2009 Volkswagen Jetta Owner Complaints

The vehicle experienced a complete loss of communication with the ABS control module, resulting in multiple warning lights and loss of ABS and related safety systems. The failure is consistent with Volkswagen Recall 45F2, which describes internal ground and solder failures in the ABS module. Prior to total failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent warning lights and an ABS fault code (01130 – Implausible Signal) in 2021 but was told the car was not under recall by dealer. After the condition progressed, the module became non-communicative and no longer generated fault codes. This is consistent with internal failure preventing communication. The failure affects braking-related safety systems, including ABS and stability control, and creates a potential safety risk, particularly during emergency braking or low-traction conditions. The condition has been confirmed by both a Volkswagen dealership and an independent Volkswagen/Audi specialist. A dealership diagnosis in 2025 once again confirmed that the ABS pump and module had no communication and required full replacement. Independent electrical testing verified that all external wiring, power, and ground inputs were functioning properly, indicating the failure is internal to the ABS module. Despite this, the manufacturer denied recall repair based on the absence of diagnostic fault codes. However, the lack of communication prevents the module from generating fault codes, creating a situation where complete failure does not qualify for recall repair. The failed ABS module is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11729349

Incident

Oct 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the odometer was inoperable. The ABS, Brake, DRL, and EPC warning lights were illuminated. During the failure, the vehicle drove like the parking brake was engaged. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving and experiencing the failures, the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle, and observed smoke coming from all four wheels. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder to the ABS module had failed to communicate with the computer and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, but the contact was made aware of an associated recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the ABS module was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 177,000.

NHTSA ID

11725252

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

Mileage

177,000 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ID

11682847

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Mileage

86,000 mi

ABS module

NHTSA ID

11670021

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Break fluid is leaking from abs cylinder and breaks are too soft to apply

NHTSA ID

11636235

Incident

Jan 11, 2025

I purchased it unknown condition Accident History Damage Report - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - [xxx] Accident or Damage Reported Vehicle Damage Reported Right Side Damage or Repair Reported Damage or Repair to Bumper Reported Damage or Repair to Hood Reported Damage or Repair to Radiator Reported Damage or Repair to Grille Reported Damage or Repair to Fender Reported INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11628164

Incident

Mar 16, 2021

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that ABS and the ESC warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied the recall repair coverage due to lack of communication between the computer and the ABS module. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11627688

Incident

May 27, 2024

Mileage

157,000 mi

Since there has been ongoing investigation on airbags, thought to report the issue related to this. For some reason, the airbag yellow warning light came up for no reason on my dashboard. It came up months ago and never has'nt gone away. Was wondering this is part of the airbag recall debate that has been reported in the media

NHTSA ID

11606043

Incident

Aug 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 for the recall repair. The contact stated that the ABS warning chime was activated, and the warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel along with several other unknown warning lights. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer attempted to charge for the ABS module replacement despite the recall campaign stating that the ABS module should be replaced. The dealer stated that because the ABS had not experienced a failure, there would be a cost out-of-pocket to replace the ABS module. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 115,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11602633

Incident

Jun 4, 2024

Mileage

115,000 mi

I received a letter stating there was a ABS Control module Software. My abs lights came on. I took it to Volkswagen to have them do the recall. They said it’s the ABs control module and pump and it isn’t part of the recall. So they didn’t do any part of the recall, they just closed out the recall and she said it’s a Volkswagen problem. This was the Volkswagen service department that said this. My daughter almost wrecked the day this happened because it was raining. She is 16.

NHTSA ID

11579650

Incident

Mar 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pads made grinding sounds. The brake pedal went to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the speedometer was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) which was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who performed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) by updating the ABS control module software; however, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the ABS module required replacement but that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.

NHTSA ID

11579349

Incident

Mar 18, 2024

Mileage

182,000 mi

The contact’s daughter owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that on several occasions while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, several unknown warning lights intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module software needed to be updated and the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 228,255.

NHTSA ID

11550484

Incident

Oct 5, 2023

Mileage

228,255 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light, EPC warning light, and power steering warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the EPC warning light and power steering warning lights illuminated intermittently; however, the ABS warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift as needed, and the speedometer failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that they were unable to diagnose the vehicle due to other warning lights being illuminated, not just the ABS warning light. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ID

11544498

Incident

Feb 15, 2017

Mileage

74,000 mi

I got the car off of some guy for 1600 dollars and I put a lot of money into and I have lights on the dash still on and the ecs is one and my steering wheel light is on as will.

NHTSA ID

11530572

Incident

May 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the ABS and ESC warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the failure that the was experiencing was not related to the recall because the computer was not able to communicate with the ABS module. The contact was referred the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.

