2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S PZEV
WVWAB71K89W089754
Vehicle history report for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S PZEV (VIN WVWAB71K89W089754). Black, hatchback/liftback/notchback, 2.5L 5-cyl 170 hp, gasoline. 56,622 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 2 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report service brakes trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
- Priced within the typical range for the model.
💵 A fair offer is around $5,668 (typical range $3,495–$8,750). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN WVWAB71K89W089754, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 2 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit data →
Safety & driver-assistance equipment
Equipment the manufacturer reported to NHTSA for this VIN.
"Optional" means the feature was offered on this model but the VIN alone can't confirm it was fitted. Source: NHTSA vPIC.
📋 All factory specifications on file9 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit worth?
What comparable 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions with this engine; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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 ($5,668) with the same model 3 model-years older ($3,128), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 409
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 409.
Suggested fuel additive
Bulletin V0116152014815_20 · Engine · Sep 2026Repair or Replace Information
Bulletin V4622022067177_5 · Service Brakes · Aug 2026Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
Bulletin TT 00-13-04_7 · Aug 2026Differences between a leak and seepage
Bulletin V0026012081638_2 · Aug 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
Bulletin TT 10-18-02_2 · Engine · Jun 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
Bulletin TT 13-20-01_3 · Engine · Jun 2026Inquiries
Bulletin V6919012010479_17 · Air Bags · Jun 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Bulletin V1719012012855_81 · Engine · Jun 2026This 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 confi…
Bulletin VOS-26-21 · Engine · Mar 2026Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
Bulletin V0018092053065_6 · Mar 2026Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RABBIT FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a fault within the antilock brake system (ABS) may cause the module to fail during ABS and/or electronic stability control (ESC) activation. This will cause warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. If this happens, the brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) may not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of…
Transport Canada #2016629 · Dec 2016Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airba…
Transport Canada #2016064 · Feb 2016Fuel System
On certain Golf, Golf wagon, Jetta and Rabbit equipped with a 2.5L Engine, a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. If chafing occurs fuel leakage could develop which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will…
Transport Canada #2010444 · Dec 2010Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Volkswagen Rabbit
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada, and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1). The Golf is Volkswagen's bestseller and the third best-selling automobile of all time, with over 37 million units sold worldwide.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
Remedy: 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 Volkswa
NHTSA Campaign #16V913000 · manufacturer #45F2/45F5 · 20/12/2016FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND TH…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE C
NHTSA Campaign #10V621000 · manufacturer #20I4/U1 · 10/12/2010These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 6 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 2 reported injuries
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 62
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated …
NHTSA ODI #11637753SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) after the contact had experienced the failure. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as need…
NHTSA ODI #11582713SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stopped abruptly and pulled to the right. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and applying a moderate amount of pressure on the brake pedal. The check engi…
NHTSA ODI #11582420SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
I am making a complaint against volkswagen for refusing to perform the abs safety recall. The ABS module is dead, I found out the hard way that I have no ABS or traction control. I stopped on the highway and lost control, I could have died and the van that hit me twice could did worse. The dealer refuses to perform the recall and is completely unhelpful. …
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11558482POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ABS control module is malfunctioning and affecting steering and braking as well as the speedometer and acceleration. It was reported to the dealer and will be replaced, however the part is backordered with no ETA. Check engine, steering wheel , brake, EPC, and ABS lights present, first appearing approcimately February 2022.
NHTSA ODI #11475533SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TL* 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 (S…
NHTSA ODI #11405384SERVICE BRAKES
ABS ,, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL IS BLINKING, THATS MEAN THE ABS MODULE IS FAIL
NHTSA ODI #11402941SERVICE BRAKES
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 LISTS 2009 VOLKSWAGEN RABBITS TO BE AFFECTED IN THIS RECALL. I AM CURRENTLY FACING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE DESCRIBED AND MY CAR ALSO MATCHES THIS DESCRIPTION. HOWEVER, WHEN I DID A VIN SEARCH, IT SHOWS THAT THIS CAR IS NOT LISTED. CAN I GET MY CAR ONTO THE LIST?
NHTSA ODI #11386851+ 54 more complaints on record.
