2009 Volkswagen Passat Problems & Complaints

Most common 2009 Volkswagen Passat problems

• Engine & cooling~78,000 miles
  6543%
• Fuel & propulsion system~90,000 miles
  5637%
• Steering~59,000 miles
  2013%
• Electrical system~65,000 miles
  1913%
• Air bags~75,000 miles
  128%
• Transmission & drivetrain~74,000 miles
  107%
• Other / not specified~82,000 miles
  107%
• Stability & traction control~50,000 miles
  75%
• Brakes~190,000 miles
  43%
• Suspension~80,000 miles
  43%
• Speed control & acceleration~75,000 miles
  32%
• Seat belts~190,000 miles
  21%
• Body & structure~75,000 miles
  21%
• Equipment & accessories~10,000 miles
  11%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~40,000 miles
  11%
• Locks & latches~35,000 miles
  11%

Share of the 152 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Volkswagen Passat complaints by model year

Best Passat years: 2011, 2019, 2020. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2012, 1999, 2002. Compare all years →

2009 Volkswagen Passat recalls (4)

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Volkswagen Passat:

What 2009 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Engine & cooling all 65 →

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights started flashing on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, who attempted to start the vehicle; however, the engine skipped, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of the Volkswagen Timing Chain Settlement, ID Number: 16/2765 for the timing chain; however, the campaign ended in 2019. The VIN was not under recall, and the vehicle was not included in the Volkswagen Timing Chain Settlement. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,322.

The check engine light and oil pressure light appeared on my dash screen as I was driving home from work. I pulled over to the nearest repair shop to have the vehicle diagnosed. Upon arriving, the mechanic noticed my oil was low and filled the car with oil. Once that was completed, the car would not start. I noticed it made unusual noises after several more failed attempts. I had the vehicle towed to an authorized dealership to further troubleshoot and they were able to confirm that the engine jumped time due to a failed timing chain tensioner, which requires a new engine since mine is an interference engine. Due to the timing chain tensioner failing, there was catastrophic damage done to the engine leaving the vehicle inoperable.

Fuel & propulsion system all 56 →

On [redacted], a MIDAS shop found an alleged crack in the front part of the gas tank on the upper part of the tank by the floor board. The manager also stated that it could be a plastic seal from the fuel pump on the top part of the tank. The tank is located next to the exhaust system. My 2009 VW CC 4-Motion only has 122,xxx miles on it. I could see a wet spot and presumed I smelled gas but was not sure. He gave me a printout of what the cost would be to repair the system. I told him I would be filing a report with NHTSA. I then called Lunde's VW, W. Bell Rd., Peoria, AZ. I talked to a Tyler Rodriquez and he said there were no recalls and VW could not warrant the problem. I told him I would be filing a report with NHTSA and he did not respond to me. Both places were quite fast to elicit repairs from their business. Only MIDAS pointed out the exhaust pipes being near the gas tank. …

While driving 2009 vw Passat wagon on I-495 south in haverhill, ma, at around 5 pm, smoke suddenly began billowing out of the vents. Driver was able to pull onto the shoulder safely (near exit 48/ mile marker 105.6) and exit the car, which was engulfed in flames within a minute. No passengers, no injuries, no other cars were damaged. Up to this point, the car had been functioning normally. No overheating, no leaking, no warning lights, no other indication of impending fire. Massachusetts state police from the andover barracks responded [phone]), as did the haverhill fire department. Charred remains of the car were towed to trombly brothers, 141 sutton st north andover, ma 01845. Of note: upon arriving home, there was a recall notice from vw in the postal mail, NHTSA number 17V509, regarding the fuel pump control module.

Steering all 20 →

The power steering system fails when the engine/engine compartment gets hot. The problem has appeared after the car has been shut down (such as when refueling or a quick run into a store) and then restarted. When the key is pushed in to start the car, there is a loud grinding noise, a visible shimmy of the steering wheel, followed by the red steering wheel icon indicating there is a problem and 3 chimes. The steering wheel is locked in position with very limited turning ability and ability to control the direction of the car.

The power steering system failed. At first I thought the steering wheel was locked. I started the car and could not turn the wheel. The power steering light illuminated in red and there was a loud beeping sound when the car is turned on. It was not until the car was towed that I realized that the wheel was not locked. The tow truck driver was able to turn the wheel to steer the vehicle on to the truck bed. I had someone plug in a diagnostic machine. I do not recall the exact code but he said the power steering system was not getting a signal. He replaced the steering angle sensor but that did not fix the issue. I had passenger at the time and was concerned for my safety. Luckily, the system failed while the car was parked, but we were left stranded. …

2009 Volkswagen Passat engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.