Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stopped abruptly and pulled to the right. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and applying a moderate amount of pressure on the brake pedal. The check engine warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module was not communicating with the transmission. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which he related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times. …
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or while idling, the vehicle occasionally stalled, and had to be restarted to operate as needed. The failure was intermittent. The contact stated that the ABS, tire pressure, and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the recall repair could not be completed due to there not being a specific diagnostic code showing the extending ambiance reading a code of only 100 times and the requirement was 125 times. …
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) after the contact had experienced the failure. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle stalled, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted and was able to be driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as ABS failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but advised the contact that the failure had happened outside of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
As per NHTSA 16v-913 my Volkswagen Rabbit has been presenting the symptoms stated in the safety recall. The ABS light, electronic stability control, and brake light have come on numerous times and hard braking, and in not so hard braking in the snow. He problem has progressively worsened to the point that these lights no longer go out after and ignition cycle. I am essentially driving without ABS or stability control, one of the main reasons I purchased this car. The code for u0121 lost communication with anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module no longer clear with a hand held code reader or a laptop running ross-tech's vcds software. I took my broken Volkswagen to danbury vw in danbury ct to perform the safety recall (16v-913). …
Electrical problems have been constant since purchasing (I.e. The check engine light coming on for no apparent reason during long trips, the prnd lights lighting all at once at random). These issues were not much of a problem until recently. I started the car and immediately the ABS, traction control, and brake lights lit up and the car made 3 "beeps". I turned the car off and on again, and the same thing happened and continued. I then drove on the freeway for about 10 miles when the steering, and epc lights came on. Simultaneously, the speedometer and gas gauges dropped to zero and the car would not accelerate. The steering became slow to respond/delayed. Luckily there were not many cars on the road and I safely pulled to the shoulder. I safely drove the car home that day, but my husband experienced the same issues when he tried to drive the car the day after. …
My car has been running fine since purchase and I have had all the necessary maintenance done to prevent issues. Last week while driving on a major highway my cars steering wheel locked as well as stalled almost causing a major accident. When I looked it up it seems that this vehicle has been issue with campaign number: 10V621000. Albeit this is not the same issue but my vehicle has experienced fuel leakage at the same time and I have reason to believe that they are interrelated. Beyond that, there have been several complaints about the same issue on many vw forums. This is a major issue and a huge safety problem. Could you imagine the lives that could have perished if I had not handled that situation effectively. I am now told that I need to replace this part for $2000 where I truly believe Volkswagen should be held liable. …
When driving, my 09 Rabbit, the power staring light will flash yellow to red and then stay red, I'm jerked to the side, right and left . On some occasions when making a right turn, it feels as though I'm being sling shot forward, I have a terrible wobble and when this happens I cannot accelerate over 45 without the car sounding like a helicopter, my ac and ABS light will flash on then off sporadically. My transmission slips periodically and this happens regardless if I'm on the highway or city streets. I have been to four mechanics, I've had the right front axle replaced, tires rotated and balanced, a new battery and a front end alignment. Luckily the last mechanic I took the car to hooked it up to his machine and got codes for the electronic stability control malfunction and ABS module malfunction. …
When driving, my 09 Rabbit, the power staring light will flash yellow to red and then stay red, I'm jerked to the side, right and left . On some occasions when making a right turn, it feels as though I'm being shot forward, I have a terrible wobble and when this happens I cannot accelerate over 45 without the car sounding like a helicopter, my ac and ABS light will flash on then off sporadically. My transmission slips periodically and this happens regardless if I'm on the highway or city streets. I have been to four mechanics, I've had the right front axle replaced, tires rotated and balanced, a new battery and a front end alignment. Luckily the last mechanic I took the car to hooked it up to his machine and got codes for the electronic stability control malfunction and ABS module malfunction. …
The ABS module in my vehicle failed around 90,000 miles, which I'm now discovering is a very common for this particular model and year. The ABS system ceased to function but other systems were affected as well; my speedometer would stop working for several minutes at a time, as well as my fuel gauge. Power steering would cut out and I would experience a considerable loss of power from the engine. I was nearly hit while crossing a busy intersection because I couldn't get any acceleration from the car. The check engine light has also been triggered intermittently by this problem so I haven't been able to pass a smog check, making my vehicle illegal to drive in the state of california where I'm stationed with the marines. Volkswagen dealerships are charging more than $1,500 to fix the issue and there has been no recall issued for the problem.
I just purchased my used 2009 vw Rabbit. The ABS light came on, traction, break light, ESP. Went to the dealership and they stated the ABS pump was not functioning. Many Volkswagen owners with cars within the ABS recall years have the same exact issue and volkswagens recall will only cover the module portion and not the ABS pump (of course the most expensive part). I was quoted an insane price for the repairs and the part that needs repairs, when purchased, just happens to come with the recalled part (the electronic module). I called Volkswagen and they stated that the recall was only for tge electronic portion and I would have to take care of the pump. I believe this faulty electronic module has everything to do with the pump failing.
Related recalls
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced.
Traction Control complaints in other Rabbit years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, 40% of the model year's 62 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit traction control problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-913 (electronic stability control (esc), Dec 20, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 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.