MotorDeets

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: 3 recalls, 168 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
168owner complaints
5mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #08V235000 · 2008 · 6,579 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An engine surge caused by an unexpected increase in engine rpm May surprise the vehicle operator and can result in a crash without warning.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and update the ECM software free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2008.

Exterior lights, Electrical Vehicle recall #13V569000 · 2013 · 62,155 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #14V441000 · 2014 · 151,389 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

The 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine80
Electrical40
Transmission & drivetrain20
Steering15
Exterior lights15
Fuel & propulsion11
Engine & cooling10
Airbags10

What owners describe

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has 168 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 18 Tiguan model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 128). Complaints peaked in 2013 (23 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (110 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive192621Premium
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive182421Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?

Owners have filed 168 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (80), electrical (40), transmission & drivetrain (20).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Tiguan years

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