2009 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Fuel system is the leading concern among 904 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 31 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderSep 23, 2020
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Campaign 20E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Other or unspecifiedSep 25, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
Campaign 19V679000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipDec 20, 2016
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.
A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 16V913000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, dieselOct 3, 2011
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 11V490000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 10, 2010
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L 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 SUPPLY LINE.
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.
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 CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 10V621000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionAug 20, 2009
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO ABRUPTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH. IN ADDITION, THE "DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL" INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES.
THE ABRUPT SHIFT TO NEUTRAL COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 09V333000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftMay 19, 2009
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 25,594 MY 2006-2009 JETTA 5TH GENERATION EQUIPPED WITH 2.01 ENGINE. THE FASTENING SCREW CONTACT SURFACES ON THE DRIVESHAFT COVER PLATE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. SOME SCREWS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LOOSEN OVER TIME, CAUSING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS COULD LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHES FROM THE GEARBOX.
IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DETACHED DRIVESHAFT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE THE GEARBOX HOUSING. A DAMAGE GEARBOX HOUSING COULD LEAK GEARBOX OIL ONTO THE STREET AND CREATE A RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS AND REPLACE THE SCREWS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 09V164000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
167 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 31, 2010
I HAVE A 2009 VW JETTA TDI. I WAS IN MY WORK PARKING LOT. STARTED THE VEHICLE, BACKED OUT DRIVING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED AND TURNED OFF. I COASTED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPOT. TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. NO LIGHTS CAME UP AND IT STARTED WITH NO PROBLEM. I ADVISED DEALERSHIP OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID IT WAS OK, AND TO CALL IF IT OCCURRED AGAIN. IT HAS NOT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2010
1-HALLMARK COOLSPRINGS VOLKSWAGEN IN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE USED IMPROPER OIL IN MY 2009 JETTA TDI. I DID NOT DISCOVER THIS UNTIL AFTER THE IMPROPER OIL HAD BEEN IN THE VEHICLE FOR OVER 7000 MILES. THIS IS DOCUMENTED ON THEIR SERVICE REPORT. THE VW TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT ENTITLED: 'JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN EQUIPPED WITH TDI ENGINE, MODEL YEAR 2009' WHICH WAS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL OF THIS VEHICLE STATES:'IF YOU USE ENGINE OIL THAT DOES NOT EXPRESSLY CONFORM TO VOLKSWAGEN OIL STANDARD 507.00, VERY SERIOUS AND VERY EXPENSIVE DAMAGE TO YOUR VEHICLE'S ENGINE WILL OCCUR.' IT GOES ON TO STATE: 'FAILURE TO USE ENGINE OIL FOR YOUR DIESEL ENGINE THAT CONFORMS TO VOLKSWAGEN OIL STANDARD 507.00 CAN CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE ON THE HIGHWAY THAT CAN CAUSE A CRASH AND SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.' 2-NOW I HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO DRIVE THE CAR, PARANOID THAT WHAT THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS WILL HAPPEN TO HAPPEN AND HOPE THE ENGINE DOES NOT LOCK UP AND CAUSE ME TO WRECK AND HURT MYSELF AND/OR SOMEONE ELSE. 3)- VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WILL NOT HELP DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS AND NEITHER WILL HALLMARK VOLKSWAGEN. THEY BASICALLY SAY TO DISREGARD THE OWNERS MANUAL - I BELIEVE THEY ARE IN VIOLATION OF THE MAGNUSON MOSS ACT IF THE OIL SPECIFIED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL DOESN'T REALLY HAVE TO BE USED TO AVOID ENGINE DAMAGE, RESULTING IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 7, 2010
