VOLKSWAGEN GTI · model year

2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

293 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2009VOLKSWAGENGTI carries 293 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2009 GTI is service brakes with 94 filings, followed by electronic stability control (esc) (68) and electrical system (31). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2009 GTI, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

293
Complaints
8
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

293 filings

Crashes Reported

8 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SERVICE BRAKES94
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)68
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
STEERING20
POWER TRAIN18
ENGINE15
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
AIR BAGS4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
INTERIOR LIGHTING1

Recalls (2)

16V91300020/12/2016

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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 Elec

09V33300020/08/2009

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

Recent Complaints

20230909FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20220901SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 NHTSA 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.

Mileage: 17,000

20220901ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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 NHTSA 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.

Mileage: 17,000

20220427SERVICE BRAKES

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?

20210118SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Mileage: 110,000

20200701SERVICE BRAKES

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 NHTSA 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.

Mileage: 90,000

20200701SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

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 NHTSA 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.

Mileage: 90,000

20200613SERVICE BRAKES

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. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

20200613ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

20200519ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. *TR

Mileage: 132,000

20200515SERVICE BRAKES

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. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

20200515ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

20200515STEERING

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. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

20200213SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Mileage: 125,000

20200213ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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.

Mileage: 125,000

20200213STEERING

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.

Mileage: 125,000

20200119POWER TRAIN

MY PRNDS LIGHTS FLASHING. WHEN I PUT CAR IN D OR R NOTHING HAPPENS. ACTS LIKE ITS IN NEUTRAL. HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING 65MPH ON WHY. FIX THIS PROBLEM NOW.

Mileage: 114,000

20191222SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Mileage: 62,300

20191222ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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.

Mileage: 62,300

20191222STEERING

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.

Mileage: 62,300

Compare 2009VOLKSWAGENGTI to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI have?
The 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI has 293 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI?
Yes, the 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI?
The most-complained component for the 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI is SERVICE BRAKES with 94 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.