Volkswagen Tiguan problems
The Volkswagen Tiguan (German pronunciation: ) is a series of cars produced by German manufacturer Volkswagen since 2007, sitting between the smaller T-Roc and the larger Touareg in the company's crossover SUV range. The first generation was based on the PQ46 platform, while the second generation, released in 2016, utilizes the Volkswagen Group MQB A2 platform. It is generally considered to be a medium-sized SUV in Europe, while in North America it is considered to be a compact crossover.
The name Tiguan is a portmanteau of the German words Tiger ("tiger") and Leguan ("iguana") and won a naming contest by German car magazine publisher Auto Bild—from a field of names that also included Namib, Rockton, Samun and Nanuk.
As of the spring of 2020, six million units had been sold worldwide, with 910,926 units being manufactured in 2019 alone, making the Tiguan the best-selling car overall in the Volkswagen Group. It was also the best-selling SUV in Europe.
Its larger counterparts include the Tiguan Allspace, a long-wheelbase family-oriented version of the Tiguan with three-row seating, and the Tiguan X, a coupé SUV.
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Volkswagen Tiguan model years
Common Volkswagen Tiguan problems
The Volkswagen Tiguan, a popular compact SUV, has had its fair share of issues reported by owners over the years. The most common problems, as reported by CarComplaints.com, revolve around the engine, with the worst model year being 2016.
- Engine Shut Down While Driving (2016 Tiguan): This issue, reported by 16 owners, has an average cost to fix of $6,000 and an average mileage of 16,000 miles. The problem is described as the engine shutting down while driving, which can be a significant safety concern.
- Timing Chain Tensioner Defect / Engine Damage (2011 Tiguan): This problem, affecting the 2011 Tiguan, costs an average of $4,000 to fix and occurs around 90,000 miles. The timing chain tensioner defect can lead to engine damage, making it a critical issue for Tiguan owners.
- Engine Failure (2010 Tiguan): The 2010 Tiguan has seen numerous reports of engine failure, with an average cost to fix of $3,900 and an average mileage of 97,000 miles. This problem can result in a complete engine replacement, which is a significant expense for owners.
- Timing Chain Tensioner (2009 Tiguan): The 2009 Tiguan has had issues with the timing chain tensioner, costing an average of $3,200 to fix and occurring around 89,000 miles. This issue can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Brakes: Some Tiguan models, particularly the 2019 and 2021 models, have reported braking issues, such as leaking brake fluid, warped brake rotors, and service brakes locking up in cold weather. These issues can compromise the safety of the vehicle and should be addressed promptly.
- Electronic Failures: Newer Tiguan models have experienced various electrical issues, including problems with safety and assistance features, such as blind spot indicators, rear cameras, collision detection, and lane assist. These issues can affect the overall functionality and safety of the vehicle.
In conclusion, the Volkswagen Tiguan has had several common problems, primarily related to the engine and braking system. While these issues can be costly to fix, they are important to address to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
Is a Volkswagen Tiguan a reliable car?
Our data suggests the VW Tiguan is reliable – averagely so. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, the Tiguan placed 16th in petrol form and 24th in diesel form and that's with reliability scores of 93.2% and 91.4% respectively and out of a pool of 34 cars in the family SUV class.
Are there any issues with the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Engine Issues
The Volkswagen Tiguan is known to have a number of issues with its engine and powertrain. Some of the most common problems include issues with the throttle body, turbocharger, carbon deposits and timing chain tensioner.
What are the disadvantages of the Tiguan?
Pros: Available third row; stronger engine than most rivals; big for a compact crossover Cons: Below-average fuel economy and no hybrid option; uninspiring design, touch climate and steering wheel controls have a learning curve The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is VW's most popular model, and it's easy to see why.
