2009 Volkswagen Jetta

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

Volkswagen Jetta
Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, front 3.28.25. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan 2.5/2.0t/Gli, 4dr Wagon S/Se/Sel/Tdi
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 29 city / 39 hwy
Length
179.1–179.5 in
Curb weight
3,228–3,230 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 44% better than the average 2009 compact car (22.2 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints352 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 85 for similar models — most often about the service brakes.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 5-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 179 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,230 lb (4dr Sedan 2.5/2.0t/Gli).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 39 highway), 44% better than the 2009 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 352 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2009

  • New diesel version
  • Best combined MPG up from 25 to 32

Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Jetta →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan 2.5/2.0t/Gli179.1 in70.1 in57.5 in101.6 in60.2 / 58.3 in3,230 lb60/40
4dr Wagon S/Se/Sel/Tdi179.5 in70.1 in–101.2 in60.2 / 59.4 in3,228 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Jetta Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+44%$3,000318
Jetta Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 39 / 32+44%$3,000315
Jetta SportWagen Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+36%$3,000318
Jetta SportWagen Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 39 / 32+36%$3,000315
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 31 / 25+13%$3,300355
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+13%$3,300355
Jetta SportWagen2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 31 / 25+6%$3,300355
Jetta SportWagen2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+6%$3,300355
Jetta2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+8%$2,800370
Jetta2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 24+8%$2,800370
Jetta SportWagen2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+2%$2,800370
Jetta SportWagen2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 24+2%$2,800370
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.2 MPG2009 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Volkswagen Jetta (this car)32 MPGNot rated4
2009 Toyota Corolla30 MPGNot rated12
2009 Honda Civic42 MPGNot rated7
2009 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated5
2009 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated1
2009 Toyota Prius46 MPGNot rated5
2009 Mazda 327 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (4)

Unknown Or Other · Sep 25, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V679000 · 113 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Dec 20, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V913000 · 135,683 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Fuel System, Diesel · Oct 3, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V490000 · 168,275 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Dec 10, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V621000 · 228,236 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

352Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
17Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
14Injuries reported
100,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes159
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)91
Electrical System68
Engine45
Fuel/Propulsion System42
Unknown Or Other34
Power Train31
Air Bags22
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/04: 122/05: 122/09: 222/10: 122/12: 123/02: 223/04: 123/07: 223/09: 123/10: 123/11: 124/01: 124/03: 224/07: 124/08: 124/11: 124/12: 125/01: 125/06: 125/08: 126/03: 126/04: 126/09: 126/10: 122/0422/1023/0423/1024/0324/1125/0626/04max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Service Brakes — 159 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 91 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  4. Electrical System — 68 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Jetta years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Jetta34–Not rated00
2026 Jetta34185.8 inNot rated16
2025 Jetta33185.8 in★★★★★232
2024 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★046
2023 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★043
2022 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★143
2021 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★470
2020 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★654
2019 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★11550
2018 Jetta33–★★★★★232
2017 Jetta33183.1 in★★★★★6160
2016 Jetta44183.1 in★★★★★4164

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →