2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride and good fuel economy. It is available with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Other engine and transmission options include a 2.5L five-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Owners of the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan generally praise its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

• 2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and potentially damaging the engine. Symptoms may include a rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, and difficulty starting.
    • Solution: The timing chain tensioner and timing chain need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: NHTSA Recall Number: 20V542
  • Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
    • Description/Symptoms: Carbon can build up on the intake valves, reducing airflow and causing engine performance problems. Symptoms may include reduced power, hesitation during acceleration, and rough idling.
    • Solution: The intake valves need to be cleaned.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.5L Five-Cylinder Engine
  • Ignition Coil Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The ignition coil can fail, causing the engine to misfire. Symptoms may include a rough idle, loss of power, and difficulty starting.
    • Solution: The ignition coil needs to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit is a complex component that controls the transmission. It can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. Symptoms may include slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and a loss of power.
    • Solution: The mechatronic unit needs to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Five-Speed Manual Transmission
  • No Issues Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Electrical System Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The electrical system can drain the battery, causing the vehicle to be difficult or impossible to start. Symptoms may include a dead battery, flickering lights, and a loss of power.
  • Solution: The source of the electrical drain needs to be identified and repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Multifunction Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The multifunction switch is a stalk that controls the turn signals, headlights, and wipers. It can fail, causing the lights or wipers to not work properly. Symptoms may include intermittent or inoperative lights, wipers, or turn signals.
  • Solution: The multifunction switch needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Hatch
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear hatch can rust, especially around the license plate area. Symptoms may include bubbling paint, rust spots, and premature failure of the hatch.
  • Solution: The affected area needs to be repaired, and the hatch may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlights can develop condensation, especially in humid conditions. Symptoms may include fogging or moisture inside the headlights.
  • Solution: The headlights may need to be replaced or resealed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Panel Binding
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof panel can bind up when opening or closing. Symptoms may include the panel getting stuck, making noises, or not opening or closing smoothly.
  • Solution: The sunroof tracks and/or motor may need to be lubricated or repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC System Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC system can malfunction, causing the air conditioning, heating, or ventilation to not work properly. Symptoms may include insufficient cooling or heating, fan noises, or inoperative controls.
  • Solution: The HVAC system needs to be diagnosed and repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has some potential issues, but overall it is a reliable and well-built SUV. The most severe and expensive issues are related to the engine and transmission, such as timing chain tensioner failure and mechatronic unit failure. However, these issues are not common. Other issues, such as sunroof panel binding and HVAC system malfunctions, are less severe and less expensive to fix. Overall, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is a good choice for consumers who are looking for a compact SUV with good fuel economy and a comfortable ride.