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2009 Volkswagen GTI problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Volkswagen GTI is brakes, typically around 80,300 miles. It has 3.2 times the complaints of a typical GTI model year.

Year to avoid3.2x the typical complaints
Year score
33/100
Owner complaints
167
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
6021 warranty
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
25mpg
Typical repair
$2,100

The worst 2009 Volkswagen GTI problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

ABS 108Check engine light 29Warning lights 12Fuel gauge 11Loss of power 11Power steering loss 8Jerking 7Stalling 5

Recalls 2

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported December 20, 2016 · 135,683 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 16V913000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported August 20, 2009 · 16,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 09V333000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Defect investigations

Vehicle stall/loss motive powerOpened July 17, 2009, closed November 19, 2009

The subject vehicles are equipped with direct shift gearbox (dsg) transmissions, which feature a 6-speed automatic gearbox with two wet running clutches (dual clutch) in which the clutch mechanism and gear changes are electrohydraulically operated by a mechatronic control unit.the dsg mechatronic controller includes extensive self diagnostic functions and strategies to ensure safe operation and prevent system/component damage in the event of component failures or harsh operating conditions.the basic hierarchy of fault modes includes some that only result in the storage of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) and cause no loss of function, some that store a dtc and reduce vehicle operation to a limp home mode, and some that store a dtc and cause an interruption of motive power (I.e., open clutch).the driver is alerted to the latter two modes by the dash gear position indicator (prnds) flashing. One of the conditions that results in interruption of motive power is excess gearbox temperature.the system initially responds to increased gearbox temperature by ramping down engine torque.if the temperature keeps rising the mechatronic unit responds by opening the clutch.in a defect information report submitted to the federal safety agency on august 20, 2009, volkswagen described a potential defect in the wiring harnesses of the dsg gearbox temperature sensors used in approximately 16,000 model year (my) 2009 and 2010 volkswagen (eos, jetta and gti) and audi (a3 and tt/tt roadster) vehicles equipped with dsg transmissions and built from september 2008 through august 2009 (the federal safety agency recall no. 09v‑333, volkswagen recall no. 37e3/s7 and audi recall no 37e4/j7). Volkswagen provided this description of the defect, the wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the dsg may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped by the connector supplier during a limited production period.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.in heavy traffic, the abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.volkswagen estimated that less than one percent of the recalled vehicles may contain the defect condition. Odi identified 40 complaints that appear to be related to the temperature sensor defect condition described by volkswagen.volkswagen received 139 complaints related to the condition, with 7 involving vehicles reported to odi, resulting a 172 total complaints to odi and volkswagen.all of these complaints involve the my 2009 an 2010 vehicles subject to recall 09v‑333. Odi also identified complaints of harsh/jerky shifting in some volkswagen vehicles with dsg.volkswagen attributed this condition, which typically occurs at very low speeds, to excessive wear in the bushings of the two solenoid valves in the mechatronic unit that control clutch operation.volkswagen does not believe that the this condition is a safety defect because the changes in shift quality develop gradually over time, do not cause a loss of motive power and have not resulted in any fatalities, injuries or serious crashes (there were three reported property damage incidents resulting in minor body damage in very low speed, parking maneuvers).volkswagen addressed this problem in the field with a customer service program that includes the replacement of potentially affected mechatronic units as well

PE09035

Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI 602

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 602 bulletins for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

2009 Volkswagen GTI fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD21-2229-3125

What 2009 Volkswagen GTI owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 132,000 miles · NY

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The failure mileage was 132,000.

Filed Sep 9, 2023 · Electrical · FL · fire

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.

Filed Sep 1, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 17,000 miles · NY

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 the federal safety agency 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 replacement was free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2022 · Brakes · NM

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 that I have to pay $3000 to replace the ABS module before they can do the recall work. It seems that if the ABS failure is due to the recall, that it should not be up to me to pay for the ABS module so that they can test the ABS module. Can you please help me with this situation, or advise me what steps to take next?

Filed Jan 18, 2021 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Jul 1, 2020 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 volkswagen gti. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle pulled to the right with an abnormal vibration felt in the brake pedal. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control). The vehicle was taken to young volkswagen located at 191 commerce park dr, easton, pa 18045, (610) 991-9100, however, the recall repair was not performed. The vehicle was also taken to ciocca volkswagen of allentown located at 1346 lehigh st, allentown, pa 18103, (610) 890-7050, where an unknown software update was performed however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 115,000 miles · CA

Vehicle has a recall for the ABS module, I took the car into the vw of murietta california dealer to get the recall taken care of on 1/11/20 and they claimed that they assumed that the module had already been done and they claimed to have contacted vw of america to clear the recall in the system. Then on 4/10/20 I took the vehicle to the same dealer for an unrelated issue and mentioned the still active recall, they then proceeded to tell me that the module was unable to be updated and that I would have to pay an estimate of $1800 to fix the recall. On 4/16/20 I called vw of america to which their response was that vw of murrieta did not have an open claim with them about my vehicle.

Filed May 19, 2020 · Electrical · 132,000 miles · VA

After driving my car for five minutes, I heard a loud "pop" from the car's right side. I looked over and observed that my right side view mirror was black but still intact. When I pulled over and exited my car, I felt the mirror which felt to no longer be flat but warped in various spots. It is quite apparent the mirror overheated. My mirror function nob was not in the "heat" position and was set to the left side mirror position. My concern is that it could have started a fire.

Filed May 15, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 88,000 miles · TX

My car was affected by the 2017 recall for the ABS module. I was driving around a corner and hit brakes to slow a little, the ABS/traction control/steering light(s) came on and my brakes locked momentarily cause me to slide. I called local dealer to have the recall performed. The dealer stated(and vw america) that because they were unable to pull codes from the module I would need to pay to replace it myself and then they could perform the recall. This is complete and utter stupidity. The module was recalled due to failures. They should cover the complete cost to replace and recode. I was quoted 2100.00 my car only has 88,000 miles and well taken care of.

Filed Feb 13, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 125,000 miles · IL

A number of warning lights come on when the car is turned on and sound alarms come on and off while driving. The steering wheel moves on its own at times and the speedometer does not work. I took the car to my local vw dealer located in countryside il (autobarn) knowing that there is a recall on the ABS system. The dealer explained that the ABS module was not working and needed replacement ($2,400) parts and labor and that the recall did not cover what is wrong with the part.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2009 Volkswagen GTI before you buy

Compare the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

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Questions about the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Is the 2009 Volkswagen GTI reliable?

Owners have filed 167 complaints about the 2009 Volkswagen GTI, 3.2 times a typical GTI model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2009 Volkswagen GTI year score?

The 2009 Volkswagen GTI scores 33 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen GTI: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

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

Brakes, with 98 complaints, typically around 80,300 miles. Next is driver assistance (69).

How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen GTI have?

2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and power train.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Volkswagen GTI brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V913000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Volkswagen GTI get?

Official estimates for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI range from 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 29-31 highway.

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