repaired · 2018 Q2
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
2009 Volkswagen RabbitProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 62 owner complaints about the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-913 the manufacturer reports only 43% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 22, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit has problems
62 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
39Service brakes4 crash/fire/injury
25Electronic stability control (ESC)
11Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
10Steering
5Service brakes, hydraulic
5Vehicle speed control
5Power train
3Air bags
2Seats
1411 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 39 | 4 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 25 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 1 |
| Steering | 10 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 3 |
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| 11 other systems | 14 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 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.
no report yet
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP.
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 service brakes problems start?
76kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 32 service brakes complaints. 69% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles22under 100k miles10100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Rabbit 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 Rabbit median. How we score
'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'06'07'08'09
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit safety ratings
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Rabbit owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 LISTS 2009 VOLKSWAGEN RABBITS TO BE AFFECTED IN THIS RECALL. I AM CURRENTLY FACING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE DESCRIBED AND MY CAR ALSO MATCHES THIS DESCRIPTION. HOWEVER, WHEN I DID A VIN SEARCH, IT SHOWS THAT THIS CAR IS NOT LISTED. CAN I GET MY CAR ONTO THE LIST?
WHEN DRIVING, MY 09 RABBIT, THE POWER STARING LIGHT WILL FLASH YELLOW TO RED AND THEN STAY RED, I'M JERKED TO THE SIDE, RIGHT AND LEFT. ON SOME OCCASIONS WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN, IT FEELS AS THOUGH I'M BEING SLING SHOT FORWARD, I HAVE A TERRIBLE WOBBLE AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS I CANNOT ACCELERATE…
Own a 2009 Rabbit?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.