AI Damage2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel/propulsion system and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 6
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 50% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 17% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 17% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 17% of all complaints
- 5 Vehicle speed control 17% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 3 complaints (50% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Structure: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 1 complaints (17% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 6 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While driving 2009 vw passat wagon on I-495 south in haverhill, ma, at around 5 pm, smoke suddenly began billowing out of the vents. Driver was able to pull onto the shoulder safely (near exit 48/ mile marker 105.6) and exit the car, which was engulfed in flames within a minute.
2000 rpm at idle with a/c on. Normal with a/c off. Same as nhtsa 08v235000. Vw said this vehicle does not fall under that recall. Vehicle tries to accelerate beyond brake control at idle only with a/c on.
Since the summer of 2017 I have been having problems with my passat stalling, and or loosing poower when I am driving, last september 2017 I was told that a recall (20ae) was coming out that was related to my failures. Around october 15, 2017 I found out that the recall was issued.
Fuel pump caused cutting off , delayed starting which led to the car being inoperable.
They found "faults for fuel module, and fuel pump unit." they removed and installed fuel pump and tube but didn't tell me it was a recalled item/part. I paid the full amount out of my pocket: $988.57
The dealer replaced fuel pump but didn't "relocate" it in the vehicle as suggested on your website. I paid $988. My question is: who should pay the "remedy" cost?
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 13,278 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Passat Wagon has 6 complaints (8 years in the data). This year has 6, about average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel/propulsion system, electrical system, engine. Total complaints: 6. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (67%), A/C or heater (17%), overheating, coolant loss (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.