2009 Volkswagen Rabbit Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, 3% of the 62 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had observed twice that the ABS and brake system lights illuminated under heavy braking. I read the service manual and several vw forums and my understanding was that this was normal under what is called 'emergency break'. I both cases turning the ignition off and on again restored the car to normal. On february 2013 the ABS/ESC system failed and the car crashed against a wall while braking before a turn. Airbags did not deploy. We were two passengers on board: brian foxe and myself. Fortunately, none got hurt although I had to be picked up by paramedics. …”
NHTSA complaint #11000204, filed 2017-06, 50,000 miles“The car would shake in the highway and would not accelerate at certain moment. Also stops randomly I don't know why my car acting that way and I am afraid to drive even the repair shop doesn't know what the issue is.”
NHTSA complaint #10925250, filed 2016-11Related service bulletins
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Suggested fuel additive
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11030847Mar 27, 2026This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the…
- 11014949Feb 12, 2025Identifying and Mixing Engine Coolant
- 11010022Oct 30, 2024Engine Oil Standards
- 11008857Sep 18, 2024How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
- 11008858Sep 17, 2024A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11008856Sep 17, 2024Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
44 complaintsElectronic stability control
25 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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