2009 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Problems and Repair Histories
2009 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
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2009 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 56000 | 199 | Door lock wasn't working. |
| Dec | 2011 | 59000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 38440 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 41540 | 0 | replaced passenger front wheel bearing. replaced 1 ignition coil plug. |
| Mar | 2013 | 53940 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 18000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 41000 | 0 | some kind of stepper motor on the intake. car was fixed under warranty. seems to be a common issue per various forums. |
| Mar | 2013 | 44000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 4000 | 0 | Water pump was failing, creating an intermittent grinding sound at idle. I demonstrated the noise on a test drive and the dealer identified and repaired the problem. |
| Dec | 2010 | 48000 | 550 | Coolant leak from engine inlet tube. Damaged part replaced successfully. |
| Apr | 2012 | 57000 | 30 | Experienced single knock during hard acceleration or turning. Verified subframe bolts were stretched and allowing the subframe a small amount of movement. Resolved by installing shims and 2 heavier duty subframe bolts. |
| May | 2012 | 58000 | 550 | Check engine light cause by O2 sensor failure. Dealership diagnosed and replaced. |
| Aug | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 5000 | 0 | Loose wiring harness to fuel injection caused loss of power. TSB on this, known problem. |
| Jun | 2010 | 9000 | 0 | Car was brought in for 10k service (as scheduled). Glove box door replaced. Interior rattle resolved, car is completely rattle free now. Note: problem was so minor I hesitated to mention it even to the service writer. |
| Nov | 2011 | 17000 | 0 | Dual mass flywheel failure, clutch & pressure plate replaced under warranty. Thanks to Carter VW and VW for stepping up. |
| Mar | 2013 | 24000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 0 | Car has an idle problem at normal operating temperature. On 2nd visit to the dealership the throttle body was replaced under warranty. | |
| Dec | 2009 | 0 | The car went back two more times, on the 4th visit the dealer replaced the PCV valve. | |
| Feb | 2010 | 0 | Car still has an idle problem and also has a blown speaker. Car is at the dealership to have the purge valve replaced. | |
| Mar | 2010 | 6000 | 0 | This was the 4th time that the CEL turned on. The problem was either new or the original problem but attempts to repair were made by replacing the throttle body and PCV valve. This time the purge valve was replaced. CEL has remained off since then |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2009 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 48000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 49000 | 0 | Required a new CV joint upon purchase inspection, so that was replaced before we took final delivery of it. |
| Mar | 2013 | 98000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 9000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 27000 | 0 | Chip on shifter knob. |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 17000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 23300 | 0 | car went into limp mode. worked fine after restart. took to dealer who read codes, steering column with tiptronic paddles lost communication to CAN BUS. cleared codes and haven't seen problem since. |
| Mar | 2013 | 52000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 33000 | 0 | Tie-rod seized in passenger side and replaced inner and outer by extended warranty. |
| Mar | 2013 | 37000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 13000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 13000 | 0 | USG auto transmission mechatronics unit replaced after transmission went out of gear while driving. Lost faith in car and traded it in. |
| May | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 14000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 36000 | 0 | Multiple faulty valves in turbo intake system Check engine light: replaced 2 sensors and ignition switch. |
| Sep | 2011 | 46000 | 0 | Exhaust/emissions light was lighting intermittently. Intake manifold replaced. |
| Oct | 2011 | 47000 | 0 | The exhaust/emission light appeared while passing another vehicle. The power went "soft" afterward. Dealer replaced the turbocharger under the power train warranty. |
| Apr | 2012 | 52700 | 100 | Small leak discoverd at the oil cooler. Th eextended warranty adjuster was extremely slow to approve repair. Ultimately they did so. |
| Mar | 2013 | 67000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 4000 | 0 | Passenger front door rattled when radio played certain bass frequencies, even at moderate volume. Dealer disassembled the door and wrapped/padded the wiring harness. |