Is Tiguan high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Volkswagen Tiguan is $730, compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen Tiguan years
We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen Tiguan cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Volkswagen Tiguan model years:
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2018
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2009
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2011
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2012
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2019
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen Tiguan model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen Tiguan years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volkswagen Tiguan car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen Tiguan , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen Tiguan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Tiguan model years
A total of 54 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Tiguan model years
There were a total of 19 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Tiguan model years
There were a total of 52 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Tiguan model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1682 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Tiguan . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Volkswagen Tiguan 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-20
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX3NM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: This incident occurred [XXX] at about [XXX]. My family and I were returning to Utah from an Arizona vacation. We were heading north on [XXX], in between Payson and Benjamin when the sunroof shattered. The sunroof was not open nor had it been open during the entirety of the vacation. My fiancé and I were both watching the road and did not see any debris nor rocks fly up and hit the sunroof. Our only explanation is that it exploded. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. I am thankful that no one was hurt inside the vehicle, but this could have potentially hurt my child who was in the backseat during this. If the fabric that blocks the sunroof had been pulled back, I am 100% positive that all passengers in the car would have been injured by the glass shards. I am going to call the dealership tomorrow when they are open and plan to call the non emergency phone number for the police to file an incident report, if they allow it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Volkswagen Tiguan 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: WVGAV7AX2GW
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: My check engine light keeps turning on and off. I took it to the dealership and they gave me a list of things to fix in the future but nothing too serious. They fixed the intake manifold, which I was not aware or informed that it had a recall on it, and they cleaned the valves. They turned off the check engine light and when I picked up the car, it came back on. I informed them about it and they turned it off again. Then again it turned back on as soon as I left the dealership. They told me I had to change the oil and so I did but it turned on again. I tested it at auto zone and the reader said to change the camshaft position sensor and I did. The check engine light turned off and on again quickly. Then recently the steering wheel light turned on and locked the steering wheel.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: 3VV4B7AX7NM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The powertrain control units (engine and/or transmission) exhibit concerning behaviors when accelerating from a stop. The actual vehicle acceleration and propulsive torque does not match driver demanded torque for an extended period of time. The amount of delayed reaction is longer when the vehicle is ‘cold’ meaning that the vehicle has not been running prior to driving for an extended period of time. There is some amount of initial acceleration that allows the vehicle to move into the road but then the propulsive torque seems to go away completely for 3-4 seconds. The torque delivered after this delay is then exponential which is again not matching what the driver is asking for. The unintended torque can put the driver at risk of being in a lane without the ability to accelerate out of danger in time. For the situation of having too high of torque can put the driver in danger of hitting an object because the driver was not planning to accelerate so aggressively. These two behaviors can compound on each other as well. When the driver experiences the too low of drive torque condition, the driver could apply more throttle to correct but this will only make the too high of drive torque condition worse. These behaviors occur after every drive-off from standstill. There is a TSB to help improve this behavior. There are no active faults or warning lamps. Many other owners and dealerships confirmed this same behavior. The occurrence date was set to the date of this complaint but these behaviors have been occurring since date of purchase of vehicle.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. There was gray smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve stem seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000. The VIN was not available.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX7KM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The car is burning a large amount of oil. I have taken it to the dealer for an oil consumption test 3 times. Every time, VW has indicated that the problem is normal. A tech stated that it is normal to burn a quart of oil every 1000 miles between oil changes. The engine has not ceased yet but it is a real fear of mine, especially since I drive my son in this car.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX2KM
