2009 Volkswagen Passat

Routine

Owners filed 146 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
79,826 milesMedian miles at failure

111 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 105,000120,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine51
070
Fuel/Propulsion System29
000
Steering16
100
Air Bags11
102
Electronic Stability Control (esc)7
100
Electrical System7
010
Power Train4
010
Unknown or Other3
000
Service Brakes3
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump3
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module18V148000
Filed Mar 6, 2018363,713 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump17V509000
Filed Aug 16, 2017280,915 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V078000
Filed Feb 10, 2016659,493 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)08V577000
Filed Nov 3, 2008130 vehiclesVolkswagen Of America, Inc

Defect. VW IS RECALLING 130 MY 2009 PASSAT, PASSAT WAGON, AND PASSAT CC VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR CONTROL UNIT THAT CAN MALFUNCTION DUE TO A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS, THE DRIVER'S STEERING INPUT IS NOT PROPERLY PROCESSED BY THE SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESPOND AS THE DRIVER INTENDS. THIS DEFECT CAN ONLY OCCUR IMMEDIATELY AFTER VEHICLE START-UP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED FOR THE FIRST TIME AND AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 5 MPH.

Risk. DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME THE SYSTEM DURING MALFUNCTION WILL CAUSE (1) VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL; (2) THE STEERING SYSTEM MOTOR TO TURN OFF; (3) THE RED STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; AND (4) AUDIBLE WARNINGS TO CHIME. A MALFUNCTIONING STEERING SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 3, 2025112,322 milesSC

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights started flashing on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, who attempted to start the vehicle; however, the engine skipped, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of the Volkswagen Timing Chain Settlement, ID Number: 16/2765 for the timing chain; however, the campaign ended in 2019. The VIN was not under recall, and the vehicle was not included in the Volkswagen Timing Chain Settlement. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,322.

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 2025SC

The check engine light and oil pressure light appeared on my dash screen as I was driving home from work. I pulled over to the nearest repair shop to have the vehicle diagnosed. Upon arriving, the mechanic noticed my oil was low and filled the car with oil. Once that was completed, the car would not start. I noticed it made unusual noises after several more failed attempts. I had the vehicle towed to an authorized dealership to further troubleshoot and they were able to confirm that the engine jumped time due to a failed timing chain tensioner, which requires a new engine since mine is an interference engine. Due to the timing chain tensioner failing, there was catastrophic damage done to the engine leaving the vehicle inoperable.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 13, 2024AZ

On [XXX], a MIDAS shop found an alleged crack in the front part of the gas tank on the upper part of the tank by the floor board. The manager also stated that it could be a plastic seal from the fuel pump on the top part of the tank. The tank is located next to the exhaust system. My 2009 VW CC 4-Motion only has 122,xxx miles on it. I could see a wet spot and presumed I smelled gas but was not sure. He gave me a printout of what the cost would be to repair the system. I told him I would be filing a report with NHTSA. I then called Lunde's VW, W. Bell Rd., Peoria, AZ. I talked to a Tyler Rodriquez and he said there were no recalls and VW could not warrant the problem. I told him I would be filing a report with NHTSA and he did not respond to me. Both places were quite fast to elicit repairs from their business. Only MIDAS pointed out the exhaust pipes being near the gas tank. Approximately six years ago I had been to another VW dealership in Phoenix about my gas gauge needle not working properly and I was sold a gas cap to fix the problem. The problem has been a recurring one and my gas mileage fluctuates. This situation reminds me of the mid-1970s problem with the Ford Pinto gas tanks, which I believe was never resolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Nov 27, 2022VA

The power steering system failed. At first I thought the steering wheel was locked. I started the car and could not turn the wheel. The power steering light illuminated in red and there was a loud beeping sound when the car is turned on. It was not until the car was towed that I realized that the wheel was not locked. The tow truck driver was able to turn the wheel to steer the vehicle on to the truck bed. I had someone plug in a diagnostic machine. I do not recall the exact code but he said the power steering system was not getting a signal. He replaced the steering angle sensor but that did not fix the issue. I had passenger at the time and was concerned for my safety. Luckily, the system failed while the car was parked, but we were left stranded. I have come across the following information on the Kelley Blue Book website: Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion) NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 08V577000 Report Date: Oct 31 2008 Vehicles Affected: 130 Consequence: DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME THE SYSTEM DURING MALFUNCTION WILL CAUSE (1) VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL; (2) THE STEERING SYSTEM MOTOR TO TURN OFF; (3) THE RED STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; AND (4) AUDIBLE WARNINGS TO CHIME. A MALFUNCTIONING STEERING SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. What You Should Do: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-4822-8987. Summary

