Recall 16V913 affects 135,683 2009-2010 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles for ABS control unit failure. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 135,683 2009-2010 GTI, Jetta Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, Eos, Rabbit, and A3 vehicles because the ABS control unit can fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control activation. The failure can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk; the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The antilock brake system control unit on these 2009-2010 Volkswagen vehicles is the electronic part that manages ABS braking and electronic stability control. ABS helps keep the wheels from locking during hard braking, and electronic stability control helps the vehicle correct a skid when sensors detect loss of traction. Both systems depend on steady electrical power inside the control unit.
In the affected units, an incorrect solder compound was used on the ground connection for a power controller chip. Heat and mechanical stress can crack that solder joint over time. When ABS or electronic stability control activates, the cracked connection can restrict power flow, causing the ABS control unit to shut off. That loss of assist can reduce braking or stability control support and lead to a loss of vehicle control.
Owners can see ABS, electronic stability control, or brake warning lights while driving. The warning also counts if the light turns off after the ignition is cycled, so contact a Volkswagen dealer for inspection.
Who's affected?
Spans 7 passenger-car models across the 2009 and 2010 model years, all tied to the electronic stability control or hydraulic brake systems.
| 2009 Volkswagen GTI | Electronic stability control (esc) |
|---|---|
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen | hydraulic brake system |
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | hydraulic brake system |
| 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | hydraulic brake system |
| 2009 Volkswagen GTI | hydraulic brake system |
| 2010 Volkswagen Golf | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2010 Volkswagen Golf | hydraulic brake system |
| 2009 Volkswagen Eos | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2009 Volkswagen Eos | hydraulic brake system |
| 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit | hydraulic brake system |
| 2009 Audi A3 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2009 Audi A3 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 135,683 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. If the ABS/ESC or brake warning lights illuminate while driving, or if they were illuminated and then turn off after an ignition key cycle, contact an authorized dealer without delay and arrange the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 Volkswagen GTI, Jetta Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, Eos, Rabbit, or A3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free ABS control module software update that improves ABS and ESC self-testing.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V913 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid situations that force ABS or ESC activation.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician updates the ABS control module software so the module can run improved self tests. After the software update, the technician runs the new diagnostic test. If the ABS module fails that test, the dealer replaces the module. The software update, any needed module replacement, and labor are free under the recall. Volkswagen has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related ABS control module repair. Bring documentation of that prior repair to the service desk and ask how Volkswagen handles reimbursement for campaign 16V913.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 20, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 14, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V913?
Recall 16V913 covers 135,683 2009-2010 Volkswagen GTI, Jetta Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, Eos, Rabbit, and A3 vehicles with an ABS control unit defect. During ABS or ESC activation, the unit can fail and cause loss of vehicle control, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2009-2010 Volkswagen GTI, Jetta Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, Eos, Rabbit, or A3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V913. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for the ABS control module software update. If the module fails the new diagnostic test, the dealer replaces it for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen's remedy says dealers update the ABS control module software for free. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test is replaced free of charge.
Is it safe to drive with recall 16V913 open?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect affects crash avoidance systems. During ABS or ESC activation, the ABS control unit can fail and cause loss of vehicle control. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2009-2010 Volkswagen GTI, Jetta Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, Eos, Rabbit, or A3 still qualifies if its VIN is included in recall 16V913.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V913000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V913 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V913000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →