2009 Volkswagen Jetta
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Fuel System
Fuel System leads by volume: 308 of 903 complaints (34%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (13) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 190 in 2008 to 903 in 2009.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | vs. 2009 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–3,250 | 2,600–3,250 | 2,600–3,100 | 2,500–3,100 | 2,250–2,800 | |
| Combined MPG | 22–25 | 24–25 | 24–32 | 25–32 | 25–32 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19–22 / 28–29 | 20–22 / 29 | 20–29 / 29–39 | 21–29 / 30–39 | 23–29 / 29–39 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 355–404 | 355–370 | 315–370 | 315–355 | 315–355 | |
| Complaints filed | 201 | 190 | 903 | 875 | 639 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 11 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 11 | 4 | 31 | 24 | 28 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 7 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 12 | |
| Injuries reported | 14 | 4 | 17 | 12 | 16 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta?
Fuel System: 308 of 903 NHTSA complaints (34%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA rates it 24–32 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta?
EPA estimates $2,600–$3,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (12)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 5 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 21 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg (low) | $2,600 (low) | 370 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 5 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 20 mpg (low) | 29 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | $2,600 (low) | 370 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 21 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | $3,100 (high) | 355 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 22 mpg | 29 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | $3,100 (high) | 355 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 29 mpg (high) | 37 mpg | 32 mpg (high) | $2,800 | 318 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 29 mpg (high) | 39 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $2,800 | 315 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 5 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 21 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg (low) | $2,600 (low) | 370 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S6) | 5 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 20 mpg (low) | 29 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | $2,600 (low) | 370 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 21 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | $3,100 (high) | 355 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 22 mpg | 29 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | $3,100 (high) | 355 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Small Station Wagons | 29 mpg (high) | 37 mpg | 32 mpg (high) | $2,800 | 318 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Small Station Wagons | 29 mpg (high) | 39 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $2,800 | 315 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 167 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 142 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 308 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 111 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Brakes | 230 | 14 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 25 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 49 | 14 | 1 | 13 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 32 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 29 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 39 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · Campaign 20E064000 · Sep 8, 2020
Defect: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Consequence: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER · Campaign 19V679000 · Sep 26, 2019
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP; ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · Campaign 16V913000 · Dec 20, 2016
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL · Campaign 11V490000 · Oct 3, 2011
Defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 10V621000 · Dec 14, 2010
Defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.
Consequence: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · Campaign 09V333000 · Aug 20, 2009
Defect: 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 WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO ABRUPTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH. IN ADDITION, THE "DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL" INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES.
Consequence: THE ABRUPT SHIFT TO NEUTRAL COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · Campaign 09V164000 · May 18, 2009
Defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 25,594 MY 2006-2009 JETTA 5TH GENERATION EQUIPPED WITH 2.01 ENGINE. THE FASTENING SCREW CONTACT SURFACES ON THE DRIVESHAFT COVER PLATE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. SOME SCREWS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LOOSEN OVER TIME, CAUSING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS COULD LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHES FROM THE GEARBOX.
Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DETACHED DRIVESHAFT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE THE GEARBOX HOUSING. A DAMAGE GEARBOX HOUSING COULD LEAK GEARBOX OIL ONTO THE STREET AND CREATE A RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS AND REPLACE THE SCREWS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.