One problem related to cooling fan has been reported for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan based on all problems reported for the 2009 Tiguan.
Whiel driving on a busy state road, the check engine light came on around 70,900 miles. I heard rattling sound from engine, front end shake. I pulled over near my house and shut the car off. I then had trouble starting the vehicle. I was able to drive the car to a Volkswagen dealership where they informed me of the following, "tech found that timing chain adjuster has reached its limits. Found coolant fans have internal short circuit. Tech recommends to replace all timing chain components and to replace both coolng fans. Timing chains and all components $2887. 68 cooling fans $1252. 16" the tech then told me he would not recommend me driving the vehicle anymore. I'm not sure when the timing adjustor failed, but if I were to keep driving the Tiguan, it could have caused my engine to seize at any time. I later became aware from internet research that the timing chain tensioner problem was common among Volkswagen and audis with the 2. 0t engine sold from 2008 - 2011 and in Nov. 2011 Volkswagen issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) making their dealers aware of the defect. However, the company never informed customers. This problem is currently the subject of an ongoing class action lawsuit. Volkswagen has so far refused to help me in any way, instead maintaining that because my car is out of warranty (6 years or 60,000 miles) they are unable to help in any way and that I would be fully responsible for the repairs. The Tiguan manual says no maintenance should be needed on the timing chain until 130,000 miles.