2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 88 of 167 complaints (53%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Brakes include more crash reports (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | vs. 2009 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700–3,900 | 3,700–3,900 | 3,500–3,700 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–21 | 20–21 | 21–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 18–19 / 24–26 | 18–19 / 24–26 | 18–20 / 25–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–444 | 423–444 | 404–423 | |
| Complaints filed | 167 | 110 | 161 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 2 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 5 | 5 | 4 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 5 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Engine: 88 of 167 NHTSA complaints (53%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
EPA rates it 20–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?
EPA estimates $3,700–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 19 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 18 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 18 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 444 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 88 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 20 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 40 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 13 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 8 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Campaign 14V441000 · Jul 21, 2014
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 13V569000 · Nov 20, 2013
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the holder melts, there may be a partial loss of exterior lighting. Reduced vehicle illumination diminishes the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · Campaign 08V235000 · May 28, 2008
Defect: 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 THAT MAY NOT PROPERLY CONTROL ENGINE IDLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING TURNED ON. IN RARE CASES, THE ECM MAY UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASE ENGINE RPM.
Consequence: AN ENGINE SURGE CAUSED BY AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM MAY SURPRISE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR AND CAN RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.