| Oct | 2009 | 5000 | 10 | I took the rear passenger door apart to remove a very annoying rattle. Self-stick felt in a few choice places seemed to help. I also took apart the front passenger door to stop a rattle created by the speakers (and I don't play them loudly). |
| Aug | 2011 | 36000 | 0 | The intake runner control actuator failed, which resulted in a check engine light. An extensive repair was required to replace it. There was no noticeable impact on drivability, but my gas mileage appears slightly better now. |
| Mar | 2012 | 45000 | 120 | The hatchback would not stay open, so I replaced the shocks. |
| Mar | 2013 | 64000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 15500 | 0 | air conditioner was not working properly. Still making odd noise even after trip to dealer. Told refrigerant was overfilled, drained some, but problem still. |
| Mar | 2011 | 31000 | 116 | Check engine light and backfire, code P0171, engine running lean bank 1. Dealer told me it was due to aftermarket intake. They performed a smoke test then refused to repair the maf, as it was most likely the source. Cleaned MAF myself |
| Jul | 2011 | 38200 | 120 | Diverter valve failed, threw code p0299, which was boost pressure limit not reached. Pin holeleak in DV, replaced with aftermarket DV. Not warranty repair due to aftermarket tune. |
| Feb | 2012 | 44920 | 0 | Flapper position sensor on intake manifold failed. Replace entire manifold on warranty. |
| Mar | 2013 | 58280 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 18500 | 0 | Check engine light went on and off for a week or so, went off the morning of the service appt. No code stored, unable to replicate, no repair attempted. |
| Feb | 2011 | 20000 | 0 | CEL came back on, dealer diagnosed it as a fault with a part of the intake manifold. Entire manifold replaced under warranty. Regular maintenance also performed. |
| Oct | 2011 | 29300 | 0 | Car went into limp mode at 30mph, pulled off and restarted. Rough idle, sputtered, went dead. Towed to dealer. Dealer replaced high-pressure fuel pump and cam follower under warranty. |
| Feb | 2012 | 34000 | 0 | Car stalling under load, rough idle; dealer diagnosed as faulty crankcase breather valve. Replaced under warranty. |
| Mar | 2012 | 34000 | 0 | Car stalling intermittently; went into limp mode on several occasions. Dealer replaced throttle body under warranty. |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 35000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 36000 | 150 | Tire pressure sensor continues to have a mind of its own. |
| Apr | 2011 | 40000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2009 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 15000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 17000 | 0 | Rough Down shifting from 3 to 2; especially while braking. Replaced auto transmission valve cover. |
| Dec | 2012 | 35000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2009 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2012 | 52000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 58000 | 100 | Headlamp, $100 for the bulb |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 0 | O2 Sensor replacement | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Kentucky, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 11000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 15000 | 0 | Power steering light and ESP light come on intermittently. Problem discovered to be steering angle sensor and part of ignition switch. Dealer found problem and ordered parts and did repair under factory warranty. |
| Jun | 2012 | 28000 | 0 | Engine made whining sound; dealer inspected and found water pump to be faulty. Water pump replaced under powertrain warranty. |
| Dec | 2012 | 33000 | 175 | Coil pack for #1 cylinder failed, replaced at dealer. |
| Mar | 2013 | 36000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 50000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 59000 | 0 | Intake Manifold flapper linkage would not stay connected. Entire intake manifold replaced by dealer under 60k powertrain warranty. |
| Mar | 2013 | 124000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2009 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Louisiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 4000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 32700 | 0 | First day intake manifold sensor changed. But engine light came on again. Second day intake manifold changed. |
| Mar | 2013 | 36000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 31000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 32000 | 275 | Starter cranked longer than normal. Shop discovered faulty fuel pump. Fuel pump and pressure regulator were replaced. |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2011 | 42700 | 0 | Took in for intermittent CEL. CEL due to busted intake manifold, which was replaced under warranty. |
| Mar | 2013 | 68000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2009 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 0 | Warranty Service - faulty TPMS module | |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2009 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 0 | Driver side window switch broke. Replaced under warranty | |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 15000 | 0 | Airbag light came on. Microsensor in seatbelt buckle had to be replaced |