MY 2009 JETTA TDI SPORTWAGON WITH 12,000 MILES WOULD NOT START ONE DAY. I ATTEMPTED TO JUMP START AND POP START THE CAR, BOTH FAILED TO START THE ENGINE. IT GOT TOWED TO NEAREST VW DEALER. THEY STATED THAT THE STARTER FAILED, SO THEY REPLACED IT. AFTER REPLACING THE STARTER, THE CAR WAS STILL NOT FIXED AND THEY DISCOVERED CONDENSATION IN THE INTAKE SYSTEM. THEY STATED THAT VW WAS NOT SURE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CONDENSATION, SEEING AS I DRIVE 100 MILES PER DAY, BUT IT WAS NOW RUNNING TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS, SO THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED " SO WE ARE CALLING IT FIXED". ANOTHER TDI WAS ALSO IN THE SHOP FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT VW CAN NOT GUARANTEE OR PROVIDE ANYTHING TO ME IN WRITING STATING THAT WHEN MY FACTORY WARRANTY RUNS OUT, AND THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN, THAT IT WILL BE COVERED. I REQUESTED VW TO EXTEND MY WARRANTY BUT THEY STATED THAT THEY DO NOT PROVIDE THAT TO CUSTOMERS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2010
EVER SINCE MY 2009 VW TDI DIESEL AUTO WAS NEW, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH HESISTATION IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC THAT IS AN EMERGENCY. IF I SUDDENLY STOP, SUCH AS THE END OF THE EXIT RAMP ON THE INTERSTATE, AND SIMULTANEOUSLY TURN THE WHEELS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, THEN IMMEDIATELY ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATION, DISASTER. THE CAR WILL MOVE INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC (FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS), THEN HESITATE, LEAVING ME STUCK ON THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC! IN ABOUT 3 TO 4 MORE SECONDS, IT WILL IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE, SPINNING THE WHEELS AND MOVE! THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, NEARLY PLACING ME IN FATAL ACCIDENTS! THE DEALER WILL NOT RESPOND, OR EVEN CONTACT THE VW MAIN FACTORY/ENGINEERING REGARDING SOFTWARE UPDATES, ETC. THE ENGINE JUST MOMENTARILY 'GOES TO IDLE' BEFORE KICKING IN. IT IS AS IF THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED (IN THIS CAR, IF YOU TOUCH THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY DROPS TO ABOUT 600 RPM THRU SOFTWARE CONTROL). SO IT APPEARS THERE IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM, NOT AN ENGINE PROBLEM. ENGINE OTHERWISE PERFORMS BEAUTIFULLY, AND SO DOES THE TRANSMISSION. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL RECURRENT OCCASIONS, BOTH IN HOT AND COLD WEATHER, SINCE SEPT 2008. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 8, 2010
2009 VW TDI JETTA. ENGINE RUNS ROUGH, SUTTERS AT CERTAIN POINTS AND LACKS POWER. WILL SOMETIMES STALL IN TRAFFIC. HAVE DOCUMENTED WITH DEALERS. VW AMERICA REFUSES TO ANSWER. VW HAS SOFTWARE FIX, BUT WILL NOT APPLY IT TO VEHICLE. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO BE KILLED BEFORE THESE PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 5, 2010
MY VEHICLE DIDN'T START AFTER 12 DAYS OF SITTING, IT ALSO HAD A ROUGH START (NO START FOLLOWED BY DRIVER ASSISTED START) AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT 9 HOURS. I BELIEVE THE ROUGH START WAS A RELATED TO THE NO START. DATE OF NO START: 12/29/10 LOCATION: PHILADELPHIA OFFSITE AIRPORT LOT MILEAGE: > 20,000 GOT MY 20K SERVICE TWO DAYS PRIOR TO PARKING IT ON DEC. 17. IT SNOWED 22" ON THE 19TH AND THEN THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE DAYS IT WOULD THAW, FREEZE, RAIN ETC. IT RAINED APPROXIMATELY 3" DURING THAT TIME. GOT BACK DEC. 29TH AT NIGHT. THE ENGINE TRIED TO CRANK ONCE AND THEN DIDN'T DO MUCH AFTERWARD. HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER (VW OF LANGHORNE) AND THEY FOUND WATER IN THE CYLINDERS BY REMOVING THE GLOW PLUGS AND MANUALLY CRANKING THE ENGINE. