NHTSA — Electronic Stability Control Problems

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit (Page 1 of 2)

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1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
94,439 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit brakes problems

brakes problem

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2009 Volkswagen Rabbit Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Mar 032021

Rabbit

  • 115,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the speed odometer went to zero and the vehicle failed to accelerate forward. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been repaired nor diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The contact mentioned NHTSA campaign number: 16V913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The mileage was approximately 115,000.

- Orion, MI, USA

problem #21

Jan 052019

Rabbit

  • 142,148 miles
When driving, my 09 Rabbit, the power staring light will flash yellow to red and then stay red, I'm jerked to the side, right and left. On some occasions when making a right turn, it feels as though I'm being shot forward, I have a terrible wobble and when this happens I cannot accelerate over 45 without the car sounding like a helicopter, my ac and ABS light will flash on then off sporadically. My transmission slips periodically and this happens regardless if I'm on the highway or city streets. I have been to four mechanics, I've had the right front axle replaced, tires rotated and balanced, a new battery and a front end alignment. Luckily the last mechanic I took the car to hooked it up to his machine and got codes for the electronic stability control malfunction and ABS module malfunction. I have checked the recall site and both modules have been recalled for my make, model and year, however my VIN is not included

- New Braunfels, TX, USA

problem #20

Jan 072019

Rabbit

  • 146,000 miles
When driving, my 09 Rabbit, the power staring light will flash yellow to red and then stay red, I'm jerked to the side, right and left. On some occasions when making a right turn, it feels as though I'm being sling shot forward, I have a terrible wobble and when this happens I cannot accelerate over 45 without the car sounding like a helicopter, my ac and ABS light will flash on then off sporadically. My transmission slips periodically and this happens regardless if I'm on the highway or city streets. I have been to four mechanics, I've had the right front axle replaced, tires rotated and balanced, a new battery and a front end alignment. Luckily the last mechanic I took the car to hooked it up to his machine and got codes for the electronic stability control malfunction and ABS module malfunction. I have checked the recall site and both modules have been recalled for my make, model and year, however my VIN is not included.

- New Braunfels, TX, USA

problem #19

Apr 052018

Rabbit

  • 118,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

ABS brake module failed deactivating ESC and power steering causing unexpected over steer and under steer, causing momentary loss of control of vehicle. Recall issued and new software flashed to module. Vwoa failed to replace faulty module problem still exists. Failure occurred on a clear dry afternoon in city driving at 45 miles an hour in a curve. Almost put vehicle in ditch.

- Hephzibah, GA, USA

problem #18

Feb 262019

Rabbit

  • 127,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16V913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control). The contact took the vehicle to crestmont Volkswagen (730 NJ-23, pompton plains, NJ 07444, (973) 839-4000). After updating the software for the ABS, the dealer discovered that the ABS hydraulic pump was not working and would cost $2,500 to repair. The dealer stated that the failure was not related to the recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 127,000.

- Haskell, NJ, USA

problem #17

Jul 032018

Rabbit

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle lost steering ability. In addition, the anti-lock brake system, electronic stability control, and steering wheel indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (fairfield Volkswagen, 96065 dixie highway, fairfield, oh 45014) where it was awaiting diagnostic testing and repairs. The contact also stated that the vehicle was taken to joseph Volkswagen of cincinnati (3813 montgomery road, cincinnati, oh 45212) where it was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 16V913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control) on May 17, 2018. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #16

Jul 082017

Rabbit

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

ABS module. The ABS light and other lights came on. VW released a recall. After taking it to the dealership they said they will only replace for free if there is an issue with the ground on the module. They are trying to charge $1500+ to replace the module.

- Rock Hill, SC, USA

problem #15

May 172017

Rabbit

  • 173,000 miles
The vehicle turned in accessories, beeping occurs and a wrench appears on the instrument panel, ABS, traction control, and E-brake light blinks. Did some research and found out mkv models from VW all have the same issue causing the ABS pump/computer to fail.

