CarRecallDB

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit recalls and problems

2 recalls and 62 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit.

2
recalls
62
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit recalls

Electronic stability control (ESC) · Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

NHTSA campaign 16V913000 · reported December 20, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 135,683 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
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, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 10V621000 · reported December 10, 2010 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 228,236 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 22, 2025 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 130,000 miles

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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…

Apr 12, 2024 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 145,000 miles

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) after the contact had experienced the failure. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated, and…

Apr 11, 2024 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 87,000 miles

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stopped abruptly and pulled to the right. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and applying a moderate amount of…

Dec 5, 2023 · Service brakes · crash reported

I am making a complaint against volkswagen for refusing to perform the abs safety recall. The ABS module is dead, I found out the hard way that I have no ABS or traction control. I stopped on the highway and lost control, I could have died and the van that hit me twice could did worse. The dealer refuses to perform…

Jul 24, 2022 · Electrical system

ABS control module is malfunctioning and affecting steering and braking as well as the speedometer and acceleration. It was reported to the dealer and will be replaced, however the part is backordered with no ETA. Check engine, steering wheel , brake, EPC, and ABS lights present, first appearing approcimately February…

Rabbit model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2006 11302
2007 25442
2008 22324
2009 26262

Across all years, the 2009 Rabbit has the most complaints (62). All Volkswagen Rabbit years →

Questions

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, the most recent reported on December 20, 2016 (Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
Owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes (39 complaints), followed by electronic stability control (esc) (25).
How many 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 62 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 22, 2025.