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EnginePart report

2009 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems

Complaints
96about this part
Share
11%of 889 total for the year
Median mileage
80,600miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 96 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 11% of the 889 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,600 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The cars check engine light came on and lost power on the freeway. I took it to get checked and a diagnostic was done . I had just gone to the dealership a week before and had the back brakes and rotors replaced for $500 dollars and the oil changed for another $100. They said everything was fine.”

NHTSA complaint #11363223, filed 2020-10, 100,000 miles

“First my car had trouble turning over after a misfire. Then while driving the car (in motion) as I was coming to a stop the engine began to sputter and feel as if it was lunging forward. I drove it straight to the vw service center which was nearby. Now they are telling me it is a timing issue which I suspect to be the timing chain tensioner.”

NHTSA complaint #10968189, filed 2017-03, 73,000 miles

“Check engine light comes on frequently and when I take to dealer it is always a sensor problem I have also had some electrical issues replacing bulbs frequently. Also while driving the shifting lights will all light up prnds, sometimes there is a loss of power. Also one of the overhead light seems to have melted due to a high heat source of some kind.”

NHTSA complaint #10863523, filed 2016-05, 60,000 miles

“While driving my 2009 vw Jetta I went to pull out into intersection and the car shut off with no warning. At this time a light came on that says epc and prior to this my car would not start and would say safe on warning lights. This is a hazard to drive does anyone know what the problem could be and when item is replaced do I have to have the computer reprogrammed after this what a pain”

NHTSA complaint #11005594, filed 2017-07, 130,000 miles

“Oil seals leaking oil all over engine, major carbon build up failing axles. I was driving on the road and the car made a major thud and check engine light came on. Took car to dealer next day and they found all seals on the engine are leaking oil and water pump has failed and major carbon build up in engine. Found oil on ground of my garage. Front suspension known to make crunching sounds when going over major bumps when cold.”

NHTSA complaint #10980782, filed 2017-04, 64,200 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026117%
202513%
20241226%
20231126%
20221228%
202157%
20201222%
201914727%
201826%
20173321%
20164327%
20154322%
201410828%
201311222%
20128417%
20119015%
201011714%
20099611%
20082011%
2007168%
2006397%
20052711%
2004115%
2003164%
200271%
200191%
200082%
199921%

Other parts of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta

Fuel system
307 complaints
Brakes
205 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
141 complaints
Electrical system
107 complaints
Electronic stability control
93 complaints
Engine cooling
72 complaints
Air bags
35 complaints
Other or unknown
35 complaints
Vehicle speed control
29 complaints
Exterior lighting
24 complaints
Steering
24 complaints
Body and structure
16 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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