The 2009 Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size car that offered a blend of European driving dynamics and practicality. It's part of the sixth generation (B6) Passat, produced from 2005 to 2010. Available as a sedan or wagon, key trims included the Komfort, Lux, and VR6. New, they ranged from around $26,000 to $35,000. The Passat was popular for its refined interior, solid build quality, and available turbocharged engine, offering a more engaging driving experience than many competitors.
The Good
The 2009 Passat offers a comfortable ride and a well-designed interior, appealing to practical buyers. The available turbocharged engine provides good performance. Its European styling offers a touch of sophistication. While reliability can be a concern, a well-maintained Passat can still provide a good value proposition. The refined driving experience appeals to buyers seeking something more than just basic transportation.
The Bad
The 2009 Volkswagen Passat is known for potential reliability issues. Common problems include oil leaks, electrical problems, and issues with the turbocharger. High pressure fuel pumps on the 2.0T engine are known to fail. Be sure to check the vehicle's maintenance history and consider a pre-purchase inspection. The model's cost of ownership can be higher compared to some rivals due to potentially expensive repairs.
2009 Volkswagen Passat: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (2.0T): This was the most common engine.
- 3.6L VR6: A more powerful, optional engine.
- Horsepower:
- 2.0T: Approximately 200 horsepower.
- 3.6L VR6: Approximately 280 horsepower.
- Fuel Economy (2.0T):
- City: Around 19-22 MPG.
- Highway: Around 28-31 MPG.
- VR6 Fuel Economy is significantly lower.
- 0-60 Times:
- 2.0T: Around 7.4-7.8 seconds.
- 3.6L VR6: Around 6.6-6.8 seconds.
- Towing Capacity: The 2009 Passat is not generally recommended for towing. Towing capacity is minimal and varies by configuration. Check the owner's manual.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Komfort: Base trim included features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, keyless entry, and a basic sound system.
- Lux: Added leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded audio, sunroof.
- VR6: Top trim, included the VR6 engine, upgraded interior trim, and often came with additional features like navigation.
- Options: Available options included navigation, premium audio systems, and various appearance packages.
2009 Volkswagen Passat Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2009 |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | INGOLSTADT |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2.0L L4 |
| Engine Size | 2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
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Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2009 Volkswagen Passat Have?
The 2009 Volkswagen Passat has a reputation for being less reliable than some of its competitors. Frequently reported problems include issues with the 2.0T engine, particularly oil leaks and high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures. The HPFP issue can lead to stalling and requires expensive repairs. Electrical problems are also relatively common, including issues with the door locks, windows, and the central control module. Turbocharger failures can also occur, especially in models that haven't been properly maintained.
Recalls have been issued for various issues over the years, including fuel pump relay failures and potential airbag inflator defects. It is crucial to check the vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website to see if any recalls are outstanding.
Long-term reliability concerns mainly revolve around the aging of various components. Rubber seals and hoses can dry out and crack, leading to leaks. The automatic transmission can also experience problems with age and mileage. The VR6 engine tends to be more reliable than the 2.0T, but it also has higher maintenance costs and lower fuel economy. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and addressing any small issues promptly, can help mitigate some of these problems.
Recalls have been issued for various issues over the years, including fuel pump relay failures and potential airbag inflator defects. It is crucial to check the vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website to see if any recalls are outstanding.
Long-term reliability concerns mainly revolve around the aging of various components. Rubber seals and hoses can dry out and crack, leading to leaks. The automatic transmission can also experience problems with age and mileage. The VR6 engine tends to be more reliable than the 2.0T, but it also has higher maintenance costs and lower fuel economy. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and addressing any small issues promptly, can help mitigate some of these problems.
How long will the 2009 Volkswagen Passat last?
With proper maintenance, a 2009 Volkswagen Passat can potentially last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles or 12-15 years. However, achieving this lifespan heavily depends on consistent and thorough maintenance. Neglecting oil changes, ignoring warning lights, or delaying repairs will significantly shorten its lifespan.
Long-term durability weaknesses primarily stem from the aforementioned reliability issues like oil leaks, electrical glitches, and potential turbocharger problems. Rubber components and plastic parts can become brittle and fail over time. Rust can also be a concern in regions with harsh winters and road salt. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance are key to maximizing the Passat's longevity.
Long-term durability weaknesses primarily stem from the aforementioned reliability issues like oil leaks, electrical glitches, and potential turbocharger problems. Rubber components and plastic parts can become brittle and fail over time. Rust can also be a concern in regions with harsh winters and road salt. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance are key to maximizing the Passat's longevity.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2009 Volkswagen Passat offered a reasonable array of tech and safety features for its time. Standard features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and a full complement of airbags (front, side, and curtain).
Entertainment features varied by trim level. The base Komfort trim had a basic AM/FM radio with a CD player. Higher trims like the Lux and VR6 offered upgraded sound systems, including satellite radio and MP3 compatibility. A navigation system was available as an option, but it was not as advanced as modern systems.
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to today's standards. Some models may have included features like parking sensors, but advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control or lane departure warning were not available.
In terms of safety, the 2009 Passat performed well in crash tests. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave it a 5-star rating for frontal and side crash protection. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also awarded it a "Good" rating in most crash tests. However, it's important to note that crash test standards have become more stringent since 2009, so these ratings should be viewed in context. Overall, the 2009 Passat provided a solid level of safety for its time, but its tech features are dated compared to newer vehicles.
Entertainment features varied by trim level. The base Komfort trim had a basic AM/FM radio with a CD player. Higher trims like the Lux and VR6 offered upgraded sound systems, including satellite radio and MP3 compatibility. A navigation system was available as an option, but it was not as advanced as modern systems.
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to today's standards. Some models may have included features like parking sensors, but advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control or lane departure warning were not available.
