Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Tiguan years.
167 owner complaints, most about engine. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2009 Tiguan?The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has 167 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2009 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Tiguan years only. How we score it
Is 2009 a good year for the Tiguan?
Across the 18 Tiguan model years we track, complaint volume runs from 62 (2015) to 544 (2018). With 167 complaints, the 2009 Tiguan sits above the model's median of 139.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2009 Tiguan
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 14V441000Volkswagen 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.
electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
Campaign 13V569000Volkswagen 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.
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 08V235000VOLKSWAGEN 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 THAT MAY NOT PROPERLY CONTROL ENGINE IDLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING TURNED ON. IN RARE CASES, THE ECM MAY UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASE ENGINE RPM.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Owners of newer models (approximately 2018+) frequently praise the vehicle for its spacious and comfortable interior, excellent highway manners, smooth ride, and competitive technology and safety features.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tiguan. See the full Tiguan owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Tiguan listings typically run $17,318–$28,298.
Other Tiguan model years
Compare every Tiguan year side by side to see how 2009 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Tiguan against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy