2009 Volkswagen Caddy: known problems and what to check
Too few Volkswagen Caddy cars first registered in 2009 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. Here’s what we do know about the 2009 Volkswagen Caddy, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2009 Volkswagen Caddy
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Tailgate strut, brake pipe and parking brake recalls
Recalls covered tailgate struts that could fail and drop the tailgate (over 9,000), brake vacuum pipes that could crack (over 6,500), fuel pump bolts that could break, a parking brake that could come on while moving, driver’s airbags and coolant pump wiring.
At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- 1.2 TSI petrol (older engine)
Timing chain wear (1.2 TSI petrol)
The older 1.2 TSI petrol uses a timing chain that can stretch. It starts as a rattle, especially when the engine first starts, and if it’s left the chain can fail and destroy the engine. Some garages advise changing it as often as every four years or 40,000 miles.
At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. Ask whether the chain has been changed, with an invoice.
- 2.0 TDI
Oil cooler failure (2.0 TDI)
The oil cooler can fail inside and bring on the coolant warning.
At the viewing: Check the coolant level and for oil in the coolant.
- All engines
Radiator leak from a wiring clip
A wiring loom clip can rub through the radiator.
At the viewing: Look for coolant leaks at the front.
- All engines
ABS and power steering warnings
A faulty pressure sensor in the ABS unit can bring on ABS and ESP warnings, and lost communication can light the power steering warnings.
At the viewing: Make sure no warning lights stay on.
- Manual gearbox
Won’t start: clutch pedal sensor
The clutch pedal sensor can fail, so it won’t start. Clutch pedal parts also wear on vans used for short town trips.
At the viewing: Start it several times with the clutch pressed.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Volkswagen Caddy
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a VW dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Has the timing chain been changed, and is there an invoice? Does it rattle when you start it from cold?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2009 car
- MOT history
Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.
- Service history
Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.
- Finance and write-offs
MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.
- Test drive
Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.
Looking at a Volkswagen Caddy?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volkswagen Caddy compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2021 | – | Too few tests |
| 2020 | – | Too few tests |
| 2019 | – | Too few tests |
| 2018 | – | Too few tests |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | – | Too few tests |
| 2013 | – | Too few tests |
| 2012 | – | Too few tests |
| 2011 | – | Too few tests |
| 2010 | – | Too few tests |
| 2008 | – | Too few tests |
| 2007 | – | Too few tests |
| 2006 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score