Problems · by component

2009 Volkswagen Jetta electrical system problems

112 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta cite electrical system, 12% of all 905 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
112
12% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“at or around 6:52pm on 9/11/2026, what I assume is the seatbelt pretensioner deployed while I was driving down a smooth road. absolutely no potholes or anything of the sort, I was just regularly driving down the road and it snapped and tightened up onto my chest, started smoking inside, and injured the left side of my neck. I have a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen 2.5 SE. I don't understand what happened, but this is a clear safety concern, and this absolutely terrified me. I immediately pulled over and checked under and around the car, there was nothing.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 11, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Seat beltsODI 11763740
“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
“I got the car off of some guy for 1600 dollars and I put a lot of money into and I have lights on the dash still on and the ecs is one and my steering wheel light is on as will.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 6, 2023Steering, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11530572
“I was driving my car down at residential area and it came to a complete stop on its own I could not get it to accelerate it all I had to get out of my car pop the hood disconnect the battery and then I was able to put in a drive and accelerate all the lights are flashing on the control panel I had no control over my car whatsoever I took it into Tracy Volkswagen and they said they couldn't diagnose it because it wasn't connecting to my computer in my car. Tracy said the control module for the ABS didn't work and they couldn't replace it for me until the headquarters approved it or something about the recall didn't include the control module I can't afford to fix this it's all ABS connected that's what the safety call is for safety.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2022Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakesODI 11490769
“A recall was issued for the ABS software upgrade which my car was updated in 2017. That is within the 10 year timeframe. Since then, my abs light has went on and off. We kept resetting as advised by Sisk Automotive in Hopkinsville, Ky (not a VW dealer). Wyatt Johnson in Clarksville, Tn completed the recall in 2017. In Feb 2022, the abs has failed creating ECP fault and almost every light on the dash is now on. I believe the abs should have been replaced in 2017 and the dealer just put a quick fix to say the recall was complete. I need help fixing my unsafe car that VW failed to fix in the original recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 1, 2022Electrical system, Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11459284
“My car been fine and went to take my daughter to school and shut the car off and get back in to go home and wouldn't start and the Abs light came on and Check Engine light as well. I am concerned because I think since I have done the ABS no longer then 2 years. I feel like there is a problem and dont think VW fix it the first time when I took it in.. My fiance had a terrible accident 12 month ago and no income and I dont know how we are going to fix it if we have too thats what I am worried about as well.. Thank you, Dawn”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 3, 2022Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11445920

Showing 6 of 112 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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