SUV · Gas
Volkswagen Tiguan 2009–2017 (1st gen)
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- Price
- $26,300–$35,000
- MPG
- 23
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong value retention
- Watch-out: Poor running costs
- Watch-out: Below-average tech
How it scores for you10 scores
A composed, sporty-driving compact SUV with strong crash scores, undercut by thirsty running costs, dated tech, and VW's costlier reliability reputation.
Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 2 of its 8 recalls were serious. About 5% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -6 points for its wider reputation.
4-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 3, side 5, rollover 4).
About $3,550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 12% of cars we track.
23.8 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 47% of other SUVs we track.
5-seat only, no third row in this generation. Cargo at 23.8 cu ft (56.1 folded) is below segment average, making it one of the smaller compact SUVs.
1st-gen Tiguan was known for a sporty, composed chassis and responsive 2.0T with 200hp, making it more engaging than typical compact SUVs, though modest power and older transmission temper it.
Dated infotainment and features across its 2009-2017 run; even later models lag modern rivals. Basic connectivity, no advanced driver aids in most trims.
Solid German ride quality and supportive seats, typical of the segment. Firm but composed on highway, unremarkable NVH for its era.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
Rated to tow 2,200 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls10 recalls
10 recalls · 5 common complaint areas across 2015–2017
- Airbags — 24 complaints (2017)
- Recall — Airbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module; air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module; air bags: side/window; seat belts: pretensioner (2017)
- Airbags — 21 complaints (2016)
2017
- RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module; air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module; air bags: side/window; seat belts: pretensioner16V955000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2
- RecallAirbags: frontal18V102000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Tiguan Limited vehicles. The front driver air bag installed on these vehicles may not be intended for use in vehicles sold in the United States. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Mot
- RecallUnknown or other18V329000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period ma
- RecallUnknown or other21V321000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requi
- Complaint clusterAirbags24 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
No crash or incident occurred. While starting the vehicle normally, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed fault code P0588 — driver side airbag igniter at resistance limit. The mechanic confirmed that all airbags are non-functional as a
- Complaint clusterSteering12 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
Ive had every now and then a steering wheel light come on then come off. Well today 9/1/26 I had lost all steering to my 2017 vw tiguan. The electronic power steering has failed and I believe this is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. And push for a recall to be made on these vehicles.
- Complaint clusterElectrical11 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A/C has been a consistent issue since I purchased this from Columbia SC- CarMax's dealership in 2022. I've replaced the compressor and valves, and no resolve. The car sucks up oil and the electrical system is wacky!
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other7 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Clock spring failure on 2017 model just like all of the past year's that were a part of a recall and investigation.
- Complaint clusterEngine6 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
timing chain repairs and replacement
2016
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages16V464000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 11, 2016. Vibration
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module19V535000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
- Complaint clusterAirbags21 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The electric connection for the air bag has malfunctioned . The same vehicle with different VIN numbers have already been recalled for the exact same reason. Not sure why my car was not included. Many people on the VW forums are having the same issues. Please recall.
- Complaint clusterElectrical20 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan has a problem with the sunroof leaking and floors being filled with puddles of water in entire car. This have caused the water to cause electrical problems with the vehicle as well as meadow and mold.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other15 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN INCIDENT. I had a 2016 VW Tiguan with just over 80k miles (approximately 80,200 mi). On 1/6/2026 about 10 min after driving home from the gym, I heard a small explosion from the garage where my car was parked. The garage was filled with smoke and large flames were visible from under the fro
- Complaint clusterSteering12 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
The contact's friend owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test showed that the ve
- Complaint clusterEngine5 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
* Purchase Date: January 23, 2016 * Current Mileage: Approximately 71,500 miles For the past several months, my vehicle has experienced continuous engine oil loss. The oil level drops approximately one gallon every two months, and the engine oil warning light has illuminated on multiple occasions. B
2015
- RecallEquipment: other: labels15V311000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 22, 2015, to March 20, 2015. These vehicles may be equipped with Certification labels that are missing the required tire pressure information and they may state incorrect weight
- RecallAirbags: side/window16V045000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 15, 2015, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver and front s
- RecallUnknown or other18V329000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period ma
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module19V535000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
- Complaint clusterElectrical18 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Epc light is on
- Complaint clusterAirbags14 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
Car was recently repaired from a deer related accident. Within a week of getting car back I heard an unwinding like sound from steering wheel area while making a left hand turn into parking lot. My airbag light came on and all steering wheel functions like buttons and horn ceased to operate. I did
- Complaint clusterSteering9 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
We are experiencing a recurring safety issue with our 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. Upon startup, the power steering warning light consistently illuminates and remains on for 5 to 30 minutes. During this time, the vehicle has no functional power steering, making it extremely difficult and unsafe to drive—
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other6 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car stalled while driving on the highway. No warning codes and mechanics cannot find a reason. This has happened twice before in past year with warning codes but all have been addressed yet it has stalled again with no code now. This has been costly, very dangerous and cannot feel safe driving.
Cost to own$26,100 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$26,300–$35,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$3,550/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
21
Highway MPG
26
Combined MPG
23
Horsepower
200 hp
Doors
4
Length
174.4 in
Width
71.3 in
Height
66.9 in
Wheelbase
102.4 in
Curb weight
3,591 lb
Cargo volume
23.8 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
56.1 cu ft
Towing capacity
2,200 lbs
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