Model year guide

2009 Volkswagen GTI

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Volkswagen GTI is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 41 on record.

2009 Volkswagen GTI — representative photo
Representative photo

2009 Volkswagen GTI at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints167
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$8,176

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2009 Volkswagen GTI recalls 2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip NHTSA Campaign #16V913000 · 20/12/2016

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.

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 Vo…

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #09V333000 · 20/08/2009

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSI…

Fix: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2009 Volkswagen GTI common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2009 Volkswagen GTI MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,050

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2009 Volkswagen GTI worth?

Low
$5,600
Typical price
$8,176
High
$11,300

From 41 comparable 2009 Volkswagen GTI listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 Volkswagen GTI costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,950
Total$20,200
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($8,176) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,204), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2009 Volkswagen GTI trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 200 hp

2009 Volkswagen GTI vehicles on record

Other Volkswagen GTI model years

2009 Volkswagen GTI — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Volkswagen GTI have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen GTI?

Based on 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electronic stability control (esc), steering.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Volkswagen GTI get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2009 Volkswagen GTI at about 25 mpg combined (22 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2009 Volkswagen GTI worth?

Comparable 2009 Volkswagen GTI listings run roughly $5,600–$11,300, typically around $8,176 (from 41 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.