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS MESSING WITH THE DEALER THEY FINALLY DRIED OUT THE ENGINE AND FOUND WATER IN THE INTERCOOLER LINES. RAN FINE UNTIL 2/1/10. DEALER HAD ME PAY FOR THEIR TIME BECAUSE "THE ONLY WAY THIS COULD HAPPEN IS IF I DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE OR IF IT WAS IN A FLOOD". THEY ARE WRONG. THE PARKING LOT IS NOT VALET (I KEPT MY KEYS) AND THEY HAVE A SNOW REMOVAL SERVICE. SNOW WAS NOT PLOWED INTO OR ON TOP OF MY CAR. NO OTHER WATER DAMAGE WAS SEEN IN OR ON THE VEHICLE ANYWHERE ELSE. DATE OF NO START: 2/01/10 LOCATION: NORTHEAST OF PHILADELPHIA MILEAGE: 21,000 CODES: NONE KNOWN SIGNIFICANT WEATHER BEFORE NO START: COLD, DRY TOOK TO DEALER (WHAT WAS DONE): NO AMBIENT AIR TEMPS: HIGH 36 (F) LOW 21 (F) JETTA STARTED FINE IN THE MORNING 6:30AM. LEFT WORK AT 6:00PM AND DID NOT START. THE SEQUENCE: 1) CRANK BUT DIDN'T TURN OVER 2) GOT IT TO TURN OVER AND START ABOUT 1 MIN LATER, NO MESSAGE ON MFD 3) KEPT FOOT ON ACCELERATOR IN NEUTRAL AT ABOUT 1300 RPM FOR 30-60 SEC. 4) RAN FINE ON 30 MIN DRIVE HOME THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS IF IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO GET A TOW IN THE WINTER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Jan 13, 2010
WINDSHIELD WIPERS SYSTEM FAILED IN SNOW STORM. PARTS REPLACED COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. 8 TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED. DEALER CAN NOT FIND CAUSE. NO START SITUATION, TWICE. DEALER CAN NOT FIND CAUSE. TRANSMISSION NOISE. DEALER CAN NOT FIND CAUSE, WILL REPLACE TRANSMISSION IF NOISE CONTINUES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 31, 2009
2009 JETTA TDI HAS AN ISSUE WITH SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. USUALLY 100% REPRODUCIBLE IN WARM CLIMATE USUALLY HAPPENS WITHIN THE FIRST FEW MINUTES OF STARTING ENGINE WHILE TRAVELING AT 30MPH AT 2K RPMS WHILE HOLDING A STEADY SPEED. CAR WILL SUDDENLY JERK AND LOSE POWER ONE TIME THEN THE REMAINING TIME WILL BE WITHOUT ISSUE. ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC THE CAR HAS INTERMITTENTLY LOST ALL POWER FOR A FEW SECONDS ALMOST RESULTING IN CERTAIN PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENTS. THIS WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT AFTER STARTING THE CAR I TOOK A PHONE CALL BEFORE ENTERING TRAFFIC. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A TEMPERATURE/TIME RELATED PROBLEM AS THE TIME I WAS ON THE PHONE WOULD ABOUT EQUAL THE TIME THAT WHEN I NORMALLY WOULD HAVE LEFT THE LOT THE CAR WOULD HAVE HAD THE HICCUP/STUTTER. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET AND THIS HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED THAT VWOA HAS BEEN CALLED ABOUT THIS BUT SEEMS TO NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2009
WE WERE TRAVELING IN BRANSON, MO. FROM OUR HOME IN EAST TEXAS WHEN THERE WAS WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A SINGLE MUFFLED POP FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE GLOW PLUG LAMP STARTED BLINKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I THINK IT WAS BLINKING ALSO. AT THE TIME I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH. AND I HAD JUST STARTED UP A STEEP GRADE. ALSO, ABOUT THE TIME THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING, THE MFD DISPLAYED THE "MAJOR ENGINE MALFUNCTION" MESSAGE. THE ENGINE LOST POWER BUT DID NOT STOP AND I WAS ABLE TO GO ABOUT 300 YARDS TO A SAFE PLACE WHERE I COULD PULL OFF THE STREET OUT OF TRAFFIC AND PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER IN SPRINGFIELD, MO. (SPRINGFIELD VOLKSWAGEN) FAULT CODE THROWN WAS P0299. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A COUPLING ON A LINE GOING INTO THE TURBOCHARGER HAD NOT BEEN ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE ENGINE AND THE HOSE HAD COME LOOSE DISABLING THE TURBOCHARGER AND THE ENGINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2009
