2009 Volkswagen GTI Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 19%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI, 19% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car disengages itself when shifting in reverse I give it gas it suddenly catches gear and almost caused an accident. 2009 Volkswagen GTI. Volkswagen dealer will not take responsibility for this recall telling me there are non but when checked on the NHTSA website there is.direct shift gearbox dsg recall#09v333000”
NHTSA complaint #11186628, filed 2019-03, 120,000 miles“The vehicle shifted gears in motion while driving on city streets. Parked the car in may of 2017 and haven't driven it since. Vw has refused to take responsibility, even though I've brought the issue of the vehicle having trouble switching to reverse from a parked position while I was at the dealership for service. Have received multiple occasions where the ABS/check engine light came on. Repeatedly taking it into the dealership to no avail. ** note: vw has refused to repair the issues free of charge as stated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11195675, filed 2019-04, 100,000 miles“My prnds lights flashing. When I put car in d or r nothing happens. Acts like its in neutral. Happened while driving 65mph on why. Fix this problem now.”
NHTSA complaint #11300342, filed 2020-01, 114,000 miles“I purchased the car in the beginning of july 2009, noticed weird shifting but figured it was part of car break in process. Now I notice it happen almost daily. The car shifts harshly during acceleration and deceleration. It jerks forward a lot during bumper to bumper traffic. Lately the car will hesitate when going from complete stop to forward then buck forward.”
NHTSA complaint #10291280, filed 2009-11, 3,000 miles“I took my car to gunther Volkswagen in ft lauderdale, fl. My automatic dsg transmission was not shifting into gear on many occasions as I was driving, parking stopped at a light. On several occasions this problem had resulted in some near accidents with other cars, and on two occasions I had hit a pole and a wall. The near accidents with cars had occurred in parking situations as well as on the street at traffic lights when my car would not move and cars behind me almost hit me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10928755, filed 2016-11, 93,706 milesRelated recalls
- 09V333000Aug 20, 2009Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between september 2008 and august 2009. The wiring harness of a…Covers: Volkswagen GTI 2009–2010, Jetta 2009–2010, Audi A3 2009–2010 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 11023836Sep 15, 2025This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW…
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10214473Jun 14, 2022Auto Trans fluid requirements.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 21% |
| 2023 | 2 | 33% |
| 2020 | 2 | 25% |
| 2019 | 62 | 35% |
| 2018 | 3 | 18% |
| 2017 | 7 | 13% |
| 2016 | 8 | 12% |
| 2015 | 12 | 12% |
| 2014 | 2 | 20% |
| 2013 | 5 | 15% |
| 2012 | 7 | 18% |
| 2011 | 16 | 29% |
| 2010 | 14 | 26% |
| 2009 | 32 | 19% |
| 2008 | 40 | 60% |
| 2007 | 40 | 52% |
| 2006 | 11 | 26% |
| 2005 | 2 | 25% |
| 2004 | 1 | 14% |
| 2003 | 12 | 23% |
| 2002 | 10 | 8% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 5 | 11% |
| 1996 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI
98 complaintsElectronic stability control
69 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology