2009 Volkswagen GTI recalls and problems

The 2009 Volkswagen GTI has 2 safety recalls and 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

167

Crashes / fires

5 / 2

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Volkswagen GTI vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Volkswagen GTI recalls

Recall 16V-913: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Dec 20, 2016 · 135,683 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 09V-333: Power Train

Reported Aug 20, 2009 · 16,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between september 2008 and august 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (Dsg) may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the "depress brake pedal" indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.

Risk: The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.

Fix: Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on october 20, 2009. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2009 Volkswagen GTI problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes	94
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	69
Power Train	32
Electrical System	31
Steering	20
Engine	15
Vehicle Speed Control	6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	5
Air Bags	4
Fuel/Propulsion System	3
Unknown or Other	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	2

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 14
Structure › Body — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 74,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 Volkswagen GTI complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 132,000 miles · reported Apr 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the ABS control unit indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a communication loss; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The failure mileage was 132,000.

Electrical System · reported Sep 9, 2023

The warning light went on engine oil pressure off. Search manual. Then it wouldn't start. But lights where on so we put a new starter. But it wouldn't turn the engine. So We thought it must be the battery needs a jump start. And then wire from battery to starter caught on fire? I Googled the problem, and found that there had been recalls for that faulty wire before.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 17,000 miles · reported Sep 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the ABS warning light, traction control warning light, and the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). Upon reprogramming the ABS module, the dealer informed the contact the ABS module failed the diagnostic test and needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that he had to pay for the repair even though the recall remedy stated that the ABS module…

Service Brakes · reported Apr 27, 2022

I recently purchased this used car and discovered that there is a recall on it. I made an appointment for the recall service. Prior to the appointment, the ABS warning light came on while driving the car. I took the car to University Volkswagen. They charged me for a diagnostic on the ABS system and have advised that the ABS module needs to be replaced and that I must have that done, before they can address the recall. I asked the service advisor if the issues with the ABS system were due to the recall issue, and he told me it was difficult to say. I escalated the issue, and they still tell me…

Service Brakes · at 110,000 miles · reported Jan 18, 2021

Abs module has been known to be defective on this model year volkswagen gti. Some vins are not covered under a recall even though it uses the same ABS system and ABS module that has been known to be defective. All vins that use this ABS module should be covered under this recall as this is a safety hazard.

Other Volkswagen GTI years

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 201020092008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Volkswagen GTI years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI: 16V-913 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic), 09V-333 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Volkswagen GTI?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (94 reports), followed by electronic stability control (esc) (69). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 74,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.