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2009 Volkswagen Tiguan AWD SEL 4Motion

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan AWD SEL 4Motion is a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $32,940 MSRP and is rated at 20 mpg combined.

It makes 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 lb-ft of torque at 1700 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (20 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$32,940 ($49,909 *)
MSRP with Destination$33,630 ($50,955 *)
Destination Charge$690
Engine
Engine Type2.0L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged TSI inline-4
Displacement2 L
Horsepower200 hp @ 5,100 rpm
Torque207 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 16-valve
Bore and Stroke82.5 x 92.8
Compression Ratio9.6:1
Injection TypeDirect injection (TSI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAll-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway24 MPG
Combined20 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium unleaded gasoline
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (17.4 % risk)
Tested variant: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 4-Dr. w/SAB

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Volkswagen TIGUAN. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jul 21, 2014 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

NHTSA campaign 14V441000

Nov 22, 2013 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

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.

NHTSA campaign 13V569000

May 28, 2008 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA campaign 08V235000

167 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2009 Volkswagen TIGUAN

Owner Complaints

167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Volkswagen TIGUAN (4 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine80
Electrical System40
Power Train20
Exterior Lighting15
Steering15
Fuel/Propulsion System11
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
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 · Unknown Or Other, Engine, 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…”
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…”
Aug 12, 2022 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine
“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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2009 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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