2009 Volkswagen Jetta Electrical Problems

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

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

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

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

My car been fine and went to take my daughter to school and shut the car off and get back in to go home and wouldn't start and the Abs light came on and Check Engine light as well. I am concerned because I think since I have done the ABS no longer then 2 years. I feel like there is a problem and dont think VW fix it the first time when I took it in.. My fiance had a terrible accident 12 month ago and no income and I dont know how we are going to fix it if we have too thats what I am worried about as well.. Thank you, Dawn

NHTSA ID

11445920

Incident

Jan 3, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK EFFECTIVELY WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS CORRECTLY. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND WAS SHAKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPM WAS FLUCTUATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CHECK ENGINE, POWER STEERING AND EPC WARNING LIGHTS WERE ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY FOR A WHILE BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HANSEL VOLKSWAGEN (2951 CORBY AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407) AND WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO UPDATE THE ABS SOFTWARE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ABS MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE ABS MODULE FAILED INTERNALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11354004

Incident

Aug 10, 2020

Mileage

130,000 mi

WHEN I ARRIVED HOME U WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION. AFTER A LOT OF WORK I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY GET IT TURNED OFF BUT NOW OT WILL NOT GO FURTHER THAN THE ACCESSORY SETTING. AFTER READING COUNTLESS FORUMS ONLINE I FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11317744

Incident

Mar 12, 2020

Mileage

114,675 mi

THE ETC SIGN COMES ON AND THE CAR LOST ITS POWER SIGNIFICANTLY. THE OBD SCAN DOES NOT SHOW ANY CODE

NHTSA ID

11307305

Incident

Feb 4, 2020

Mileage

98,020 mi

MY KEY GOT STUCK IN MY IGNITION ON THANKSGIVING, I COULD NOT GO TO MY 2ND JOB ON BLACK FRIDAY BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE AND HAD TO QUIT MY JOB. I WENT TO VW PUENTE HILLS IN CA AND THEY MADE ME PAY FOR A NEW CYLINDER THAT COST ALMOST $900. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A CYLINDER ISSUE. A WEEK LATER MY KEY GOT STUCK AGAIN, I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A KEY ISSUE AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE KEY, THEY SAID THEY WERE GOING ORDER A NEW CYLINDER AND HAVE IT REPLACED. IT'S BEEN ALMOST 2 MONTHS AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE REAL ISSUE. THEY CALLED ME AGAIN TODAY SAYING THAT IT IS NOT THE CYLINDER ISSUE, IT IS THE MODULE, NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR A NEW KEY AND A NEW MODULE! THE SAID THE MODULE WOULD COST AROUND $400. AND MIND YOU, I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE KEY! I ALSO JUST PAID FOR A NEW CYLINDER! I AM BEING RIPPED OFF AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND FOR THIS AND FOR PUENTE HILLS VOLKSWAGEN REPORTED FOR TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS.

NHTSA ID

11301444

Incident

Nov 28, 2019

THE CAR DISABLES THE ABS WHILE DRIVING, AND THE ABS, BRAKE AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL INDICATORS ARE LIT SIMULTANEOUSLY, WHILE THE CAR DINGS. QUITE DISTRACTING. A LITTLE RESEARCH SHOWS COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME BEHAVIOR SINCE JUST OCT. 30, 2019: NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11277060 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11288718 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11283008 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11279604 THERE IS A RECALL WHICH WAS CONSIDERED CLOSED FOR MY VEHICLE FOR THIS ISSUE: 16V913000 DEALERSHIP HAS ALSO QUOTED ABOUT $1500 TO REPLACE THE ABS MODULE, BECAUSE THE CURRENT MODULE CANNOT BE UPDATED. SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE LOTS OF BAD MODULES THAT CANNOT BE UPDATED. THIS IS A HAZARD CONDITION; ESPECIALLY HERE IN MICHIGAN.

NHTSA ID

11289152

Incident

Dec 12, 2019

Mileage

160,000 mi

CAR ABS SYSTEN DANGER. NO MECHANIC CAN FIX

NHTSA ID

11287503

Incident

Dec 5, 2019

Mileage

95,000 mi

HAD DROVE THE CAR LITTLE WHILE, THEN MADE A STOP, CRANKED THE CAR TO LEAVE AND SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS LOW ON OIL, THAT KIND OF. TAPPING SOUND. OIL WAS FINE. BUT THE SOUND STILL THERE THE NEXT DAY. AFTER DRIVING IT A MILE OR TWO. IT GOT LOUDER, THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED AT THE CLOSEST PART STORE ABOUT 5 MIN AFTER THE LIGHT CAME ON. THEY CHECKED IT WITH THE SCANNER. SAID IT WAS A KNOCK SENSOR CODE. P0328, BANK 1.TOOK IT TO VW. TO GET A DIAGNOSITS DONE. AND THE MAN SAID IT WAS DUE TO A RECALL. THE PROBLEM I WAS HEARING, AND THE CODE. WAS FROM THE RECALLED PART. THEY CHANGED THAT PART. SAID IT WAS A FUSE PANEL ON ENGINE BLOCK. THE PROBLEM WAS STILL THE SAME. THEN, HE SAID IT WAS NOT DUE TO THE RECALL. AND I STILL HAD TO PAY THE 120 DOLLAR FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC. AND SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO OPEN THE ENGINE TO CHECK ANY FURTHER, AND THAT THE LABOR WOULD BE ABOUT 2000 DOLLARS. I HAD TOOK IT BY VW BEFORE IT STARTED TO HAVE ANY NOTICEABLE PROBLEMS.WHEN I HAD HAPPENED TO LOOK UP RECALLS ONLINE. THE MAN LOOKED IT UP BY MY VIN. TOLD ME THERE WERE 3 ACTIVE RECALLS. BUT IT WOULD BE ANOTHER WEEK BEFORE THEY COULD GET TO IT. I ASKED IF IT WOULD BE OK TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT, WAS ANY OF THEM SERIOUS ENOUGH TO NOT. HE TOLD ME , NO, THAT IT WOULD BE FINE TO DRIVE. SAID SPECIALLY SINCE I WASENT HAVING ANY PROBLEMS ALREADY .

