YearToAvoid

2009 Volkswagen Touareg Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

8/100

#12 most-complained of 13 Touareg years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg has a complaint index of 8, the lowest among the 13 model years with data, and ranks 12th worst (meaning second-best). Its verdict is capped at Good rather than Best because NHTSA complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete. It has 2 recalls and 19 total complaints, with Fuel System issues dominating at 58% of complaints.

Complaints
19
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
16
14 city / 20 hwy

Top 2009 Volkswagen Touareg problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Fuel System11 (58%)
  2. Steering3 (16%)
  3. Airbags2 (11%)
  4. Engine2 (11%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain2 (11%)
  6. Electrical System1 (5%)
  7. Other1 (5%)
  8. Structure & Body1 (5%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers1 (5%)

What owners report

  • Engine loses power and enters limp mode on the highway, sometimes preceded by a high-pitched humming noise, with the fuel system found clogged with debris.
  • Vehicle suddenly dies while slowing down, causing loss of power brakes and power steering and making the car hard to stop.
  • Electric power steering (EPS) warning light illuminates and vehicle speed drops sharply before acceleration returns once the light turns off.
  • Engine stumbles, a warning light comes on, and the engine shuts off while coasting, sometimes requiring a tow and fuel system replacement.
  • Dashboard cracks around the passenger-side airbag housing, raising concern the airbag could dislodge or fail to deploy.
  • Power steering rack assembly fails, causing increased difficulty steering.
2009 Volkswagen Touareg complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2011May 2014Dec 2014May 2016Aug 2017Oct 2019Jun 2023
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2011 to Jun 2023; peak Nov 2014 (2).

2009 Volkswagen Touareg recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 17V151000Mar 8, 2017Fuel System20,908 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline

    Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 20Z4.

  2. NHTSA 09V248000Jul 2, 2009Structure & Body14,416 vehicles

    Structure:body

    Volkswagen is recalling 14,416 my 2007-2009 touareg vehicles. The fastening struts on the roof edge spoiler can crack, causing the spoiler to become loose and possibly detach from the vehicle without warning, even though initially the spoiler may feel secure.

    Risk: If this happens, the spoiler could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will install reinforcement wedges to the roof edge spoiler free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during august 2009. Owner may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2009 Volkswagen Touareg fuel economy and fuel cost

City
14 MPG
Highway
20 MPG
Combined
16 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$5,000
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2009 compared with other Touareg years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Avoid839316
2008Avoid10056416
2009Good819216
2010Caution5025118
2011Good4216221

All Volkswagen Touareg years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2009 Touareg has a complaint index of 8, the lowest of all 13 model years tracked, and it ranks 12th out of 13 in worst-first order. Its verdict is Good, though capped from a higher rating because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.
What are the most common problems on the 2009 Touareg?
Fuel System issues account for 58% of complaints, including fuel filter clogging and stalling. Steering, airbag, engine, and transmission problems each make up a smaller share.
Does the 2009 Touareg have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for a fuel filter flange that can crack and leak fuel, and one for roof edge spoiler struts that can crack and cause the spoiler to detach.
How does the 2009 Touareg compare to other Touareg years?
With a complaint index of 8, the 2009 model is far better than years like 2008 (index 100, Avoid) and 2007 (index 83, Avoid), though the 2015 and 2017 model years earn a Best verdict with even lower indexes.
What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Touareg?
EPA rates the 2009 Touareg at 16 mpg combined (14 city / 20 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.