NHTSA ID

11530519

Incident

May 5, 2023

Mileage

123,000 mi

The airbag warning light (yellow) on the driver seat side comes up for no reason

NHTSA ID

11515621

Incident

Apr 5, 2023

ABS Control Module Software Failure: Risks-- Reduced braking power, longer stopping distance, sudden unexpected braking, increased baking effort required, locking wheels. Yes. Confirmed by independent service center. Faulty ABS control module assembly. No. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer. Yes. Instrument panel flashing brake light. ABS malfunction in anti-lock brake system. ESP or ASR malfunctioning or switched off. Previously ABS Recall repair 45F2 May 2017, failure again 01/23/23

NHTSA ID

11507693

Incident

Jan 23, 2023

ABS Module Assembly all packet, It turns that this kind of vehicles are controling the power Steering, anti skid braking system, brake lights, ABS, Skid lights come ON and the Steering also come ON it is scanned and remove the codes once and seemed to work for a day or two and down again, goes back to scan and now me and the mechanic test drive it together and found that the Main ABS modulator is not connecting and goes on and of the scanner where it carries a faulty communication among its components and causing all this disconfort? problem herein is that it is hard to tell when will it do it again or why is it failing? and causing all kind of problem with lgihts blinking all the time? but the biggest problem here is: that I am not the only one complaning about it, there is many people complaning about the problem! more that I expected, and seems like they do not know about making a report it is exact same problem! and reason they are not fixing it is: becasue it is to costly, It runs an apparent $2,000.00 dollars to get parts and labor? this is indeed a recall issue that must be absorbed by manufacturer.Please help us get it done I stopped the car since it acted with all this lights september is when I started to feel the disconfort but November when I had all set of lights come ON where as I mentioned, we clear the codes, "Mechanic" and runs for few days and back again. Nope there has not been a crash and I hope I don not get in one I rather stop vehicle especialy on this winter driving conditions

NHTSA ID

11505296

Incident

Nov 9, 2022

This vehicle was purchased 11/2016 from a dealer/mechanic. He bought it at auction, reconstructed it and got the approvals to return it to full operation from the Massachusetts DOT. The title showed 'reconstructed' and 'prior collision'. Volkswagen notified us of Safety Recal 45F2 in 2017 - ABS control module - and we had the recall performed at Colonial VW in Westborough Mass in 2017. There is an extended warranty VWP-17-03 on vehicles repaired by Safety Recall 45F2. The car's ABS light illuminated and the dealership ran a diagnostic which ran code 16352 - control module faulty static. VW is telling the dealership that they will not honor the warranty because the car is a total loss. It is NOT a total loss, it has not been in an accident since it was reconstructed before we purchased it six years ago. I called VW and they said they won't cover it because it's a mechanical issue not a software issue but that's also not true. I see technical bulletin's online that say if Fault Code 01130 and or 16352 appear that warranty should apply, but they are not honoring their own warranty

NHTSA ID

11499216

Incident

Dec 1, 2022

I was driving my car down at residential area and it came to a complete stop on its own I could not get it to accelerate it all I had to get out of my car pop the hood disconnect the battery and then I was able to put in a drive and accelerate all the lights are flashing on the control panel I had no control over my car whatsoever I took it into Tracy Volkswagen and they said they couldn't diagnose it because it wasn't connecting to my computer in my car. Tracy said the control module for the ABS didn't work and they couldn't replace it for me until the headquarters approved it or something about the recall didn't include the control module I can't afford to fix this it's all ABS connected that's what the safety call is for safety.

NHTSA ID

11490769

Incident

Sep 28, 2022

the airbag light indicator is on and the car is 2009 which is more than 10 years old however it is under 120k miles original warranty as it is currently at 97k miles and I have contacted Volkswagen and nothing they could do or helped me. Dealerships want to charge me diagnostic fees which was ridiculous. the dealership scanned the code but did not went further without the additional fee.

NHTSA ID

11484905

Incident

Sep 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the gear shift indicator started blinking on and off. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the road and restarted the vehicle to reboot the gear shift indicator lights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11464449

Incident

May 1, 2021

Mileage

125,000 mi

A recall was issued for the ABS software upgrade which my car was updated in 2017. That is within the 10 year timeframe. Since then, my abs light has went on and off. We kept resetting as advised by Sisk Automotive in Hopkinsville, Ky (not a VW dealer). Wyatt Johnson in Clarksville, Tn completed the recall in 2017. In Feb 2022, the abs has failed creating ECP fault and almost every light on the dash is now on. I believe the abs should have been replaced in 2017 and the dealer just put a quick fix to say the recall was complete. I need help fixing my unsafe car that VW failed to fix in the original recall.

NHTSA ID

11459284

Incident

Feb 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the headlights and the turn signal lights had failed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring was damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 355,000.

NHTSA ID

11459103

Incident

Mar 20, 2022

Mileage

355,000 mi

About 5-6 times my steering locked up as I was mid turn but thankfully only for a second or two but a few of those times I was traveling at a high rate of speed on the highway in the center lane with cars on either side of me. Another time I was turning onto the highway and trying to beat the long line of cars that just got a green light and as I was mid turn my steering locked up and I fishtailed into the center lane almost into oncoming traffic. Had I been a more inexperienced driver neither of those times would have ended well.

NHTSA ID

11458504

Incident

Dec 10, 2021