2009 Volkswagen Rabbit recalls and problems

The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit has 2 safety recalls and 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

6 / 2

Injuries / deaths

2 / 1

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

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 10V-621: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 10, 2010 · 228,236 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 jetta, new beetle, new beetle convertible, model year 2009 jetta sportwagen and model year 2007-2009 rabbit vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. The jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The new beetle and the new beetle convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel supply line.

Risk: If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. Additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the correct position. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 31, 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes	39
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	25
Electrical System	11
Steering	10
Power Train	5
Vehicle Speed Control	5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	5
Engine and Engine Cooling	3
Air Bags	3
Unknown or Other	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Seats	2

Most reported parts

Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
Structure › Body — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,555 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 Rabbit complaints

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 130,000 miles · reported Jan 22, 2025

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…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 145,000 miles · reported Apr 12, 2024

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…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 87,000 miles · reported Apr 11, 2024

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…

Service Brakes · reported Dec 5, 2023

I am making a complaint against volkswagen for refusing to perform the abs safety recall. The ABS module is dead, I found out the hard way that I have no ABS or traction control. I stopped on the highway and lost control, I could have died and the van that hit me twice could did worse. The dealer refuses to perform the recall and is completely unhelpful. Yes there were warning lights and thats why I took it to the dealer. P.S. This happened a day before the accident. Two different VW dealers refused to perform the ABS module recall on my car even though Volkwagen customer care called to make…

Electrical System · reported Jul 24, 2022

ABS control module is malfunctioning and affecting steering and braking as well as the speedometer and acceleration. It was reported to the dealer and will be replaced, however the part is backordered with no ETA. Check engine, steering wheel , brake, EPC, and ABS lights present, first appearing approcimately February 2022.

Other Volkswagen Rabbit years

20092008 2007 2006

Compare all Volkswagen Rabbit years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit: 16V-913 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic), 10V-621 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report service brakes problems most often (39 reports), followed by electronic stability control (esc) (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,555 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.