2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 168
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2009
Opened by NHTSA
48% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 168 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 110 |
| 2011 | 162 |
| 2012 | 153 |
| 2013 | 140 |
| 2014 | 84 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2016 | 97 |
| 2017 | 76 |
| 2018 | 287 |
| 2019 | 195 |
| 2020 | 140 |
| 2021 | 144 |
| 2022 | 274 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 36 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
48% · 80 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle completely stopped while I was driving on the freeway. I was in the far left lane, and the engine failed and I was not able to move to the right shoulder. I put my hazards on and called for assistance.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-13
The car keeps throwing sensors (camshaft, crank sensors, throttle body etc) and the ECM needs to be updated. It keeps turning over. I checked the recall list of VINs and mine is within the range, however there aren't any recalls listed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-09
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Electrical system
24% · 40 reportsPower train
12% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing driveline and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
On June 13, 2008 I was traveling west bound on a typical south Florida day, very hot and humid clear day. Just then a pick-up truck put out very fast in front of me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-08-11
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Steering
9% · 15 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Steering column keeps locking up. Iâve replaced a fuse and it fixed it initially but problem returned. Upon my research apparently this is a common problem in these vehicles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-22
Exterior lighting
9% · 15 reportsSafety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2008-05-30Engine and engine cooling08V235000 Volkswagen is recalling 4,079 my 2008 Passat and 2,500 my 2009 Tiguan passenger vehicles equipped with 2.0T fsi ulev ii engines. These vehicles have an engine control module (ECM) containing…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and update the ECM software free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2008. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
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2009Complaint volume 168 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2013-11-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-02-28 Partial Loss of Exterior Lights
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2014-01-03Electrical system, exterior lighting13V569000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 through June 2011. Due to a problem with the fuse for the exterior…
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 97Z9/2V.
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2014-08-19Fuel system, gasoline14V441000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase the fuel pump pressure, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 80 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 40 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08V235000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 13V569000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
- Recall 14V441000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.