Volkswagen JettaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 905 owner complaints for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. Most complaints involve fuel system, diesel (195) and service brakes (174). The EPA rates it 24–32 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
24–32mpg
EPA · 12 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
7campaigns
Latest Sep 2020
Owner complaints
905
Top: fuel system, diesel
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

7 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Free remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Sep 23, 2020NHTSA 20E064000

Unknown or other

Free remedy

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.

Unknown or otherReported Sep 25, 2019NHTSA 19V679000

Service brakes

Free remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Dec 20, 2016NHTSA 16V913000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

905 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2008 – Oct 2026
  1. Fuel system, diesel195
  2. Service brakes174
  3. Power train142
  4. Electrical system112
  5. Fuel/propulsion system103
  6. Electronic stability control (esc)98
  7. Engine96
  8. Engine and engine cooling72
  9. Air bags36

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Jetta model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996183
1997141
1998194
1999354
2000451
2001677
2002711
2003463
2004233
2005248
2006580
2007201
2008190
2009905
2010875
2011640
2012527
2013518
2014388
2015196
2016164
2017160
201832
2019552
202054
202171
202243
202343
202446
202532
20266
Crashes reported
31
Fires reported
8
Injuries reported
17
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Fuel system, diesel

195 reports2 fires
“WIFE WENT OUTSIDE TO START HER TDI AND AFTER SITTING AND MAKING NO PROGRESS IN WARMING AND SMELLING A LOT OF UN-BURNT DIESEL SHE DECIDED TO SHUT IT OFF. AFTER SHE CAME INSIDE AND TOLD ME IT WAS NOT WARMING UP AND IT SEEMED TO BE RUNNING OUT OF FUEL VERY QUICKLY I WENT OUTSIDE TO CHECK IT OUT. I COULD SEE THAT DIESEL HAD LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND, SO I OPENED THE HOOD AND FUEL WAS DRIPPING FROM THE ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL PUMP. I LEFT IT OVERNIGHT AT THIS POINT TO MAKE SURE NO FIRES WHERE STARTED. THE NEXT MORNING I TOOK IT APART TO FIND OUT WHAT THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK AND AFTER REMOVING THE PUMP, ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL, AND RUBBER LINES I SAW THE END OF THE PUMP HAD POPPED OUT OF ITS CRIMPED ALUMINUM CASE. THIS WAS ALLOWING DIESEL TO LEAK PAST THE RUNNING ELECTRIC PUMP AND ONTO THE RUNNING ENGINE WHICH AT THE POINT OF TURNING IT OFF HAD COVERED THE ENTIRE SERPENTINE SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPLETELY IN FUEL. IT WAS A BOSCH PART #1K0 906 098A WE HAVE CONTACTED VW ABOUT THIS AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE IN EITHER OFFERING TO INVESTIGATE THE LEAK OR EXPEDITING THE BUYBACK PROCESS TO REMOVE THIS VEHICLE FROM THE ROADS AND MY DRIVEWAY KNOWING THAT IT LEAKED FUEL. VW DID…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2016Fuel system, diesel, EngineODI 10936533

Service brakes

174 reports12 crashes1 fire
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 6, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11729349

Power train

142 reports3 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 25, 2025Service brakes, hydraulic, Power train, EngineODI 11682847
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

12 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars, Small Station Wagons
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 5-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd · Manual 5-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · Premium Gasoline · Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Jetta
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
293732$2,950318
Jetta
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
293932$2,950315
Jetta SportWagen
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
293732$2,950318
Jetta SportWagen
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
293932$2,950315
Jetta
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
222925$3,100355
Jetta
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
213125$3,100355
Jetta SportWagen
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
222925$3,100355
Jetta SportWagen
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
213125$3,100355
Jetta
Auto (S6), 5 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202924$2,600370
Jetta
Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
213024$2,600370
Jetta SportWagen
Auto (S6), 5 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202924$2,600370
Jetta SportWagen
Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
213024$2,600370
  • Jetta
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    29 city · 37 hwy · $2,950/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    29 city · 39 hwy · $2,950/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta SportWagen
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    29 city · 37 hwy · $2,950/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta SportWagen
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    29 city · 39 hwy · $2,950/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 29 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    21 city · 31 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta SportWagen
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 29 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta SportWagen
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    21 city · 31 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta
    Auto (S6), 5 cyl, 2.5 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta
    Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L
    21 city · 30 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta SportWagen
    Auto (S6), 5 cyl, 2.5 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta SportWagen
    Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L
    21 city · 30 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 5302Vehicle 5301
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 Jetta questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta have?

7 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2009 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

Owners filed 905 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel system, diesel (195), service brakes (174), power train (142). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta at 24–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026