repaired · 2019 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
2009 Volkswagen PassatProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 146 owner complaints about the 2009 Volkswagen Passat, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-509 the manufacturer reports only 49% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 3, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Volkswagen Passat has problems
146 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
60Engine8 crash/fire/injury
46Fuel/propulsion system2 crash/fire/injury
20Steering1 crash/fire/injury
18Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
12Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
10Power train
7Electronic stability control (ESC)
7Fuel system, gasoline
4Engine and engine cooling
169 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 60 | 8 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 46 | 2 |
| Steering | 20 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 5 |
| Air bags | 12 | 2 |
| Power train | 10 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 7 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 7 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 16 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2009 Volkswagen Passat recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
no report yet
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Risk. DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME THE SYSTEM DURING MALFUNCTION WILL CAUSE (1) VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL; (2) THE STEERING SYSTEM MOTOR TO TURN OFF; (3) THE…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
78kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 55 engine complaints. 75% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles41under 100k miles14100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
11 owners mentioned a cost$1,800median
Middle half: $1,423 – $4,600
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Passat year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Passat median. How we score
'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Volkswagen Passat safety ratings
2009 Volkswagen Passat 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Volkswagen Passat, and the recalls they led to.
- TRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE CHAFENo recall
In owners' words
What Passat owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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. *TR
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.
Own a 2009 Passat?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.