2009 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and problems

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has 3 safety recalls and 168 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
168
Crashes / fires
5 / 6
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls

Recall 14V-441: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 21, 2014 · 151,389 vehicles affected · Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 13V-569: Exterior Lighting, Electrical System

Reported Nov 22, 2013 · 62,155 vehicles affected · Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 08V-235: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported May 28, 2008 · 6,579 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: 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.

Risk: An engine surge caused by an unexpected increase in engine RPM may surprise the vehicle operator and can result in a crash without warning.

Fix: 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.

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine80
Electrical System40
Power Train20
Steering15
Exterior Lighting15
Fuel/Propulsion System11
Engine and Engine Cooling10
Unknown or Other10
Air Bags10
Vehicle Speed Control8
Service Brakes5
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)5

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Driveline — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pressure/Temperature Sensor — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Sep 22, 2026
Steering column keeps locking up. I’ve replaced a fuse and it fixed it initially but problem returned. Upon my research apparently this is a common problem in these vehicles.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Sep 9, 2024
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.
Steering · reported Feb 14, 2023
Power steering goes out randomly after cold weather, even while driving. There is no warning before the power steering goes out. I have almost crashed into another car several times because of this. Many people have had this exact problem with this make and model.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 189,000 miles · reported Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V235000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not…
Engine · at 84,092 miles · reported Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated and a message to stop the vehicle immediately was displayed. AAA arrived on the scene and diagnosed the vehicle with oil sensor failure. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was vibrating while driving back to the residence. The vehicle stalled upon arrival at the residence in the driveway. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed…

Other Volkswagen Tiguan years

Compare all Volkswagen Tiguan years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: 14V-441 (fuel system, gasoline), 13V-569 (exterior lighting, electrical system), 08V-235 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Owners report engine problems most often (80 reports), followed by electrical system (40). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.