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: Blind spot detection not working. Repaired May 2023. Occurred again September 2024. No warning that it's been deactivated. Error message when blind spot sensing is activated. VW dealer diagnosed issue.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX8LM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Center overhead console had a catastrophic failure of the brackets holding it in place on the ceiling of the car. This resulted in the full console dangling from the ceiling of the car by wires only. This blocks driver view, the rear view mirror, and swings into driver and passenger headspace. Contacted the dealership and was told this is a common problem. There was no warning before this occurred.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-06
- VIN: WVGAV7AXXGW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-04
- VIN: 3VV3B7AX1LM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: In my VW Tiguan, the sunglasses component that has the lights, the sunroof buttons, and hands-free microphone, dropped from the roof at the end of the day. It was one of the more warmer days that this happened on and I took it into the VW dealership to have them look at it the next day. The whole component blocked my ability to see and caused blind spots. The dealership gave me the car back with the light component taken out and everything else taped up. This caused a problem to not be able to see out of my rearview mirror. The dealership told me two weeks ago on 9/20 that until the part comes in, which is backordered and I still have an unknown timeframe of it coming in, I will be riding around with it taped up. I have found it difficult to drive even with it taped up because it will come down when the tape gives up. I am unsure of what the cause of it is, but know that this has been our hottest summer in the South since I've had my car.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-02
- VIN: WVGBV7AX6FW
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Premature timing chain failure (at 70,000 miles). Regularly maintenanced. Confirmed by mechanic. Check engine light notified 2 months prior to failure.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-26
- VIN: WVGAV7AX7AW
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Vehicle sometimes displays red check engine light on dash with alarm sounding. Check engine light goes away after the vehicle is stopped briefly and restarted. Oil level is normal. Mechanic found no diagnostic codes when scanned with OBD scanner. Mechanic changed oil pressure sensor, replaced oil, checked oil pan. There is no leaking. But the check engine light still comes on with alarm. It does not seem to be related to miles driven, speed driven, road conditions, or external temperature. Consumer is afraid to drive the car, or sell car. Mileage is 61,000, one owner.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- VIN: 3VVCB7AX2NM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: Vehicle purchased 10.31.2023 at Volkswagen Jackson (Ritchey Automotive) in Jackson, Mississippi. During the course of normal vehicle operation, multiple Travel Assist system failures and alerts as documented within Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 2070207/1 occur. Three repair attempts have previously been performed by Volkswagen Jackson (Ritchey Automotive) in Jackson, Mississippi as documented by invoices dated 20 FEB 2024, 27 FEB 2024, and 12 MAR 2024. These efforts appear to conform with the previously cited Technical Service Bulletin 2070207/1 and confirm the defect(s) and/or nonconformity as per the Bulletin's summary of "48‐23‐ 01-Travel Assist Currently Not Available." The frequency and persistence of visual and auditory safety alerts pose significant hazards to the safety of the driver and vehicle occupants as an unnecessary distraction and nuisance in addition to the direct hazards of antecedent electrical malfunction and driver assistance system defects/nonconformity/failure. This matter has been discussed with dealership staff, yielding no productive resolution, and further assistance is being pursued through Volkswagen Customer CARE. All rights to resolution through alternative means are documented as expressly reserved.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- VIN: 3VV4B7AX6NM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: These vehicles have a really bad throttle response when trying to accelerate from a stop making a turn into traffic. If you try to push the accelerator pedal to accelerate quickly there is a huge delay in the response which will almost cause you to get into an accident. Please investigate and have Volkswagen correct the issue. This is a common issue with 2020 and newer VW tiguan, and Taos and Volkswagen has done nothing to improve it.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX6MM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2021 Volkswagen Tijuan has an oil leak caused by a defective Timing Cover Gasket, and or PCV component(s). If you do a simple Google search, there are thousands of these vehicles experiencing the exact same issue, and numerous individuals are not happy. The warranty is 4 years or 50k miles, this problem occurred at 53K, very convenient for the dealers repairing these vehicles. This is absolutely a design flaw and should qualify for a recall. Please investigate and I am sure you will agree, thank you so much.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-22
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX9MM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I was driving to work a couple days ago and noticed that the control system that is connected to my rear view mirror was broken. It appears that the plastic overhead control system broke where it screws in. When I inspected it the clasps on all four sides broke with the screws still intact to the vehicle. I disconnected the ports so that I can see my mirror. I just bought my vehicle in July 2023 and I rarely use the controls. I don’t think it’s fair that I have to pay for this replacement. In my honest opinion this should never happen. I haven’t replaced it yet because I am unable to afford it at this time. However I don’t think it should be my responsibility since I’ve never had this happen on any vehicle I have owned. It appears to be a default in craftsmanship.