I OWN A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI SPORTWAGEN. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 8,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I BELIEVE THAT THIS CAR HAS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW, WHICH CREATES A VERY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. ON A DAILY BASIS, I EXPERIENCE A SITUATION IN WHICH I AM WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT TO TURN LEFT, AND WHEN I DEPRESS THE PEDAL TO ACCELERATE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, THE CAR MOVES A FEW FEET (INTO TRAFFIC) AND THEN STOPS ALTOGETHER. AFTER PRESSING THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR FOR 2-3 SECONDS, IT RELUCTANTLY STARTS MOVING AGAIN, AND I OBSERVE A HUGE CLOUD OF WHITE VAPOR POURING OUT OF THE TAILPIPE AS THE CAR TAKES OFF AGAIN. MY FEAR IS THAT I, OR SOMEONE ELSE, WILL BE UNABLE TO CLEAR AN INTERSECTION IN A DANGEROUS (OR OTHERWISE NORMAL) SITUATION AND WILL BE INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON OR T-BONE ACCIDENT THAT WILL CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR DEATH. THE CAR DISPLAYS NO ERROR CODES, AND OTHERWISE DRIVES PERFECTLY NORMAL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 31, 2009
I HAD MY 09 TDI TOWED INTO A V.W. DEALER TODAY FOR A MAJOR OIL LEAK. THE DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS: I PARKED MY TDI IN MY DRIVEWAY THIS MORNING AFTER A LOCAL DRIVE. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WERE OBSERVED. IN THE AFTERNOON I WENT FOR ANOTHER DRIVE. I BARELY GOT OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CARS OIL LIGHT STARTED BLINKING, AND THE MFD SAID STOP THE VEHICLE-LOW OIL. I PULLED BACK IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED SEVERAL LITERS OF OIL ON THE GROUND UNDER MY CAR. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER BY A FLATBED TOW TRUCK. THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ME INTO THE SHOP AND SHOWED ME THAT THE OIL FILTERS HOUSING CAP HAD BEEN SCREWED LOOSE, AND PLACED ON-TOP OF THE HOUSING UPSIDE DOWN. THE CAP HAD A SMALL PIECE MISSING JUST BEFORE THE THREADS BEGIN. SINCE THE CAR HAD 1 1/2 QUARTS OF OIL STILL IN THE OIL PAN THE SERVICE MANAGER DID NOT FEEL THAT ANY ENGINE DAMAGE OCCURRED. I EXPLAINED TO THE MANAGER THAT I HAD BEEN HOME ALL DAY, THAT MY CAR WAS LOCKED, ALARMED, AND PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. THE MANAGER INSISTED THAT SOMEONE DID THIS DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. HE COULD NOT EXPLAIN HOW SOMEONE WAS ABLE TO GET IN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE KEY, AND WITHOUT CAUSING ANY DAMAGE OR LEAVING ANY TOOL MARKS, OR SETTING OFF THE CAR ALARM. I HAD MY VEHICLES 10K SERVICE DONE AT THIS DEALERSHIP 800 MILES AGO. DURING THAT SERVICE THE WRONG OIL WAS USED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY OVERFILLED WITH OIL. THESE PROBLEMS WERE CAUGHT BY MYSELF, AND CORRECTED BEFORE LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE DEALER CAUSED A THIRD PROBLEM DURING MY 10K SERVICE, SUCH AS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENING THE OIL FILTER'S CAP, OR WAS MY VEHICLE VANDALIZED BY A MISSION IMPOSSIBLE IMPERSONATOR? IS IT PROBABLE THAT ENGINE DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE VEHICLE? IF WHAT THE DEALER SAID IS TRUE THIS VEHICLE HAS A SEVERE SECURITY FLAW! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED A PULLING SENSATION AND BEGAN HESITATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURES PROGRESSED BETWEEN 0 TO 55 MPH AND THE ENGINE SURGED WHILE MAINTAINING SPEED. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A MANUFACTURERS DESIGN WITHOUT A REMEDY. THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM CODE WAS RESET TO THE MANUFACTURER'S SERVICE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO FURTHER DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 14, 2009
THE VEHICLE HAS A 1 TO 2 SECOND LAG WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STANDING START OR WHEN I STEP HARD ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT ACTS LIKE IT HAS TO THINK ABOUT IT FOR A WHILE BEFORE THE MOTOR STARTS TO REV UP AND THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR-ACCIDENTS WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, AND AT STOP SIGNS WHEN OTHER DRIVERS DECIDED I'D WAITED TOO LONG AND STARTED INTO THE INTERSECTION AT THE SAME TIME MY CAR FINALLY DECIDED TO GET AROUND TO GOING. THIS IS A TDI WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION. I HAD THE DEALER RUN A FULL DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. I SEE OTHERS REPORTING THE SAME BEHAVIOR HERE AND ELSEWHERE. I SUSPECT FAULTY PROGRAMMING IN EITHER THE ENGINE OR THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE, THOUGH IT MAY BE JUST THE INHERENT BEHAVIOR OF THE SYSTEM. I'LL PUT TODAY'S DATE ON THE "APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE" ALTHOUGH IT'S BEEN THIS WAY SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN NOVEMBER 2008. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 16, 2009
