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2009 Volkswagen Jetta brakes problems

205 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 88,000. 15 crashes reported.

owner complaints
205
of this car's complaints
23%
typical mileage
88,000
crashes
15
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock: control unit/module
    2
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
    1
  • Antilock
    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 Jetta brakes problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta brakes

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

ABS 170Grinding brakes 12Premature wear 11Brake failure 6

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 Jetta owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

The vehicle experienced a complete loss of communication with the ABS control module, resulting in multiple warning lights and loss of ABS and related safety systems. The failure is consistent with Volkswagen Recall 45F2, which describes internal ground and solder failures in the ABS module. Prior to total failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent warning lights and an ABS fault code (01130 – Implausible Signal) in 2021 but was told the car was not under recall by dealer. After the condition progressed, the module became non-communicative and no longer generated fault codes. This is consistent with internal failure preventing communication. The failure affects braking-related safety systems, including ABS and stability control, and creates a potential safety risk, particularly during emergency braking or low-traction conditions. The condition has been confirmed by both a Volkswagen dealership and an independent Volkswagen/Audi specialist. A dealership diagnosis in 2025 once again confirmed that the ABS pump and module had no communication and required full replacement. Independent electrical testing verified that all external wiring, power, and ground inputs were functioning properly, indicating the failure is internal to the ABS module. Despite this, the manufacturer denied recall repair based on the absence of diagnostic fault codes. However, the lack of communication prevents the module from generating fault codes, creating a situation where complete failure does not qualify for recall repair. The failed ABS module is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 177,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the odometer was inoperable. The ABS, Brake, DRL, and EPC warning lights were illuminated. During the failure, the vehicle drove like the parking brake was engaged. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving and experiencing the failures, the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle, and observed smoke coming from all four wheels. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder to the ABS module had failed to communicate with the computer and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, but the contact was made aware of an associated recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the ABS module was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 177,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 86,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

ABS module

Filed Jan 16, 2025 · Brakes · NJ

Break fluid is leaking from abs cylinder and breaks are too soft to apply

Filed Nov 27, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 157,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that ABS and the ESC warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied the recall repair coverage due to lack of communication between the computer and the ABS module. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jul 16, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 115,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 the ABS warning chime was activated, and the warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel along with several other unknown warning lights. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer attempted to charge for the ABS module replacement despite the recall campaign stating that the ABS module should be replaced. The dealer stated that because the ABS had not experienced a failure, there would be a cost out-of-pocket to replace the ABS module. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 115,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Mar 27, 2024 · Brakes · FL

I received a letter stating there was a ABS Control module Software. My abs lights came on. I took it to Volkswagen to have them do the recall. They said it’s the ABs control module and pump and it isn’t part of the recall. So they didn’t do any part of the recall, they just closed out the recall and she said it’s a Volkswagen problem. This was the Volkswagen service department that said this. My daughter almost wrecked the day this happened because it was raining. She is 16.

Filed Mar 25, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 182,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pads made grinding sounds. The brake pedal went to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the speedometer was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) which was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who performed the recall repair under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) by updating the ABS control module software; however, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the ABS module required replacement but that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 228,255 miles · CA

The contact’s daughter owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that on several occasions while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, several unknown warning lights intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module software needed to be updated and the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 228,255.

Questions about the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta brakes

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 205 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 23% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2009 Volkswagen Jetta brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 88,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta brakes?

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

What year does the Volkswagen Jetta have bad brakes?

The Volkswagen Jetta model years with the most brakes complaints are 2009 (205 complaints), 2001 (77 complaints) and 2010 (55 complaints).

Other 2009 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Fuel system 307Engine 168Transmission 141Electrical 107Driver assistance 97Airbags 35Acceleration 29Lights 24Steering 24Body 16Seat belts 14Visibility 10Locks 9Seats 9Suspension 6Tires 6Wheels 5

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