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 11, 2022NJ

The abs sensors are not functioning although they have been replaced. The dashboard has multiple failure lights. The vehicle is a VW CC not covered by the ABS recall although it exhibits identical issues.

Engine
Filed Sep 22, 2021NY

I put fuel in the car and about to start the car and it won’t start. Lights flickering.

Steering
Filed Jul 17, 2021GA

The power steering system fails when the engine/engine compartment gets hot. The problem has appeared after the car has been shut down (such as when refueling or a quick run into a store) and then restarted. When the key is pushed in to start the car, there is a loud grinding noise, a visible shimmy of the steering wheel, followed by the red steering wheel icon indicating there is a problem and 3 chimes. The steering wheel is locked in position with very limited turning ability and ability to control the direction of the car.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 5, 2021190,000 milesOH

2009 VW CC PULLING OUT INTO CROSS TRAFFIC THE ELECTRIC CONTROLLED PARKING BRAKE LOCKS UP. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES NOW. I REFUSE TO SELL THE CAR LIKE IT IS OR LET ANYONE DRIVE IT. IT APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO THE SEATBELT. IF IT HAPPENS I UNDO MY SEATBELT AND REINSERT IT TO GET IT TO WORK AGAIN. IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S NOT PROGRAMMED TO BE A FAIL SAFE SYSTEM. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 29, 202095,000 milesTX

ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NO. : 17V-509 MANUFACTURER RECALL NO. : 20AE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 30, 2020101,000 milesTX

FUEL PUMP HAS GONE OUT. VOLKSWAGEN INDICATES MY PARTICULAR CAR DOESN'T QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL FOR THE RECALL REPORT 17V-509. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS ISSUE WITH THE 2009 PASSAT.

Engine
Filed May 16, 2020AZ

I GOT 09 4 MOTION CC 3.6. I HAD READ SPENT CLOSE TO 6G AND NOBODY CAN FIX THE ACCELERATION WHEN START. VERY FRUSTRATED CHANGE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS CHANGE OTHER THINGS I BAD. *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 3, 2020167,000 milesVA

LOUD SOUND WHEN VEHICLE IS IN IDLE. TOOK IT TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY ARE SAYING IT NEEDS A TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT SKIPS.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 15, 202075,000 milesSC

RECALL UPDATE: CURRENTLY, INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED-ENGINE LIGHT ON-COST $1400.00. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR FUEL PUMP WAS TOLD IT WAS REPLACED BUT WOULD NOT GIVE EVIDENCE THAT IT WAS. SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG NEVER REPLACED-WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP DID NOT NEED IT.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 28, 2020118,500 milesFL

THE CAR HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING. LIGHTS POP ON AND THE FUEL PUMP IS THE ERROR CODE, ALONG WITH MISFIRES. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST A DOZEN OR MORE CLOSE CALLS WITH THE STALL OUT AND FAILURE TO START UP, AND AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES I HAVE ALMOST BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THE STALL OUT. IT STALLS WHEN ITS IN MOTION OR EVEN WHEN IT IS PARKED AND IS STARTING UP.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 5, 2020CA

THE VEHICLE HAS ISSUES WITH THE FUEL PUMP , INTAKE & CYLINDERS . I WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP BUT NOTICED ONLINE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THESE SAME ISSUES . WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON AND DRIVING IT TURNS OFF AND HARDENING THE STEERING WHEEL

Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 2019FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VOLKSWAGEN OF ORANGE PARK (7220 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244 (855) 758-7110) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $100 TO HAVE THE INDICATOR TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 14, 2019120,000 milesGA