NHTSA ID

11282962

Incident

Nov 15, 2019

Mileage

150,000 mi

HI, I HAVE A 2009 JETTA 2.5 SE AND THE DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING G BOTH MANUALLY OR WITH THE KEY REMOTE. I CANNOT LOCK MY DOORS EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER DOOR. IT STARTED THIS MORNING OUT OF NOWHERE.

NHTSA ID

11282801

Incident

Nov 28, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPC, DRL, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE, AND POWER STEERING DRIVE LINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OBD2 READER SYSTEM INFORMED HER OF ALL THE FAILURES. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE COMMUNICATION WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL NOTIFICATION YEARS AGO AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 171,000.

NHTSA ID

11279604

Incident

Jun 12, 2019

Mileage

171,000 mi

IGNITION KEY STUCK IN IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ON/RUN POSITION AND WILL NOT TURN OFF OR COME OUT OF IGNITION.

NHTSA ID

11265968

Incident

Sep 29, 2019

Mileage

156,310 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ABS CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAVANNAH VOLKSWAGEN (50 EISENHOWER DR, SAVANNAH, GA 31406, (912) 920-5455) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11242640

Incident

Feb 20, 2016

Mileage

100,000 mi

ABS MODULE FAILED

NHTSA ID

11232790

Incident

Jul 16, 2019

Mileage

60,000 mi

MY DAUGHTER IS DRIVING A 2009 VW JETTA THAT IS NOT FIT FOR THE ROAD,THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT ISN'T THERE PROBLEM,BERLIN CITY HONDA, AND THAT THEY DON'T WORK ON THEM,AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER IT, AS THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN SHE STEPS ON THE GAS,AND NO POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS,SHE IS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND IN A PANIC, SHE PULLS THE KEY,PUTS IT BACK IN AND THE CAR STARTS AGAIN,NOW IT KEEPS HAPPENING AND BERLIN CITY SAYS THEY CAN'T HELP HER? IS THIS A RECALL?

NHTSA ID

11220852

Incident

Jun 9, 2019

Mileage

122,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS JUMPSTARTED AND SEVEN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INCLUDING THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS, ESP, AND POWER STEERING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE STARTED AFTER THE JUMPSTART AND WAS TAKEN TO CIOCCA VOLKSWAGEN OF ALLENTOWN (1345 LEHIGH ST, ALLENTOWN, PA 18103) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW ABS MODULE, PUMP, AND IGNITION SWITCH WERE NEEDED. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11207682

Incident

Mar 31, 2019

Mileage

130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND MOST OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL AND THE POWER STEERING WAS FAULTY. THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONSTANTLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CROWN VOLKSWAGEN OF LAWRENCE (3400 IOWA ST, LAWRENCE, KS 66046, (785) 838-7750) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERNAL MODULE IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,376.

NHTSA ID

11206309

Incident

May 17, 2018

Mileage

148,376 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE, ABS, AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. A BEEPING SOUND WAS ALSO HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO WINN VOLKSWAGEN WOODLAND HILLS (LOCATED AT 21141 VENTURA BLVD, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364, (818) 884-4444) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, IT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

NHTSA ID

11184712

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

Mileage

76,000 mi

I HAD MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY CAR LOOKED AT BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS BEEN ON FOR WEEKS. IT HASN'T TURNED OFF. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN THEY TRIED TO PERFORM A SOFTWARE UPDATE BUT WEREN'T ABLE TO BECAUSE APPARENTLY THE MODULE WENT OUT BEFORE THE RECALL. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS UNTIL JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THAT IS POSSIBLE. NOW THEY ARE SAYING ITS TECHNICALLY MY FAULT AND NOW IM STUCK PAYING 1200 ON AN ABS MODULE AND MAINTENANCE. MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON WENT I WENT AROUND A CORNER AND SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS, EVER SINCE THEN IT WONT TURN OFF.

NHTSA ID

11173206

Incident

Jan 17, 2019

Mileage

140,150 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED WITH A BEEPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAROLINA VOLKSWAGEN (7800 E INDEPENDENCE BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28227, (704) 537-2336) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) BUT COULD NOT COMPLETE THE RECALL DUE TO THE MODULE HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

NHTSA ID

11144084

Incident

Oct 14, 2018

Mileage

124,000 mi

NOT ABLE TO TAKE KEY OUT OF IGNITION SWITCH. CAR IS PARKED AND STILL RUNNING NOT ABLE TO TAKE KEY OUT.

NHTSA ID

11123937

Incident

Aug 31, 2018

Mileage

102,877 mi

CLOCK SPRING FAILURE AT 49,500 MILES. RESULTED IN NO HORN AND NO STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG FUNCTIONALITY.

NHTSA ID

11114108

Incident

Jul 27, 2018

Mileage

49,500 mi