Two problems related to engine oil leaking have 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.
Noticed oil leak on otherwise spotless driveway a few days after 100k service at vw dealership. Returned to dealer where rear main seal was identified as the source. Estimate was $1400 total cost to repair along with oil hoses to turbo. Discussed details and frequency of rms repair with tech, since transmission has to be removed. Also researched vw forum threads on rms failure to find that 2008+ model vws are most affected, 2009 Tiguans in particular. Of the 13 complaints on the NHTSA site regarding failed rear main seals on vws, more than half (7 of 13 = 54%) are from owners of 2009 Tiguans. (3 of 13 complaints were for 2009 passats, with 1 each for a 2009 cc, a 2011 Tiguan, and a 2012 jetta. ). Even with this small sampling, having 54% of the rms failures affecting the same model (tiguan) of the same model year (2009) is more than a coincidence. It shows a trend. Volkswagen of America acknowledges no such trend, and vw customer care refuses any responsibility beyond warranty.
Engine was leaking oil onto ground in several locations near the front of the vehicle. No check engine light or any other warning system indicated a problem. Took vehicle in for service and found the rear main seal was the cause for the leak. Rear main seal was replaced and test drive indicated that this was the primary leak source. Subsequently, two other minor leaks were found and repaired to the oil return line o-ring and the engine vacuum pump gasket respectively.