VehicleVerdict

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

27

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Jetta SportWagen years?

Jetta SportWagen NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted47 complaints2008: 2 complaints2009: 27 complaints2010: 33 complaints2011: 41 complaints2012: 38 complaints2013: 47 complaints2014: 46 complaints
Jetta SportWagen NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Jetta SportWagen years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System933%
Brakes933%
Other415%
Steering14%
Body & Structure14%
Transmission14%
Fuel System14%
Seat Belts14%

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V913000Electrical SystemDecember 20, 2016 · 135,683 units

Defect

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. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.

Consequence

A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.

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. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VW REFUSING TO COMPLETE ABS MODULE RECALL BECAUSE ABS MODULE ALREADY HAS FAULT CODES STORED. THE POINT OF THE RECALL IS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE FAULTY ABS MODULES, BUT IN OUR CASE, SINCE THE MODULE ALREADY CONTAINS FAULT CODES, THE DEALERSHIP AND VW CORPORATE ARE REFUSING TO PERFORM THE SAFETY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 18, 2017

“VW REFUSING TO COMPLETE ABS MODULE RECALL BECAUSE ABS MODULE ALREADY HAS FAULT CODES STORED. THE POINT OF THE RECALL IS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE FAULTY ABS MODULES, BUT IN OUR CASE, SINCE THE MODULE ALREADY CONTAINS FAULT CODES, THE DEALERSHIP AND VW CORPORATE ARE REFUSING TO PERFORM THE SAFETY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 18, 2017

“MY BRAKES FREQUENTLY SQUEAK . SOMETHING WITH THE IGNITION ALSO SEEMS TO NOT BE WORKING RIGHT WHEN I TRY TURNING ON MY CAR, IT WON'T START THE FIRST TIME(S) OR STARTING IS DELAYED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 1, 2012

“While driving the vehicle, suddenly and without warning it downshifted, went into limp mode and became stuck in second gear. Fortunately, I was driving on a secondary road with little traffic. Had I been on a major road or highway, its likely I would have been rear ended resulting in injury/death.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 22, 2023

“MY BRAKES FREQUENTLY SQUEAK . SOMETHING WITH THE IGNITION ALSO SEEMS TO NOT BE WORKING RIGHT WHEN I TRY TURNING ON MY CAR, IT WON'T START THE FIRST TIME(S) OR STARTING IS DELAYED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 1, 2012

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen — common questions

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 Jetta SportWagen problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (9 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Jetta SportWagen years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2011, 2012, 2010. The cleanest record among Jetta SportWagen years belongs to 2008.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.