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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 109 |
| 2011 | 160 |
| 2012 | 152 |
| 2013 | 139 |
| 2014 | 82 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2016 | 95 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 274 |
| 2019 | 183 |
| 2020 | 132 |
| 2021 | 126 |
| 2022 | 243 |
| 2023 | 57 |
| 2024 | 54 |
| 2025 | 38 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
48% of complaints: engine — 80 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20120913
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, 20240909
24% of complaints: electrical system — 40 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20080811
9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 15 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: steering — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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 SOFTWARE
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.
Campaign 08V235000 — check if this car was fixed
Partial Loss of Exterior Lights
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 ligh
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.
Campaign 13V569000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V441000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (80 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V235000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V569000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V441000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.