DecodedCars2009 Volkswagen Eos
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Convertible FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 173.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,505 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2009 subcompact car (21.6 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Volkswagen Eos is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,505 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 16% better than the 2009 subcompact car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2009
- Engine dropped: 3.2L 6-cyl
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Eos →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Convertible FWD | 173.6 in | 70.5 in | 56.7 in | 101.6 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 3,505 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eos | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | +16% | $3,300 | 355 |
| Eos | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +16% | $3,300 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Eos under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Volkswagen Eos (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Dec 20, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V913000 · 135,683 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
- 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 Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Not every 2009 Volkswagen Eos is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Volkswagen Eos buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 24 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 22 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 82,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Volkswagen Eos. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Eos years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Eos | 25 | 174 in | Not rated | 2 | 4 |
| 2015 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2014 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 40 |
| 2013 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 26 |
| 2012 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 91 |
| 2011 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 16 |
| 2010 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 64 |
| 2008 Eos | 24 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 15 |
| 2007 Eos | 24 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 23 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →