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2009 Volkswagen Passat engine problems

64 complaints (44% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 78,000.

owner complaints
64
of this car's complaints
44%
typical mileage
78,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine
    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 Passat engine problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152022

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat engine

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

Stalling 26Check engine light 20Engine failure 14Won't start 13Loss of power 7Misfire 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2009 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Engine · SC

The check engine light and oil pressure light appeared on my dash screen as I was driving home from work. I pulled over to the nearest repair shop to have the vehicle diagnosed. Upon arriving, the mechanic noticed my oil was low and filled the car with oil. Once that was completed, the car would not start. I noticed it made unusual noises after several more failed attempts. I had the vehicle towed to an authorized dealership to further troubleshoot and they were able to confirm that the engine jumped time due to a failed timing chain tensioner, which requires a new engine since mine is an interference engine. Due to the timing chain tensioner failing, there was catastrophic damage done to the engine leaving the vehicle inoperable.

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Engine · 112,322 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights started flashing on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, who attempted to start the vehicle; however, the engine skipped, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of the Volkswagen Timing Chain Settlement, ID Number: 16/2765 for the timing chain; however, the campaign ended in 2019. The VIN was not under recall, and the vehicle was not included in the Volkswagen Timing Chain Settlement. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,322.

Filed Sep 22, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · NY

I put fuel in the car and about to start the car and it won’t start. Lights flickering.

Filed May 16, 2020 · Engine · AZ

I got 09 4 motion cc 3.6. I had read spent close to 6g and nobody can fix the acceleration when start. Very frustrated change catalytic converters change other things I bad.

Filed Mar 3, 2020 · Engine · 167,000 miles · VA

Loud sound when vehicle is in idle. Took it to local mechanic and they are saying it needs a timing chain replacement because it skips.

Filed Feb 15, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · 75,000 miles · SC

Recall update: currently, intake manifold needs to be repaired-engine light on-cost $1400.00. Took car to dealership for fuel pump was told it was replaced but would not give evidence that it was. Side frontal air bag never replaced-was told by dealership did not need it.

Filed Jan 5, 2020 · Driver assistance, Engine · CA

The vehicle has issues with the fuel pump , intake & cylinders . I was able to change the fuel pump but noticed online the vehicle has been recalled for these same issues . When turning the car on and driving it turns off and hardening the steering wheel

Filed Sep 9, 2019 · Engine · 115,000 miles · NY

Tl* the consumer owns a 2009 volkswagen passat. The consumer stated that the engine intake manifold failed and caused the vehicle not to accelerate in a timely manner. The consumer stated that the vehicle failed the state inspection due to the intake manifold failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in the intake manifold system repair. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 115,000. *bf

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 80,000 miles · MD

My vw passat 2009 sustained engine failure due to failure timing chain/timing chain tensioner and now needs very expensive engine repair or replacement of engine. Car drove okay for 15 minutes in the morning then it was then parked for about 2 hours. When trying to re-start the car, the car would not start. Mechanic noted absent compression in 2 cylinders and diagnosed it to be due to timing chain slipping. This happened at 80,000miles and less than 10 years (9 years 9 months) of purchase of the vehicle. Vw's extended warranty covers repair/replacement of timing chain but does not cover repair of engine damage resulted due to timing chain failure. The car was serviced at vw dealer regularly and there was no warning or indication of impending failure of the timing chain. Other owners of vw vehicles have also complained of having identical problems on online community with some people complaining of engine stalling while driving. This appears to be a defective design rather than wear and tear due ageing and I feel that vw should recall the affected vehicles to repair the problems.

Filed Apr 21, 2019 · Engine · 120,000 miles · OH · fire

To whom it may concern: I wanted to follow-up and discuss a recent incident. On april 19th 2019 our 2009 vw passat was in our garage as this is the usual location we park our cars. On the 18th we completed yard work and nothing out of the norm was noted as we completed the yard work at around 8pm and nothing was noted to be abnormal. Around 4 am on the 19th my spouse and I were awoken to a loud pop sound. This sound was unusual to us. Shortly after the pop sound there panic alarm could be heard that waned out in about 30 seconds. My husband went to the garage and was met with black and pressure like force against the garage door. We immediately evacuated the home and called the fire department. At the time were not sure what caused the smoke but once the fire fighters arrived were told the vw passat was on fire. The fire marshall reported to us that it was possibly electrical in nature. I wanted to touch based with vw pertaining this matter in an effort to save others lives. Our garage has been damaged as well as the vw atlas was damage from the fire. My concern is that the outcome could have been far worse. My vw passat had was driven the day of the 18th with no concerns. I am concerned that another person could be gravely harmed if this issue is not addressed. I am a vw customer that enjoys the overall product and wish excellence and quality for the product. If you need to contact me for further inquiry please call (xxxxxx) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Questions about the 2009 Volkswagen Passat engine

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Passat have engine problems?

Owners have filed 64 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 44% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2009 Volkswagen Passat engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 78,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Volkswagen Passat have bad engine?

The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most engine complaints are 2003 (153 complaints), 2002 (148 complaints) and 2006 (130 complaints).

Other 2009 Volkswagen Passat problems

Fuel system 53Steering 20Electrical 18Airbags 12Transmission 10Driver assistance 7Brakes 4Suspension 4Acceleration 2Seat belts 2Body 1Locks 1Visibility 1

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