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2009 Volkswagen Beetle Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, most often about the lights (18% of complaints). It is 15th of 19 Beetle model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.

Complaints33
Recalls2
Crashes reported1
Fires reported0
Injuries reported0

Most common 2009 Volkswagen Beetle problems

  1. Lights

    6 complaints · 18%

    The exterior headlights will quit working after hitting bumps in the road. The headlight (driver and passenger have this issue) will loosen from the pin mechanism inside the car. I replaced bulbs 3 times before realizing the bulbs were fine and it was a design flaw. The "hook" that turns and holds the headlight tight…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 67,000 miles
    Just purchase a used 2009 vw convertible Beetle for our 16 year old daughter. This is her dream car and so excited. The driver's side headlight fell out while driving on the highway on our way home from the car lot. The entire housing unit just gone. We purchased the car as is, so we ordered 2 new headlights housing…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 78,700 miles
  2. Visibility and wipers

    5 complaints · 15%

    Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, windshield wiper/washer, glass, side/rear.

    Vw 2009 Volkswagen convt. Beetle- windows-I have had to replace 3 out of 4 windows. I only have 49007 miles and have had to replace at least $1400.00 dollars in window repairs alone. I have had the window regulator go out several time. When purchasing a car you never think that before you are through paying it off you…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 49,007 miles
    The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the drivers side window failed to operate and close the window. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred on three occasions. The vehicle was taken to a diagnostic testing, who replaced the motor regulator. However, the remedy repair failed. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 56,000 miles
  3. Air bags

    5 complaints · 15%

    The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the air bag light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the air bag sensors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 60,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the air bag light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the passeger side air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 28,792 miles
  4. Other or unspecified

    4 complaints · 12%

    Purchased car on this date. Would like to know if recalls on this model will affect my ownership, and what I can do to correct problem. This vehicle is new to me ,and would like to make sure I made a good choice. I welcome your response. Thank you.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 31,515 miles
    The windows on this model of vm Beetle is defective I researched it and found many complaints that are documented as an issue with the vehicle.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 51,000 miles
  5. Electrical

    3 complaints · 9%

    Vw 2009 Volkswagen convt. Beetle- windows-I have had to replace 3 out of 4 windows. I only have 49007 miles and have had to replace at least $1400.00 dollars in window repairs alone. I have had the window regulator go out several time. When purchasing a car you never think that before you are through paying it off you…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 49,007 miles
    A year ago I had the drivers side window fixed, and since then, the window has been faulty. I own a convertible, so the windows are supposed to go down half an inch and mine does not. Most times when I close the door, the window is over the top of the car, leaving a crack between the window and my car door. Last…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 117,000 miles
  6. Fuel system

    3 complaints · 9%

    Vehicle has gas fume odor accumulating while inside garage and inside vehicle for over one year. Took to dealer on february 2015 who did a 27 point inspection of the vehicle but still has gas odor.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 23,000 miles
    After a business trip into austin my vehicle started jerking when I would brake or accelerate. At first I thought it was nothing just my car acting different because the the immediate change in speed going from 85 to about 40 to exit off the interstate. On the way to houston there was no trouble until the next day.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 92,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2009 Volkswagen Beetle recalls

  1. Other: unknown or other

    NHTSA 19V679000 · September 25, 2019 · 113 vehicles

    Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect summary

    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.

  2. Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

    NHTSA 10V621000 · December 10, 2010 · 228,236 vehicles

    Risk: 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.

    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 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.

    Full defect summary

    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.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle?
By NHTSA owner complaints: lights (6 complaints); visibility and wipers (5 complaints, typically around 49,000 miles); air bags (5 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle have?
2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 25, 2019 (other). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2009 a bad year for the Volkswagen Beetle?
It is 15th of 19 Beetle model years by number of complaints, with 33 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Volkswagen Beetle years

Volkswagen Beetle problems by year