The vehicle dossier US · 2009

2009 Volkswagen
PASSATProblems & recalls

146 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 64 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 146 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine64 reports
Fuel system53 reports
Other components22 reports
Steering20 reports
Electrical system18 reports
Air bags12 reports
Transmission & drivetrain10 reports
Brakes4 reports
Suspension4 reports
Visibility1 reports
Body & structure1 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE60
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM46
STEERING20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
AIR BAGS12
POWER TRAIN10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4
SUSPENSION4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP3
SERVICE BRAKES3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY2
SEAT BELTS2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
EQUIPMENT1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
STRUCTURE:BODY1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Apr 3, 2025
Mileage, where supplied

79,826 miles is the median among 111 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 44,500–105,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

4 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Mar 6, 2018 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 18V148000

Reported concern

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Manufacturer campaign: 69Q9

Read campaign 18V148000 at NHTSA
Aug 16, 2017 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 17V509000

Reported concern

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

Manufacturer campaign: 20AE

Read campaign 17V509000 at NHTSA
Feb 10, 2016 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 16V078000

Reported concern

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Read campaign 16V078000 at NHTSA
Nov 3, 2008 Safety recallSTEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)Campaign 08V577000

Reported concern

VW IS RECALLING 130 MY 2009 PASSAT, PASSAT WAGON, AND PASSAT CC VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR CONTROL UNIT THAT CAN MALFUNCTION DUE TO A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS, THE DRIVER'S STEERING INPUT IS NOT PROPERLY PROCESSED BY THE SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESPOND AS THE DRIVER INTENDS. THIS DEFECT CAN ONLY OCCUR IMMEDIATELY AFTER VEHICLE START-UP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED FOR THE FIRST TIME AND AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 5 MPH.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

Manufacturer campaign: 48J1/P3

Read campaign 08V577000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

751 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Aug 6, 2026 OtherTT 00-13-04_7Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED OrderNHTSA ID 11036868

Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036868 at NHTSA
Aug 4, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV0026012081638_2Differences between a leak and seepageNHTSA ID 11036870

Differences between a leak and seepage

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036870 at NHTSA
Jul 15, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsVOS-26-42This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No …NHTSA ID 11035772

This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035772 at NHTSA
Jul 9, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV1718062017813_24Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption MeasurementNHTSA ID 11035762

Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035762 at NHTSA
Jun 18, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTT 13-20-01_3Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.NHTSA ID 11034614

Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11034614 at NHTSA
Jun 18, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTT 10-18-02_2Lubricating engine components before reassembly.NHTSA ID 11034613

Lubricating engine components before reassembly.

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11034613 at NHTSA
Jun 11, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV6919012010479_17InquiriesNHTSA ID 11034621

Inquiries

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11034621 at NHTSA
Jun 4, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV1719012012855_81Volkswagen Engine Oil StandardsNHTSA ID 11034617

Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11034617 at NHTSA
Mar 27, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsVOS-26-21This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform …NHTSA ID 11030847

This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM updates for any control module(s) etc.

Campaign / software reference: VOS-26-21

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030847 at NHTSA
Mar 25, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV0018092053065_6Safety Related Inquiry and ReportingNHTSA ID 11030841

Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030841 at NHTSA
Mar 19, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV9422022066761_4Damage Inspection of Park assist sensorsNHTSA ID 11030838

Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030838 at NHTSA
Mar 6, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsVOS-26-15This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the f…NHTSA ID 11030829

This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system issue, N493, J338, Camshaft, V465 etc. Use this test for all the basic setting. You will need to select the component you need to run the basic settings. But there are also stand-alone tests for each of those components.

Campaign / software reference: VOS-26-15

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030829 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened May 4, 2009 ClosedTRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE CHAFEPE09022

ON MAY 4, 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATIONS (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-022 TO INVESTIGATE AN OWNER COMPLAINT (ODI NO. 10260517) ALLEGING CONTACT BETWEEN THE ATF COOLING LINE AND THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES.THE COMPLAINT INDICATED THAT THE CONTACT RESULTED IN RAPID ATF FLUID LOSS WHICH RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE.THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WITHIN THE FIRST 50 MILES OF SERVICE. IN ITS RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER FOR PE09-062, VW INDICATED THAT THE INSTALLATION AND DESIGN OF THE ATF COOLING LINES ARE THE SAME FOR BOTH THE REGULAR PASSAT AND PASSAT CC MODELS.VW HAS NOT CHANGED THE DESIGN OR INSTALLATION OF EITHER THE LINES OR RADIATOR FAN SINCE SUBJECT VEHICLE SALES BEGAN.VOLKSWAGEN FURTHER STATED THAT IT IS NOT AWARE OF ANY OTHER INCIDENTS OF ATF LINE CONTACT WITH THE RADIATOR FAN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES OR ANY SIMILARLY EQUIPPED VEHICLES.VW BELIEVES THAT THE ONE INCIDENT IS AN ISOLATED CASE OF IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LINES. ODI INSPECTIONS OF SEVERAL MY 2009 PASSAT VEHICLES DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY CONCERNS WITH ATF COOLER LINE ROUTING THAT COULD RESULT IN CONTACT WITH THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES.CONSIDERING THE VERY SHORT TIME IN SERVICE OF THE INCIDENT VEHICLE, IT IS LIKELY ANY SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH SIMILARLY MIS-POSITIONED ATF LINES WOULDHAVE ALREADY FAILED AND BEEN REPAIRED.THE ABSENCE OF ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS SUPPORTS VW'S ASSESSMENT THAT THE SINGLE KNOWN FAILURE WAS A RANDOM AND ISOLATED EVENT. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.

Recorded closure: Jul 9, 2009

Find investigation PE09022

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