In terms of safety, the 2009 Passat performed well in crash tests. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave it a 5-star rating for frontal and side crash protection. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also awarded it a "Good" rating in most crash tests. However, it's important to note that crash test standards have become more stringent since 2009, so these ratings should be viewed in context. Overall, the 2009 Passat provided a solid level of safety for its time, but its tech features are dated compared to newer vehicles.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Black Magic Pearl
Candy White
Reflex Silver Metallic
Island Gray Pearl
Shadow Blue Metallic
Mocca Anthracite Pearl
Wheat Beige Metallic
Arctic Blue Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Cornsilk Beige
Black
Latte Macchiato
2009 Volkswagen Passat Prices and Market Value
When new, the 2009 Volkswagen Passat ranged from approximately $26,000 to $35,000, depending on the trim level and options. Today, used market prices typically range from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on condition, mileage, and location. The Passat has experienced significant depreciation due to its age and reliability concerns.
Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's condition, mileage, maintenance history, and trim level. Models with lower mileage, a clean title, and a well-documented maintenance record will command higher prices. The VR6 models tend to hold their value slightly better than the 2.0T models due to their more powerful engine and perceived reliability.
Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's condition, mileage, maintenance history, and trim level. Models with lower mileage, a clean title, and a well-documented maintenance record will command higher prices. The VR6 models tend to hold their value slightly better than the 2.0T models due to their more powerful engine and perceived reliability.
2009 Volkswagen Passat Cost of Ownership
The 2009 Volkswagen Passat can be costly to own due to its potential for expensive repairs. Insurance costs are moderate and comparable to other mid-size cars. Fuel costs are average for the 2.0T engine, but higher for the VR6. Maintenance costs can be higher than average due to the need for specialized parts and potentially more frequent repairs. Repair costs can be significant, especially if major components like the turbocharger or HPFP fail. Long-term ownership can be unpredictable, and budgeting for potential repairs is advisable.
2009 Volkswagen Passat Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
2009 Volkswagen Passat Safety Rating
NHTSA
2009 Volkswagen Passat Recalls & Defects
Steering:gear BOX (Other Than Rack and Pinion)
Recall date
2008-11-03
Recall no.
08v577000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
Driver Attempts TO Overcome THE System During Malfunction Will Cause (1) Vibrations IN THE Steering Wheel; (2) THE Steering System Motor TO Turn Off; (3) THE RED Steering System Malfunction Indicator Light TO Illuminate; and (4) Audible Warnings TO Chime. A Malfunctioning Steering System Could Lead TO A Crash Without Warning.
Remedy
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.
Notes
VW Recall NO. 48j1/P3.customers MAY Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty: 1-800-424-9153); or GO TO Http://www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2016-02-10
Recall no.
16v078000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating Deployment OF THE Driver's Frontal AIR Bag, THE Inflator Could Rupture With Metal Fragments Striking THE Vehicle Occupants Potentially Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Recall date
2017-08-16
Recall no.
17v509000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
IF THE Fuel Pump Fails, THE Engine Will Stall, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2018-03-06
Recall no.
18v148000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating Deployment OF THE Driver's Frontal AIR Bag, THE Inflator Could Explode With Metal Fragments Striking THE Vehicle Occupants Potentially Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
2009 Volkswagen Passat Insurance
Insurance for a 2009 Volkswagen Passat is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2009 Volkswagen Passat Compare to Other Sedan?
The 2009 Volkswagen Passat competed against other mid-size sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and Nissan Altima. In terms of performance, the Passat with the 2.0T engine offered a more engaging driving experience than the Camry or Accord, but the VR6 was closer to some V6 offerings from competitors. Feature-wise, the Passat was generally competitive, but not necessarily a standout.
Reliability is where the Passat falls short compared to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which are known for their excellent reliability records. The Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima offer similar levels of reliability.
Price-wise, the Passat was often positioned slightly higher than some of its competitors when new. On the used market, its lower resale value can make it an attractive option, but the potential for costly repairs needs to be factored in.
Better alternatives, if reliability is a primary concern, include the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. If you're looking for a similar blend of European driving dynamics with better reliability, consider a slightly newer Mazda6. The Ford Fusion is also a good option, offering a balance of features, reliability, and price.
Reliability is where the Passat falls short compared to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which are known for their excellent reliability records. The Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima offer similar levels of reliability.
Price-wise, the Passat was often positioned slightly higher than some of its competitors when new. On the used market, its lower resale value can make it an attractive option, but the potential for costly repairs needs to be factored in.
Better alternatives, if reliability is a primary concern, include the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. If you're looking for a similar blend of European driving dynamics with better reliability, consider a slightly newer Mazda6. The Ford Fusion is also a good option, offering a balance of features, reliability, and price.
Ranks #1818 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 1818 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | (0.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2009 Volkswagen Passat a Good Sedan?
The 2009 Volkswagen Passat is ideal for someone who appreciates European styling and a more engaging driving experience than typical mid-size sedans, and who is willing to accept a potentially higher risk of repairs. Whether it's worth buying depends heavily on its condition, maintenance history, and the asking price.
It's generally not recommended as a "must-have" unless you find a well-maintained example with a clean service record and a thorough pre-purchase inspection reveals no major issues. A lower mileage VR6 model might be a slightly safer bet than a 2.0T. Buying a used Passat requires careful consideration and a realistic expectation of potential maintenance costs. If reliability is your top priority, consider alternatives.
It's generally not recommended as a "must-have" unless you find a well-maintained example with a clean service record and a thorough pre-purchase inspection reveals no major issues. A lower mileage VR6 model might be a slightly safer bet than a 2.0T. Buying a used Passat requires careful consideration and a realistic expectation of potential maintenance costs. If reliability is your top priority, consider alternatives.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.