Problems · by component

2009 Volkswagen Jetta service brakes problems

174 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta cite service brakes, 19% of all 905 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
174
19% of all complaints
Crashes
12
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2024Service brakesODI 11579650
“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 complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 11, 2023Steering, Service brakesODI 11554680
“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
“ABS Control Module Software Failure: Risks-- Reduced braking power, longer stopping distance, sudden unexpected braking, increased baking effort required, locking wheels. Yes. Confirmed by independent service center. Faulty ABS control module assembly. No. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer. Yes. Instrument panel flashing brake light. ABS malfunction in anti-lock brake system. ESP or ASR malfunctioning or switched off. Previously ABS Recall repair 45F2 May 2017, failure again 01/23/23”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 16, 2023Service brakesODI 11507693
“ABS Module Assembly all packet, It turns that this kind of vehicles are controling the power Steering, anti skid braking system, brake lights, ABS, Skid lights come ON and the Steering also come ON it is scanned and remove the codes once and seemed to work for a day or two and down again, goes back to scan and now me and the mechanic test drive it together and found that the Main ABS modulator is not connecting and goes on and of the scanner where it carries a faulty communication among its components and causing all this disconfort? problem herein is that it is hard to tell when will it do it again or why is it failing? and causing all kind of problem with lgihts blinking all the time? but the biggest problem here is: that I am not the only one complaning about it, there is many people complaning about the problem! more that I expected, and seems like they do not know about making a report it is exact same problem! and reason they are not fixing it is: becasue it is to costly, It runs an apparent $2,000.00 dollars to get parts and labor? this is indeed a recall issue that must be absorbed by manufacturer.Please help us get it done I stopped the car since it…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 3, 2023Service brakesODI 11505296

Showing 6 of 174 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.