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2009 Volkswagen Passat

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 Passat.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize passenger car built on the B5 platform and equipped with a 4.5‑quart oil capacity that accepts 0W‑40, 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 viscosities, paired with an S6 automatic transmission and delivering EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. Its powertrain is the most frequently cited source of owner dissatisfaction, accounting for the bulk of the 152 total complaints recorded for the model year and prompting four recalls. When viewed against the broader 1990‑2022 complaint record—peaking at 747 complaints in 2013 and falling to a low of 11 in 2022—the 2009 Passat occupies a middle ground, indicating a reliability profile that is neither at the historical worst nor at the recent improvement peak.

Model year2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2009

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40OEM · verified

Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy19/29/23 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 47 · 480 CCA battery, OE oil filter 06J115403Q. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 47 · 480 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP235-45R17OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	06J115403Q
Engine air filter	1K0129620G
Fuel filter	3C0919679A
Spark plug	06H905621A alt 06H905601A
Battery	000915089B alt 000915089BC
Front wiper blades	3C1998002
Serpentine belt	06J260849D
Thermostat	06J121113A alt 06J121113C
Cabin air filter	1K1819669 alt 1K0819644B

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	188.2 in
Overall width	71.7 in
Overall height	57.9 in
Wheelbase	106.7 in
Curb weight	3305 lb
Track (front / rear)	60.6 / 60.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	59/41

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	19 / 29 / 23 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	96 cu ft
Cargo volume	14 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Passat of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.9–7.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.90 sec — 2006 3.6 Sedan

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2008	Turbo Komfort Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.70 sec	15.00 sec	200 hp	FWD
2007	2.0T Wagon 2.0L Turbo I-4	7.20 sec	15.50 sec	200 hp	FWD
2006	3.6 Sedan 3.6L V6	5.90 sec	14.30 sec	280 hp	FWD
2006	3.6 Sedan 3.6L V6	6.10 sec	14.50 sec	280 hp	FWD
2006	3.6 Sedan 3.6L V6	6.20 sec	14.60 sec	280 hp	FWD
2006	3.6 Sedan 3.6L V6	6.20 sec	14.60 sec	280 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt of 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	7.4-7.6
Brake Fluid	DOT 4
Engine Coolant	USE G012ABG-A1 COOLANT
Engine Oil	0W-40 · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid	VW part number G052171A2
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity	4.0-5.50

Engine torques

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	18.4 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	96 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	15.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-3-6-2-4
Spark Plug Manufacturer	VW
Spark Plug Gap	0.039-0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	18 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.26-1.37 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	Models w/Delphi or Sanden compressor, 3.38-4.05; models w/Denso compressor, 4.38-5.06; models w/Zexel compressor, 3.71-4.38. oz
Standard BCI Group Number	47
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	480 cca
Optional BCI Group Number	48

Service checks

Pressure Test	14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	20-23 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	188 °F
Pressure Test	14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	23 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum	58.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	101.0 psi
Residual Pressure	43.5 psi

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH-FNR-G
Torque Caliper to Bracket	18 ft-lbs / 26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	140 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Brake Application	WITH-FNR-G
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.181 in / 0.472 in / 0.866 in / 0.984 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.181 in / 0.472 in / 0.866 in / 0.984 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	1.063 in / 0.394 in / 0.787 in / 0.866 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

6 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

6 ft. lbs

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45

4 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

29 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

29 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

74 ft. lbs., step 2: 180

74 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees.	90 degrees
3	90 degrees.	90 degrees
4	Front bolts	6 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees.; Do not re-use old bolts.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	11 ft. lbs.	11 ft. lbs
2	22 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
3	90 degrees	90 degrees
4	90 degrees; Apply liquid locking fluid-D 197 300 A2 sealant under head of bolts before installing the longer cylinder head bolts must be installed in the middle holes of the cylinder head.	90 degrees

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

44 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

44 ft. lbs

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

44 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

44 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

2 ft. lbs., step 2: 7

2 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

4 ft. lbs., step 2: 9 ft. lbs., step 3: 12 ft. lbs., step 4: 18

4 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180

22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 18,600 mi.

Every 9,300 mi	Windshield Washer System (inspect)
Every 10,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Windshield Wiper Blade (inspect)
Every 18,600 mi	Battery (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 20,000 mi	Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Suspension Shock or Strut (inspect)
At 37,500 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 37,500 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Drive Axle Assembly (leak inspection) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level) · Underbody (inspect)
Every 40,000 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Door Stop (lubricate) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Exterior Lighting (inspect) · Headlamp (inspect alignment)
Every 56,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2009 Passat sits near the end of the B6 generation, where complaint volumes had fallen sharply from a peak of 576 in 2006 to 152 in 2009, indicating that many early production issues were likely resolved. Recalls held steady at 4 for 2008, 2009, and 2010, while investigations remained low at just 1 for the target year, suggesting no major new safety probes. However, the 777 technical service bulletins for 2009 represent a high point in a steadily rising trend across the generation, pointing to a large number of documented fixes and known service procedures—particularly in the engine and fuel/propulsion areas, which top the complaint list. With 13 fire complaints and 5 crash complaints, the data does not specify root causes, but the overall complaint volume is relatively modest. For a used Passat from this era, the 2009 model year appears to be a more reliable choice than earlier B6 years, though a pre-purchase inspection is essential to verify that the numerous potential TSB-related issues have been addressed.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

777

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

152

Owner complaints

5 involved a crash · 13 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08’09’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’22

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 152 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine33

Fuel/Propulsion System28

Steering14

Air Bags6

Power Train,Engine5

Electrical System5

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System5

Fuel System, Gasoline4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V148000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 06/03/2018

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… 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…

17V509000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 16/08/2017

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 777 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TT 10-18-02_2	2026-06-18	Engine	Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_3	2026-06-18	Engine	Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_17	2026-06-11	Air Bags	Inquiries
V1719012012855_81	2026-06-04	Engine	Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
VOS-26-21	2026-03-27	Engine	This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Passat. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 47 battery Vehicles taking 4.5 qt Engine oil filter 06J115403Q Engine air filter 1K0129620G Fuel filter 3C0919679A Spark plug 06H905621A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 Passat take?

4.5 qt of 0W-40, 5W-30 OR 5W-40 MEETING VW SPECIFICATION 502.00, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 Passat have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Passat get?

EPA figures are 19 city / 29 highway / 23 combined mpg.