| Jun | 2010 | 19000 | 0 | knock sensor had to be replaced. Engine would not go above 3000 rpm. Dealership gave us use of a rental while waiting for proper part to arrive POD sensor under passenger seat no longer detects person in seat so airbag for passenger is disabled. Went in for repair, sensor arrived damaged from warehouse. New part on order. |
| Jul | 2010 | 20700 | 0 | Replaced POD sensor |
| Mar | 2011 | 29000 | 0 | PODS module under seat for detecting passenger defective causing airbag light to come on. New PODS sensor ordered and I will be notified when it arrives. |
| May | 2011 | 31000 | 0 | PODS module was replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 54000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 15000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 21000 | 0 | door seal replaced- wind type noise when hvac fan was on |
| Sep | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 35000 | 0 | The lock/unlock button on the driver's side door has a bulb that occasionally flickers when cold. Dealer could not duplicate the condition so no repair was done. |
| Mar | 2013 | 73000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 35000 | 0 | Check engine light appeared while driving to work. Took vehicle to dealership for warranty repairs to replace both engine knock sensors. Repairs were completed that day. |
| Mar | 2011 | 36000 | 0 | Driver side door trim had a crease that ran parallel to the window. After a year of going back and forth with Volkswagen of America, the part was authorized for replacement by the dealership and was ordered and finally replaced. |
| Sep | 2011 | 44000 | 0 | 40,000 scheduled routine maintenance involved brakes & belts inspection / replacement, passenger head light / electrical inspection, lubrication of various parts, replacement of fluids, for an estimated $550+ at dealer. Took the car elsewhere for $250. |
| Jun | 2012 | 58000 | 80 | Both driver side and passenger side, rear calipers were seizing due to heat generated from normal local driving, causing premature pad and rotor wear. Calipers would remain engaged while driving. Both calipers were replaced |
| Dec | 2012 | 66000 | 350 | The electrical motor that diverts the airflow to the heater died. |
| Mar | 2013 | 70000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 13000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 27000 | 0 | While the car was in for an oil change, I pointed out that the shifter was squeaking and the front suspension was groaning at maximum deflection. Dealer ordered shifter and strut mounts, to be installed later. Replaced manual shifter assembly. Strut mounts hadn't yet arrived. |
| Jul | 2011 | 29000 | 0 | Installed previously-ordered front strut mounts to eliminate noise near ends of suspension travel. |
| Mar | 2013 | 51000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in District of Columbia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 20000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 29000 | 215 | Replaced battery that was still operable but going on 5 years old based on Summer 2008 manufacture date. |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 0 | Passenger seat jammed, seat slider handle broken off, seat frame broken | |
| Nov | 2010 | 12000 | 0 | Inside rearview mirror nonfunctional Creaking and cracking noise when turning steering wheel, hornplate spring blocks movement at times, told "works to specification" One of the upper front passenger-door outer panel screws fell out, causing wind noise, speaker and door trim rattle. Screw replaced and tightened. |
| Mar | 2011 | 15000 | 0 | Driver side electric window regulator defective. After removing the door blade and performing the work, the door would not fit - completely misaligned when they screwed it together. It took 3 trips, an external body shop, and 5 days to fix Steering wheel clock spring defective, making clunking and chafing noises. Several trips necessary. Turns out that steering column is defective, replaced. Took over a week to get parts and fix. |
| Jun | 2011 | 17000 | 0 | Dealer's body shop put a dent in front fender when adjusting door, fixed; replaced misfitting front wheel arch cover, driver door inner panel replaced (missing rubber strip), door pocket felt missing; replaced. In all, 2 more trips, 3 days. Steering wheel misaligned, pointing in the opposite direction of what wheels are doing. Dealer flat out lied as no effort was made to fix. Must return once again. Plus, horn plate in steering wheel still creaking. |
| Sep | 2011 | 19000 | 1004 | Replaced entire driver side airbag unit - creaking and clicking noises not recognized by VW. Cost $1004. Work done at an independent shop to perfection. |
| Mar | 2013 | 32000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert 2009 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Repair Advice
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