I am reporting an unsafe vehicle release and failed recall remedy by Findlay Volkswagen Henderson regarding the federal safety agency Campaign Number 16V913000 (Volkswagen Campaign 45F2) on my 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The dealership closed out the safety recall on October 7, 2026, via Invoice #485977, claiming the repair was finalized. However, their paperwork is explicitly non-compliant. Page 1 bills out an outdated, uncorrected factory part number (1K0-907-375-AH), completely violating the 45F2 safety protocol which mandates upgraded replacement modules 1K0-907-375-AP or 1K0-907-375-AN. Furthermore, Page 2 text contains the technician's actual notes stating he only did a temporary module reset to force a signal and explicitly writes: "CONTINUED WITH RECALL AND FOUND MODULE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT." Due to this uncompleted safety recall repair and use of non-compliant hardware, the ABS module suffered a complete network communication crash immediately upon leaving the dealership lot. This sudden network failure cut off critical speed sensor data to the vehicle’s transmission, instantly dropping the vehicle into an automatic transmission 'Limp Mode' while driving on public roads. The transmission locked into a single safety gear and refused to shift, causing a severe, sudden loss of vehicle acceleration and creating an immediate traffic hazard. When contacted immediately at 5:30 PM, the dealership refused to tow the vehicle to correct their failed recall remedy and demanded I pay an out-of-pocket diagnostic fee. The vehicle is currently un-repaired, hazardous to operate, and stranded.
Volkswagen Jetta abs comes on
355 of the 9,926 owner complaints about the Volkswagen Jetta describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2009 model year.
- owner complaints
- 355
- worst model year
- 2009
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,200
- typical mileage
- 89,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 34Warning lights 16Airbag light 16Stalling 13Fuel gauge 10Brake failure 10Adaptive cruise 8Won't start 7
Trouble codes mentioned
U0121 1P309D 1
What owners say
Suddenly the car showed the abs, cruise control, air bag , and a flashing break light on the dashboard. Took to dealership to get diagnostic and the Abs control module needs to be replaced.
Engine light loss of communication between ecm and abs
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.
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.
abs light on no communication with abs module cause speedometer not fonctionning abs light on epc light on
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.
ABS Control Module total failure No warnings appeared prior to the total failure of the ABS Control Module to indicate that the car needed servicing. ABS would have failed in an emergency braking according to the dealership. Just driving the car without knowing the ABS had issues put my family at risk. After the lights appeared I took it to the dealership who performed the diagnostics and determined that the ABS needed total replacement and advised that the car was not safe to drive. Lights appeared after the failure. There were no brake issues' warning lights prior to the failure. For at least 8 years I've complained that my brakes screeched and for years I was told that my brakes were fine. I've had diagnostics done on the car and not once were issues found with the ABS system. To realize that my car has no warning indicator for a major safety feature such as the brakes until that ABS components' total failure is horrifying. Yet when my tires need air a light appears. There were previous ABS recalls on other Volkwagen Jetta models/years that my car VIN was not part of.
ABS UNIT COMPLETE was malfunctioning per volkswagen's inspection. When this malfunctions it can lead to a loss of its anti-lock braking function, potentially causing wheel lock-up during braking, longer stopping distances, and reduced vehicle control, especially on slippery surfaces. Additionally, other driver assistance features relying on the ABS module, like traction control and automatic braking, may also be affected. Other 2017 models had a recall on this part but I was told my VIN did not. There were warning lights on dash when this occurred. This was confirmed by VW.
ABS module
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one 2020 Jetta vehicle. The front brake caliper bolts may come loose.
- Risk
- If a brake caliper bolt comes loose, it may affect the vehicle's brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace all four front brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47Q2.
Recall number 20V359000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- 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
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
- Risk
- This can result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began march 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 02V031000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear brake line on the passenger side was routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. The line could be damaged by chafing against the fuel tank.
- Risk
- Repeated chafing could eventually result in a leaking brake line causing diminished braking in one brake circuit increasing the vehicle's stopping distance.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake line and replace any damaged lines.
Recall number 98V195000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- An engine preheating tube may not be properly supported due to a missing support bracket, causing the preheating tube to chafe against the right front metal brake line. This can damage the hydraulic line, causing brake fluid leakage and diminished braking in one brake circuit.
- Risk
- Diminished braking can result in increased stoppingdistances and a possible accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.
Recall number 93V129000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Front brake hoses of insufficient length were installed in some vehicles. These short hoses could stretch and develop cracks.
- Risk
- This could result in brake fluid leakage, with loss offluid pressure and braking ability.
- Remedy
- Replace both brake hoses.
Recall number 90V173000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- Omission of air ducts intended to guide flow of cooling air to left and right front brake calipers could allow brake fluid to exceed allowable operating temperature under certain operating conditions.
- Risk
- If brake fluid boils, this could result in reducedbraking pressure with potential for an accident.
- Remedy
- Install missing left and right front air ducts.
Recall number 90V142000 · Recall details
Questions about the Volkswagen Jetta abs
Why does the abs come on in the Volkswagen Jetta?
Owners who report it most often also describe check engine light, multiple warning lights and airbag warning light, and the codes they mention most are U0121 and P309D.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2009 (170 complaints), 2010 (40 complaints) and 2001 (27 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Volkswagen Jetta?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,200 (median of 62 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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