- Slidell, LA, USA

problem #14

Aug 202017

Rabbit

  • 64,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact stated that the steering column moved independently. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control); however, the dealer refused to perform the repair. The contact stated that Volkswagen of edmond (14220 broadway extension hwy) diagnosed that before they could perform the remedy, the ABS pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #13

Apr 292017

Rabbit

  • 122,000 miles
The current recall (manufacturer recall 45F2, NHTSA recall 16V913) for the known ABS control module faulty grounding issue is woefully inadequate, as it allows those already suffering from the faults that the software update is designed to be more sensitive to are unable to receive satisfaction. If either or both of the faults that would necessitate a module replacement after a software update are present prior to the software update, the software update cannot be performed & Volkswagen will take no further action. Essentially, those vehicles that have a module that has already failed are not being repaired while those that have not yet failed (but may be susceptible or starting to fail) are being repaired. These specific faults (01130 - 125/4th and/or 16352 - 96/4th) are for detecting a bad ground due to an improper solder used in the modules. It should not matter if those faults are present prior to a software update or after a software update that is ostensibly designed simply to better detect those exact faults. The fault begins as an intermittent fault that is caused by hard braking or hitting a bump but can be cleared by a vehicle restart. Over time, if the module is not replaced, the solder on the ground degrades further & the fault becomes more semi-constant & cannot be simply cleared. The way that the current recall is worded allows VW to deny the recall work simply because of the degree of degradation to the grounds. Over time, this fault can interfere with the speedometer, tachometer and transmission shifting of automatic transmission vehicles. And on both automatic & manual transmission vehicles, causes a very unsafe failure of the traction control system when cornering or stopping in normal daily road conditions (brakes locking, rear-end losing traction, etc)

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #12

Jul 142017

Rabbit

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

As per NHTSA 16V-913 my Volkswagen Rabbit has been presenting the symptoms stated in the safety recall. The ABS light, electronic stability control, and brake light have come on numerous times and hard braking, and in not so hard braking in the snow. He problem has progressively worsened to the point that these lights no longer go out after and ignition cycle. I am essentially driving without ABS or stability control, one of the main reasons I purchased this car. The code for U0121 lost communication with anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module no longer clear with a hand held code reader or a laptop running ross-tech's vcds software. I took my broken Volkswagen to danbury VW in danbury ct to perform the safety recall (16V-913). Because of not being able to communicate with the ABS control module to upload the new software, they have denied the recall and say I must foot the bill to replace the module so they can then upload the new software to see if they get the code for faulty solder joint. Volkswagen is trying to side step this issue. I believe my car would have been able to upload the software when this issue first started happening, but now the ABS control module has completely failed, probably due to the bad solder compound. Now they are denying claims, I am not the only one. The nthsa needs to look deeper into this problem.

- Carmel, NY, USA

problem #11

Apr 112017

Rabbit

  • 54,000 miles
I just purchased my used 2009 VW Rabbit. The ABS light came on, traction, break light, esp. Went to the dealership and they stated the ABS pump was not functioning. Many Volkswagen owners with cars within the ABS recall years have the same exact issue and Volkswagen recall will only cover the module portion and not the ABS pump (of course the most expensive part). I was quoted an insane price for the repairs and the part that needs repairs, when purchased, just happens to come with the recalled part (the electronic module). I called Volkswagen and they stated that the recall was only for tge electronic portion and I would have to take care of the pump. I believe this faulty electronic module has everything to do with the pump failing.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #10

Mar 082017

Rabbit

  • 114,000 miles
ABS brake module. Computer loses communication with ABS brake module, power steering is disabled, electronic stability control is disabled odometer and speedometer become diabled. When this happens it can cause over steer and under steer. Almost caused accident on two occasions. Recall sent, VW still won't fix the issue. Previous complaint listed.