Latest 5 recalls Volkswagen Tiguan
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 57 recalls for different components of the Volkswagen Tiguan.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volkswagen Tiguan 2019
- Report Received Date: 2022-10-31
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
- Consequence: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
- Model: Volkswagen Tiguan 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-07-20
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
- Model: Volkswagen Tiguan 2022
- Report Received Date: 2022-07-20
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
- Model: Volkswagen Tiguan 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-04-06
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
- Consequence: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
- Model: Volkswagen Tiguan 2020
- Report Received Date: 2022-04-06
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
- Consequence: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
Latest negative Volkswagen Tiguan car reviews
Latest positive Volkswagen Tiguan car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2012
After enjoying my Ford Explorer Sport (2 dr) with a manual transmission for 14 years, it was time to move on due to California smog regulations. I looked at options for smaller SUVs with a manual transmission, including the Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, VW Tiguan, and the Kia and Hyundai brothers. While the Korean cars were nicely priced, recent reports indicate that their drive-train is not reliable. The Escape is outdated and lacks power, while the Forester has limited driver space. Fortunately, I found a basic Tiguan with a manual transmission - the only one available in Southern California - and the dealer was willing to sell it for under $21,500 (plus taxes). Although it lacks some fancy accessories like a roof rack or sunroof, the drive-train is solid and it gets better mileage than the EPA sticker suggests. It compares favorably to versions that cost over $30,000!
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Vehicle year: 2015
If you're a fan of the VW GTI but want a higher sitting, more refined ride, the Tiguan is the perfect choice. This SUV is often overlooked, but I don't know why! It's a peppy little vehicle that has made me so happy. The interior is well thought out and intuitive, and even for a 2015 model, it has better technology than you might expect. The interior room is amazing - it looks small from the outside, but when you look inside, it seems cavernous! If you need even more room, the 2017 model added 11 inches to the length. The ride is solid and quiet, and this car is VERY responsive. While the mileage is average, I do a lot of stop and go driving, and highway driving is always immensely better. If you're an average driver, you'll get fairly decent mileage like all the ratings say. I've only had one problem with the gas cap - the tether kept getting stuck in between the cap and mouth of the tank, causing the check engine light to come on. But it was an easy fix. Other than that, I've had no problems in the two years I've owned this awesome SUV. As long as you keep the oil changed and tires filled correctly, your Tiguan will thank you by running smoothly. It has plenty of amazing turbo power that confuses those kids who want to race, and I've never had a mechanical problem - NOT ONE! The fwd model I have is comfortable and has a markedly luxurious feel. I love this car! If you're looking for a small SUV (that still has LOTS of room), try a Tiguan test drive. You'll be pleasantly surprised and glad you tried it!
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Vehicle year: 2010
This compact SUV drives like a small European sports car and has adequate passenger space. The high-quality interior and 4 motion AWD make it a great choice for winter driving. However, I did experience some reliability issues, which began at around 70,000 miles. Despite having to replace several parts, the total cost of dealer completed repairs and maintenance to date (with 108k miles) was $13,600, which I found to be quite high. If you're considering purchasing one of these, I would recommend keeping it until around 60k miles and then trading it in. I personally traded mine in for a Mazda CX-5 in 2016 and have been very pleased with it. My neighbor, who is an airplane mechanic and has a VW with the same 2.0 liter motor as I had in the Tiguan, has also experienced similar problems with it. However, he is able to do all repairs himself, saving thousands of dollars. He has around 200k miles on his VW 2.0 liter, but again has had lots of problems with it. I recently looked at the new 2018 Tiguan with the 2.0 liter engine when at my dealer for an oil change on the CX-5. It's very impressive, larger, redesigned, and they have extended the powertrain warranty to 6 yrs./72k miles. Although I'm tempted, my inner self tells me - no way, don't want those expensive problems again! Sorry VW!
