DecodedCars2009 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints3 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 64 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 13% better than the 2009 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Golf/GTI — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Golf/GTI →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | +13% | $3,300 | 355 |
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +13% | $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 Golf/GTI under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Volkswagen Golf/GTI.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Volkswagen Golf/GTI buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Engine — 1 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 75,200 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 Golf/GTI. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Golf/GTI years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 11 |
| 2022 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 81 |
| 2021 Golf/GTI | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 1 | 7 |
| 2020 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 63 |
| 2018 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 29 |
| 2017 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 5 | 117 |
| 2016 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | Not rated | 9 | 85 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →