2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. Part of Generation 1 — 2009–2017.

< older2010
Complaints
247
per 10K Sold
177.7
US Sales
13,903
Crashes
8
Fires
9
Injuries
7
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#180 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:87,908 mi
Crash-related:1
#240 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:63,658 mi
Fires:3
#316 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:67,344 mi
Crash-related:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Engine Problems
80
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
87,908
Electrical Faults
40
complaints
Crashes
Fires
3
Avg Miles
63,658
Transmission / Drivetrain
16
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
67,344
Headlight/Taillight Failures
15
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
57,686
Steering Defects
14
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
61,289
Fuel System
11
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
66,737
Airbags
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
93,100
Unintended Acceleration
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
32,618
Engine & Cooling
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
3
Avg Miles
63,396
Electronic Stability Control
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
74,427
Brakes
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
70,300
Seat-Related Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
Driveline
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Other
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pressure/Temperature Sensor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Other
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Parking-Brake Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Sunroof/Moonroof
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~213,544 vehicles.

14V441000Gasoline Fuel System
~151,389 affected

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014. When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.

13V569000Exterior Lighting · Wiring & Fuses
~62,155 affected

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 lights, the holder for the fuse that controls the vehicle's exterior lights circuit may melt.

Other Volkswagen Tiguan Years

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has 247 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 80 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (80 complaints, avg 87,908 mi); Electrical Faults (40 complaints, avg 63,658 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (16 complaints, avg 67,344 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 73,333 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan include 8 crash-related reports, 9 fire reports, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 213,544 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Volkswagen Tiguan reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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