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Model year record

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls & problems

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has 3 safety recalls and 168 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (80 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints168filed by owners
Crashes · fires5 · 6reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineJul 21, 2014

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 14V441000151,389 vehicles

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.
Exterior lightingNov 22, 2013

Exterior lighting

Recall 13V56900062,155 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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.

Components: Exterior lighting; Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

Engine and engine coolingMay 28, 2008

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 08V2350006,579 vehicles

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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 4-Dr. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk17.4%
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Tiguan

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 26 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

Tiguan

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 24 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

Tiguan 4motion

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 24 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine8010088,000 mi
Electrical system4003153,300 mi
Power trainDriveline; Automatic transmission2010271,500 mi
Steering1510049,570 mi
Exterior lighting1500055,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system1100073,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system1003130,050 mi
Air bags10000108,500 mi
Unknown or other900090,000 mi
Vehicle speed control801019,500 mi
Service brakes520041,000 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)500065,357 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations