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2009 Volkswagen GTI brakes problems

98 complaints (59% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,300. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
98
of this car's complaints
59%
typical mileage
80,300
crashes
4
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volkswagen GTI brakes problems in other years

19952000201020152024

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Volkswagen GTI brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 108

Related recalls

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

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 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 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.

Filed Dec 22, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 62,300 miles · FL

While taking the kids to school, my traction control light and steering assist light came on followed by the check engine light and a loss of drive.after taking the vehicle to an official vw dealership they spent 2 days diagnosing the 6 pages of faults that came up and informed me that the ABS module has failed and will require replacement.

Filed Sep 23, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 80,000 miles · FL

Abs code 16352 present. Car lost consistent electronic steering assistance making for varying steering wheel resistance during turning. Most dash information (speed, fuel gauge, etc.) fluctuated. This issue needs to be addressed for all vw vehicles with ABS control module issues, not just some. I brought this to the attention of vw and was told that the specific fault I threw was not covered (under existing recalls) even though all ABS control module issues result in eventual failure of dash cluster as well as obvious safety concerns (which is exactly what happened resulting in ongoing costly shop visits).

Questions about the 2009 Volkswagen GTI brakes

Does the 2009 Volkswagen GTI have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 98 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI, 59% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2009 Volkswagen GTI brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,300 miles.

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.

Other 2009 Volkswagen GTI problems

Driver assistance 69Transmission 32Electrical 31Steering 20Engine 17Acceleration 6Airbags 4Fuel system 4Lights 3Body 1Tires 1Visibility 1Wheels 1

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