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Vehicle year: 2021
This car is the best car I have found for the price with the best features. It drives amazingly, handles like a dream, and is a real beauty. The 3rd row is also an amazing addition and is great if you have kids that like their own space!
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Vehicle year: 2020
Only have 1100 miles on the car and my Wife and I just love it. We didn't purchase it for the tight handling like we would get with a BMW SUV, but rather for its stylish looks and nice interior features. Although the motor is a bit slow, we still love it. It may be a tad overpriced, but we would definitely recommend it. Additionally, it is very roomy!
Are you having problems with your Volkswagen Tiguan?
Dashawn Rolfson 2025-10-16
Vehicle year: 2009
I've owned my Tiguan for over 5 years now, and even though I bought it used, it still runs well and is generally safe. However, I have found that it can be quite expensive to maintain. The car requires 95 octane gasoline for best performance, which can be difficult to find, and the replacement parts are not just expensive, they are astronomical! For example, I had to pay $618 every time I added regular gasoline due to the sludge that lower octane gases develop on the piston heads. To avoid this, I had to add an additive every time I filled up and only use premium gasoline. Unfortunately, this caused other problems, such as the catalytic converter needing to be replaced due to a yellow film on the inside from the gas problem. Additionally, the mirror defogger/deicers never worked, and there were lights perpetually on the dash, so I didn't know if there really was a problem or not. Lastly, the ignition went due to a small part on the underside of the steering column that also cost a lot. Despite these issues, I still think it's a nice car.
Quinn Batz 2025-10-16
Vehicle year: 2009
I strongly advise against purchasing a Volkswagen due to my personal experience with one of their vehicles. Despite having less than 70k miles, the car experienced multiple issues such as needing a new engine, throttle issues, and an oil leak. In contrast, I have never encountered any issues with other car makers such as Toyota and Nissan. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Volkswagen as a reliable option.
Tremaine Doyle 2025-10-12
Vehicle year: 2018
I understand that you have had a difficult experience with your Volkswagen SUV, and I am sorry to hear that. It is important to note that these issues are not representative of the quality and reliability of Volkswagen vehicles as a whole. I would like to assure you that our team is committed to resolving any concerns you may have and ensuring that your vehicle is safe and reliable. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for further assistance.For a brand new vehicle, experiencing these issues with only 5,600 miles is unacceptable. While I understand that there may be potential recalls on new vehicles due to mass production and the number of parts, it is important to have total confidence in a new vehicle for years to come. It is disheartening to think that my hard-earned money was spent on a lemon, and I am unsure of what issues may arise next. Despite these issues, I must commend the dealer for their excellent customer service and care. However, it is imperative that these issues are resolved promptly and effectively. Update: As of 11/23/18, the vehicle is going back in for repairs again due to issues with the rear windshield washer, the return of the musty smell, and problems with the stereo's bass and sound quality.
Julius Yundt 2025-10-12
Vehicle year: 2020
This car is okay in mild climates, but when we moved to Alaska, it just couldn't handle the weather. I ended up trading it in for a Toyota because I started to really dislike it. While the SEL model has some great upgrades, the lane assist feature reset every time I turned off the car, causing me to almost get into accidents on a daily basis as it tried to find lanes on the snow-covered roads. Additionally, the constant beeping from the sensors when they were covered in snow was incredibly annoying. The controls inside were also finicky and difficult to navigate at times. Overall, it's a decent car if you live in a temperate environment, but I couldn't get rid of it fast enough after almost a year of frustration.
Cruz Carter 2025-10-09
Vehicle year: 2020
The car has experienced some issues, including an oil leak and a broken back door handle, as well as needing to replace the sway bar. Despite these setbacks, I remain confident in my decision to purchase a Volkswagen. While the manual may state that some oil loss is acceptable, I understand the importance of maintaining proper oil levels and will continue to monitor this closely. As a loyal Volkswagen customer, I have owned three of their vehicles and appreciate the quality and style they offer. While I may consider other options in the future, I am confident in my ability to make informed decisions and will continue to prioritize my satisfaction as a customer.