Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Volkswagen GTI owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
For several weeks, solid ABS, solid traction control, and flashing "brake" lights would illuminate on the dashboard occasionally upon turning on the vehicle, accompanied by 3 audible beeps. Then, the ABS, traction control, brake, epc, steering, and check engine lights began to come on while driving. ABS and traction control stay illuminated, while the epc, steering, check engine, and brake lights come on intermittently, accompanied by 3 audible beeps. The message "engine fault - workshop!" also shows up on the message display center in the dash. In addition, while the car is in motion, the speedometer will repeatedly alternate between the actual speed reading and a reading of 0 MPH. When the speedometer drops to 0 MPH, the engine rpms increase. Finally, the car sputters and bucks when attempting to accelerate rapidly, and steering feels a bit stiff. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen GTI. When the brake pedal was depressed at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to respond and the instrument panel warning indicators flickered on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown steering mechanism failed and the steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control). The failure mileage was 95,120.
Driving at speed, the ABS control module randomly fails, causing ABS brakes to skid under hard braking. Lose of steering and control is the result. In addition the partial steering is affected. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen, I can not understand why Volkswagen of American does not replace faulty units as this can cause fatalities and injuries. Many people are replacing these units through non-certified technicians, or diy. This should be installed by a vw certified tech. NHTSA should mandate a recall or someone could get seriously injured or die. There are so many cases of this floating around the internet forums and other social media. Does someone have to die for people to finally listen?????
Vehicle has failed ABS module, as diagnosed by mechanic. ABS light is on and brake light flashes, as to be expected. While in motion, on either city street or freeway, vehicle randomly downshifts to first gear and is unable to switch back. Only way to get car working again is to turn car off and on, a dangerous proposition when you're on the freeway. In addition, power steering goes out and engine fault workshop! Comes on after a few minutes in motion. Speedometer also randomly stops working while tachometer goes out of control. What begins as a simple brake problem is now an undriveable car. Have had to push car to side of the road several times because of this. Completely unsafe conditions to drive in.
My car was affected by the 2017 recall for the ABS module. I was driving around a corner and hit brakes to slow a little, the ABS/traction control/steering light(s) came on and my brakes locked momentarily cause me to slide. I called local dealer to have the recall performed. The dealer stated(and vw America) that because they were unable to pull codes from the module I would need to pay to replace it myself and then they could perform the recall. This is complete and utter stupidity. The module was recalled due to failures. They should cover the complete cost to replace and recode. I was quoted 2100.00 my car only has 88,000 miles and well taken care of.
ABS module failure at 88K miles. Multiple fault codes presents with constant beeping and an error message reading " engine fault! Workshop! In the heads up display (epc, emergency brake, electronic steering assist off, traction control off fault codes). This is a safety feature failure that can result in loss of power steering, antilock braking system functionality, and traction control at the same time. The failure of this module represents a serious danger to occupants in the vehicle as the safety features are disabled due to the failure of this crucial part. This can happen at any speed while driving/turning.
ABS code 16352 present. Car lost consistent electronic steering assistance making for varying steering wheel resistance during turning. Most dash information (speed, fuel gauge, etc.) fluctuated. This issue needs to be addressed for all vw vehicles with ABS control module issues, not just some. I brought this to the attention of vw and was told that the specific fault I threw was not covered (under existing recalls) even though all ABS control module issues result in eventual failure of dash cluster as well as obvious safety concerns (which is exactly what happened resulting in ongoing costly shop visits).
A number of warning lights come on when the car is turned on and sound alarms come on and off while driving. The steering wheel moves on its own at times and the speedometer does not work. I took the car to my local vw dealer located in countryside il (autobarn) knowing that there is a recall on the ABS system. The dealer explained that the ABS module was not working and needed replacement ($2,400) parts and labor and that the recall did not cover what is wrong with the part.
My vehicle has experienced exactly what NHTSA campaign # 16V913000 and it is the model and year as listed in the campaign. With ignition on and while driving all of a sudden 4-5-possibly 6 lights come on my dashboard a chime starts dinging and the ABS,ESC,airbag,epc, barke pedal lights illuminate on dash along with either the speedo or tachometer start jumping. Vehicle can be stationary or driving but vehicle must be running.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen GTI. While driving 5 MPH and turning the steering wheel, the power steering failed. Various warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Steering complaints in other GTI years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Volkswagen GTI?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI, 12% of the model year's 167 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Volkswagen GTI steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Volkswagen GTI steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.