MotorDeets

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit: 2 recalls, 62 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
62owner complaints
6mention a crash
24best combined mpg
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
Photo: Allardjo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #10V621000 · 2010 · 228,236 vehicles

What's wrong: 5l engines. The jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles May have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that May chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The new beetle and the new beetle convertible vehicles May have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that May be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel…

Why it matters: If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. Additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the…

Stability control, Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #16V913000 · 2016 · 135,683 vehicles

What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen jetta a5 sedan, 2009 Volkswagen jetta sportwagen, eos, gti, rabbit and Audi a3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen golf a6 vehicles. The antilock brake system (ABS) control unit May fail during ABS or electronic stability control (esc) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.

Why it matters: A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Brakes39
Stability control25
Electrical11
Steering10
Transmission & drivetrain5
Speed control / throttle5
Brakes (hydraulic)5
Airbags3

What owners describe

The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit has 62 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 4 Rabbit model years for complaints (1.6× the average Rabbit year). Complaints peaked in 2016 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 90,555 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (23 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive213024Regular
2.5 L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive202924Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit problems?

Owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (39), stability control (25), electrical (11).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit get?

EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Rabbit years

2006200720082009