Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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.
I was driving in Clio alabama on state highway 10, when all of a sudden the EPC light came on my 2009 Volkswagen jetta s 2.5 5cyl..... about 2 miles later down the road; the engine cuts off unexpectedly while I am going 62mph down the highway, with an 18 wheeler directly behind me at the same speed. The car just quits, won't do anything, so I swerved over the side the road so I wouldn't get hit by the 18wheeler and tried to restart the car and it wouldn't do anything. I've had to tow it back to my home and I've had multiple mechanics look at it and try to discover the problem but every time they hook up a diagnostic scanner , and it throws a code, I've purchased the parts that shouldve fixed said dtc code, and rescan the car and that fault code will be gone but there'll be a new one each and every time. . It is costing too much to continue to fix it . …
I am reporting an unsafe vehicle release and failed recall remedy by Findlay Volkswagen Henderson regarding NHTSA Campaign Number 16V913000 (Volkswagen Campaign 45F2) on my 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The dealership closed out the safety recall on October 7, 2026, via Invoice #485977, claiming the repair was finalized. However, their paperwork is explicitly non-compliant. Page 1 bills out an outdated, uncorrected factory part number (1K0-907-375-AH), completely violating the 45F2 safety protocol which mandates upgraded replacement modules 1K0-907-375-AP or 1K0-907-375-AN. …
I brought my car to the dealership not even 2 years ago. They said they fixed my ABS moduler and the EPC updated the software and replaced the ABS moduler if they did then why is my car shutting down and causing me trouble and having issues. I just need this car fixed the correct way. They didnt fix it due to the way they went about it. I need my car fix due to my 8 year old daughter I take yo school and also taking my fiance to PT due to a terrible accident. I need answer or someone to answer why my car is acting up if they fixed it.. Thank You Dawn
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
I purchased it unknown condition Accident History Damage Report - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - [xxx] Accident or Damage Reported Vehicle Damage Reported Right Side Damage or Repair Reported Damage or Repair to Bumper Reported Damage or Repair to Hood Reported Damage or Repair to Radiator Reported Damage or Repair to Grille Reported Damage or Repair to Fender Reported
The vehicle was stationary at idle for approximately 15 minutes. Fire started under the hood at unknown location. Initial smell of "something hot" was followed by smoke through vents. Noticed smoke between hood and windshield. Paint on hood bubbled in approximate location above oil cap / diesel particulate filter. Shut engine off and exited the vehicle.
Car's ABS and brake system has been failing once a while causing car to lose control of stability. Random "engine workshop failure" many times while starting up the car and car performance gets very limited.
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. …
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. …
Engine complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 168 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 19% of the model year's 889 complaints. The component named most often is engine › diesel (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.