I OWN A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN TDI. IT NOW HAS JUST OVER 11000 MILES. AFTER ONLY A COUPLE THOUSAND MILES ON THE VEHICLE, I STARTED NOTICING THAT THE ENGINE HESITATES AND IN SOME CASES PRODUCES SEVERE BUCKING FOR MAYBE 2-3 SECONDS. DURING THESE INCIDENTS, THE VEHICLE HAS LESS POWER AND THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM IF ONE IS TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND SUDDENLY HAS LESS POWER THAN ANTICIPATED TO ACCELERATE. THE PROBLEM UNFORTUNATELY CAN'T BE REPLICATED ON DEMAND. IT IS MORE OFF A SPORADIC OCCURRENCE. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TOP THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND EACH TIME THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN FIND WRONG WITH THE CAR. THERE ARE NO ERROR CODES THAT SHOW UP WHEN THEY USE THEIR DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE ONLY THING THAT WAS DONE TO TRY TO SOLVE THE ISSUE WAS DURING THE MOST RECENT VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE FUEL WAS SAMPLED AND LEFT OVERNIGHT IN A FREEZER TO CHECK FOR GELLING, I DON'T THINK IT WAS SENT TO A LAB FOR ANALYSIS. THE FUEL FILTER WAS ALSO CHANGED. THESE ACTIONS HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2009
I BOUGHT MY BRAND NEW 2009 JETTA TDI ON 5/28/2009 AND 2 DAYS LATER AFTER I HAD ONLY DRIVEN THE CAR FOR 200 MILES, THE AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING WHEN THE CAR WAS SITTING STILL. I OPENED THE HOOD AFTER I GOT TO MY DESTINATION TO REALIZE THAT THE COOLING FANS WERE NOT WORKING AT ALL. THEY WOULD NOT EVEN COME ON TO COOL THE ENGINE. THIS OCCURRED ON A SATURDAY, AND THE VW DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT WAS CLOSING IN AN HOUR. THEIR MASTER TECH AGREED TO STAY UNTIL I GOT THERE AND HE RAN SOME TESTS ON IT, AND TOLD ME HE SIMULATED A SEVERE ENGINE OVERHEAT AND THE FANS STILL DID NOT COME ON. HE SAID THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AND IT WOULD HAVE TO STAY AT THE DEALER. HE SAID THE FAN RELAY WAS FAULTY AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THEN MONDAY MORNING THE SERVICE MANAGER WHOM DID NOT BELIEVE THE MASTER TECH DECIDED TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING COOLING SYSTEM TO SEE IF HE COULD REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HE CALLED ME TO DISCUSS THE FACT THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING WORKED WHILE HE WAS DRIVING TO WHICH I SAID IT WILL WHEN YOU DRIVE IT, HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT WORK WHEN YOUR COME TO A STOP BECAUSE THE FANS DO NOT TURN ON. HE FINALLY DECIDED AFTER A DAY OF WASTED TESTS TO ORDER THE PART. I FINALLY GOT MY CAR BACK TODAY AFTER THEY HAD IT FOR 5 DAYS OF THE FIRST WEEK I OWNED IT. I AM SO GLAD I PURCHASED THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY, BECAUSE THAT SORT OF PROBLEM AFTER 2 DAYS OF OWNERSHIP DOES NOT SAY MUCH FOR VW. EVERYTHING WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I WAS STILL WITHOUT MY CAR FOR JUST SHY OF A WEEK. DIAGNOSED PART= COOLING FAN MODULE FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2009
THIS COMPLAINT IS FOR A 2009 V.W. TDI (DIESEL ENGINE). WHEN I PRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT YET WARMED UP, AND SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED A HESITATION OCCURS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC. THIS WAS REPORTED TO PLATINUM VOLKSWAGEN ON 1/6/09 DURING A VEHICLE COURTESY CHECK. THE CAR DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM; HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. THIS HESITATION HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES PER WEEK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2008
VEHICLE'S MOTOR ENGINE'S FAN WOULD NOT STOP RUNNING EVEN AFTER VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF CAUSING THE BATTERY TO RUN OUT. *TR