CarRecallDB

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and problems

3 recalls and 168 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan.

3
recalls
168
owner complaints
5
complaints mentioning a crash
6
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA campaign 14V441000 · reported July 21, 2014 · Volkswagen of America, Inc. · 151,389 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.

Exterior lighting · Electrical system: wiring, fuses and circuit breakers

NHTSA campaign 13V569000 · reported November 22, 2013 · Volkswagen of America, Inc. · 62,155 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 08V235000 · reported May 28, 2008 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 6,579 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 22, 2026 · Steering

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.

Sep 9, 2024 · Fuel/propulsion system

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.

Aug 26, 2024 · Unknown or other

Intermittent AC working issues, air conditioning does not cool or the cooling is weak

Feb 14, 2023 · Steering

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.

Aug 12, 2022 · Engine and engine cooling · 189,000 miles

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…

Tiguan model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 316856
2010 211054
2011 316242
2012 3153100

Across all years, the 2018 Tiguan has the most complaints (288). All Volkswagen Tiguan years →

Questions

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, the most recent reported on July 21, 2014 (Fuel system, gasoline). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Owners have filed 168 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (80 complaints), followed by electrical system (40).
How many 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints mention a crash or fire?
5 of 168 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 22, 2026.