FUEL PUMP CRACKED, AND PLACEMENT OF PUMP CAUSED GASOLINE TO POOL UNDERNEATH BACK SEAT INSIDE THE CAR, RIGHT UNDER WHERE MY 4 YEAR OLDS CAR SEAT IS. TECH STARTED WE ARE EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT IT DIDNT CATCH ON FIRE, BECAUSE IT WAS BASICALLY A BOMB DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH HIM THAT COULD HAVE GONE OFF ANYTIME THE CAR WAS TURNED ON OR RUNNING. ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT IT WHEN I TOOK IT TO GET THE FUEL PUMP MODULE REPLACED, AND ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT THAT RECALL WHEN THE CAR STARTED STALLING OUT WHILE DRIVING. IT IS NOW AT VOLKSWAGEN OF MACON WAITING ON PARTS FOR A $1,000 REPAIR. WE ARE GOING TO GET RID OF THE CAR BECAUSE WE ARE NOT PUTTING MY SON BACK IN A CAR WHERE THAT IS EVEN POSSIBLE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 5, 2019112,000 milesNJ

BOUGHT THIS AT A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. WITHIN TWO DAYS, THE EPC LIGHT WAS COMING ON. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR OR WHEN STARTING TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL, THE GAS PEDAL HAS NO RESPONSE. IT'S AS IF THE PEDAL IS NOT WORKING. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THEIR MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR. SAID THEY FIXED IT. WITHIN A WEEK, THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME, SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY. THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT BUT WITHIN ABOUT 3 WEEKS, THE PEDAL ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. LUCKILY, WE HAVE STAYED ON LOCAL ROADS 40 MPH MAX BUT WHEN THE CAR DOESN'T GO WHEN IT IS SUPPOSED TO, I'M EXPECTING TO GET REARENDED. WE BROUGHT THIS TO OUR MECHANIC AND $1700 LATER, THE CAR IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. THE EPC LIGHT IS ON AND THE CAR IS NOT GOING WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. THE CPU HAS BEEN SWITCHED OUT AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAS BEEN REPLACED. HOW MUCH MONEY DO WE DUMP IN THIS? THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE FROM WHAT I AM READING ON THE INTERNET.

Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2019115,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO ACCELERATE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED THE STATE INSPECTION DUE TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SYSTEM REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. *BF *AS

Engine
Filed Jul 11, 201980,000 milesMD

MY VW PASSAT 2009 SUSTAINED ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FAILURE TIMING CHAIN/TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND NOW NEEDS VERY EXPENSIVE ENGINE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE. CAR DROVE OKAY FOR 15 MINUTES IN THE MORNING THEN IT WAS THEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. WHEN TRYING TO RE-START THE CAR, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. MECHANIC NOTED ABSENT COMPRESSION IN 2 CYLINDERS AND DIAGNOSED IT TO BE DUE TO TIMING CHAIN SLIPPING. THIS HAPPENED AT 80,000MILES AND LESS THAN 10 YEARS (9 YEARS 9 MONTHS) OF PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. VW'S EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERS REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN BUT DOES NOT COVER REPAIR OF ENGINE DAMAGE RESULTED DUE TO TIMING CHAIN FAILURE. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT VW DEALER REGULARLY AND THERE WAS NO WARNING OR INDICATION OF IMPENDING FAILURE OF THE TIMING CHAIN. OTHER OWNERS OF VW VEHICLES HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED OF HAVING IDENTICAL PROBLEMS ON ONLINE COMMUNITY WITH SOME PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN RATHER THAN WEAR AND TEAR DUE AGEING AND I FEEL THAT VW SHOULD RECALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEMS.

20 of 146 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202213000Routine
202118110Routine
202018300Routine
201912100Routine
201845400Do not drive
2017110710Routine
2016106500Routine
2015243720Above average
20145941030Above average
2013748942Fatalities reported
20124831130Above average
201116011Fatalities reported
2010163410Routine
2009 — this page1464120Routine
2008168460Routine
2007262760Above average
2006576760Above average
20051484110Routine
20042794250High concern
20036347940High concern
20026364462Fatalities reported
20014304140Above average
20005075251Fatalities reported
19996646132Fatalities reported
1998331541Fatalities reported
199770120Routine
1996142110Routine
199593110Routine
199425110Routine
1993683100Routine
199239110Routine
199124110Routine
199034230Routine

Compare every Passat year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 6, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.