- Hephzibah, GA, USA

problem #9

Oct 172016

Rabbit

  • 93,000 miles
The ABS module in my vehicle failed around 90,000 miles, which I'm now discovering is a very common for this particular model and year. The ABS system ceased to function but other systems were affected as well; my speedometer would stop working for several minutes at a time, as well as my fuel gauge. Power steering would cut out and I would experience a considerable loss of power from the engine. I was nearly hit while crossing a busy intersection because I couldn't get any acceleration from the car. The check engine light has also been triggered intermittently by this problem so I haven't been able to pass a smog check, making my vehicle illegal to drive in the state of California where I'm stationed with the marines. Volkswagen dealerships are charging more than $1,500 to fix the issue and there has been no recall issued for the problem.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #8

Oct 082016

Rabbit

  • 59,000 miles
Took my vehicle in as the ABS, brake, esp/asr lights came on and were beeping. Replaced the rotors, brake pads, etc. When I came back to pick up my vehicle, the vag com had multiple faults still showing, come to find out I need the control panel replaced. Vehicle has less than 59K miles, dozens of folks have reported a similar situation in 2009 VW model cars, ABS system malfunctioning w less than 60K miles

- Van Nuys, CA, USA

problem #7

Sep 242016

Rabbit

  • 110,000 miles
Electrical problems have been constant since purchasing (I.e. the check engine light coming on for no apparent reason during long trips, the prnd lights lighting all at once at random). These issues were not much of a problem until recently. I started the car and immediately the ABS, traction control, and brake lights lit up and the car made 3 "beeps". I turned the car off and on again, and the same thing happened and continued. I then drove on the freeway for about 10 miles when the steering, and epc lights came on. Simultaneously, the speedometer and gas gauges dropped to zero and the car would not accelerate. The steering became slow to respond/delayed. Luckily there were not many cars on the road and I safely pulled to the shoulder. I safely drove the car home that day, but my husband experienced the same issues when he tried to drive the car the day after. After researching these symptoms online, I found that this is a very common problem for 2009 gti and Rabbit models, and that, while this malfunction makes the car unsafe to drive, VW will not help consumers with the estimated $2K repair costs.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

problem #6

Aug 312016

Rabbit

  • 139,000 miles
The traction control on my vehicle initially did not turn on even after pressing the button that turns the ESC on and off. After not being able to activate it, my ABS, break light, ESC, and steering wheel lights have come on. Now my vehicle looses traction if I make a fast turn. My steering has also become really stiff. When the vehicle is stationary, the fuel meter goes down despite the fact that the car has fuel. Lastly, the speedometer goes up and down while being stationed. This same problem regarding the ABS control module has effected hundreds of 2009 Volkswagen owners and despite the documented evidence, Volkswagen has refused to cover this under a recall.

- Pasadena, CA, USA

problem #5

Jun 202016

Rabbit

  • miles
The ABS brake warning light came on....followed by steering light, engine light speedometer failing, gas warning light on, now my car will not start and the key is stuck to the ignition. My power windows not working properly....all started from the ABS brake warning light

- Granada Hills, CA, USA

problem #4

Jan 022016

Rabbit

  • 76,000 miles
My car has been running fine since purchase and I have had all the necessary maintenance done to prevent issues. Last week while driving on a major highway my cars steering wheel locked as well as stalled almost causing a major accident. When I looked it up it seems that this vehicle has been issue with campaign number: 10V621000. Albeit this is not the same issue but my vehicle has experienced fuel leakage at the same time and I have reason to believe that they are interrelated. Beyond that, there have been several complaints about the same issue on many VW forums. This is a major issue and a huge safety problem. Could you imagine the lives that could have perished if I had not handled that situation effectively. I am now told that I need to replace this part for $2000 where I truly believe Volkswagen should be held liable. This company has shady business practices and I would not be surprised if this issue is due to a defective part. My car was bought in 2009 and has 76,000 miles on it.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #3

Jan 012016

Rabbit

  • 61,000 miles
ABS, traction control & handbrake lights turned on in the middle of driving. Nearly had accident because ABS did not activate when needed. Me and my family were in significant danger. Upon mechanic inspection the ABS module has failed.

- Emeryville, CA, USA

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