Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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
My vw Jetta tdi had many problems since I purchased it. First, we had problems with the injection system imploding. They asked if we ever put in gasoline instead of diesel. I told them absolutely not. They wanted to charge me $6500 because car was out of warranty but service manager got vw to pay for it because I said I was going to get an attorney. On June 27, 2014 we had with an electrical problem where the battery was draining from a short in the radio modulator. The car had 101,348 miles. They fixed the problem which took 9 days to fix and cost $1238.56. I noticed the radio would stayed on with the key out of the car after that though. Then we had the check engine, air bag, ABS and traction lights on at 109,452. I took it to my service station on 11/28/2014, but he said the dealer had to program update the software and check the ABS module for electrical problem. …
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 "under hood fuse box" was replaced in May 2014 under recall #97 am. When the weather turned cold the car began to get hard to start, the engine light came on, and when it turned very cold the car would not start at all. I took the vehicle back to dealer, they cleared the code and said if the code came back they would need to replace the "glow plug control module". When I came home I started searching the "tdi forums" for similar problems. I found others had the same issue and someone found the solution. When the fuse box was replaced, there is a little jumper (vw part number: 3c0-971-249) (cost $5.) that goes in a relay slot (r2) that sends power to a 50 amp fuse (sb27), that sends power to the "glow plug control module" (j179) that sends power to the glow plugs when the engine is below 18 degrees c, allowing the engine to start when cold (and without smoking). …
We went to replace a key and remote on this car and when they went to "program" it they said that they were unable to as both the front drivers side door actuator and rear drivers side door actuator were both non responsive and would have to be replaced. As a consequence, we learned that the car cannot actually be locked using the remote. We understand that sometimes this gets worse over time and other aspects of the lock go bad -- you can't open the trunk, the rear door, etc. Not being able to lock or unlock your doors is clearly a safety issue and one that you would have to fix in order to use the car. Several people have fixed their own cars and Volkswagen is aware of the issue, but won't provide the part at a decent price. The door lock actuator is $233.20 for the front door and $238.70 for the rear door. …
Takata recall. In February of 2017 my check engine light came on and was accompanied by a series of 3 beeps. As I continued to drive more lights came on and my dash board looked like a christmas tree ex. Airbag, oil, check engine, ABS, epc, brake light, etc. When driving on the high way my gauges will shut off and I can not see how fast I am going, my car will decelerate with my foot on the gas at random times on the high way. I look my car in for repair to cars auto in las vegas because my car could not pass smog. They did an analysis and informed me that my ABS module was shot and there was an active recall for the device. I took it to my local vw dealership and thought with my safety in concern that this would be a simple fix. Instead, they informed me that I would need to make an appointment and come back another day but I refused to drive my car off the lot. …
Had drove the car little while, then made a stop, cranked the car to leave and sounded like it was low on oil, that kind of. Tapping sound. Oil was fine. But the sound still there the next day. After driving it a mile or two. It got louder, then the check engine light came on. I stopped at the closest part store about 5 min after the light came on. They checked it with the scanner. Said it was a knock sensor code. P0328, bank 1.took it to vw. To get a diagnosits done. And the man said it was due to a recall. The problem I was hearing, and the code. Was from the recalled part. They changed that part. Said it was a fuse panel on engine block. The problem was still the same. Then, he said it was not due to the recall. And I still had to pay the 120 dollar for the diagnostic. And said they would have to open the engine to check any further, and that the labor would be about 2000 dollars. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving, the ABS warning light along with several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle started shaking while shifting gears. Additionally, the brakes failed to work effectively while depressing the brake pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to shift gears correctly. The steering wheel was difficult to turn and was shaking. The contact stated that the RPM was fluctuating. The vehicle was turned off and restarted however, the failure recurred. The check engine, power steering and epc warning lights were also illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle drove normally for a while before the failure recurred. …
Electrical complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 107 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 12% of the model year's 889 complaints. The component named most often is software (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, though it has 6 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 Jetta electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.