2009 Volkswagen Passat problems and complaints

Owners have filed 152 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Volkswagen Passat. The most-reported areas: Engine (61), Fuel/Propulsion System (49), Steering (20).

Key takeaways

  • 152 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 5 involve a crash, 13 a fire, 2 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6140%
Fuel/Propulsion System4932%
Steering2013%
Electrical System1913%
Air Bags128%
Unknown Or Other107%
Power Train107%
Electronic Stability Control (esc)75%
Fuel System75%
Gasoline75%
Engine And Engine Cooling43%
Service Brakes43%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2009 Volkswagen Passat 4-DR. w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Engine And Engine Cooling - filed 2025-04-03

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 ...

Engine - filed 2025-04-03

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...

Fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2024-12-13

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,xx...

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More for the 2009 Volkswagen Passat

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.