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2011 Volkswagen Tiguan Engine Problems

51 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

51
Complaints
Jan 2017Dec 2017
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (51)

criticalENGINE
Filed: Dec 2024

Your engine stalled while driving at 45 MPH and wouldn't restart easily; when it did start, the vehicle ran very slowly. A mechanic diagnosed complete engine failure. Your fuel pump had been repaired previously, and you've also noticed your horn and instrument panel aren't working.

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NHTSA #: 11632723
criticalENGINE
Filed: Sep 2021

Your engine's timing chain skipped a tooth, which completely destroyed the engine. This problem affected multiple vehicles and was settled through a class action lawsuit, but no official recall was issued for EA888 engines from 2008-2013. Fixing this issue requires complete engine replacement or a full engine rebuild.

NHTSA #: 11433271
criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2020

Your car started sputtering and triggered the check engine light. After adding fuel treatment at the dealer's suggestion, the light stayed on, and your car began having difficulty starting and stalling while driving—once it even died while you were on the road. You believe this matches a known recall for your model, but Volkswagen says the recall was already completed on your vehicle and is now asking you to pay for repairs.

NHTSA #: 11377267
criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2020

Your engine's timing chain broke, causing the engine to sputter and stall when you started it. A mechanic confirmed the timing chain had snapped. Fixing this will require removing the engine cover and replacing the broken timing chain with a new one.

NHTSA #: 11317710
criticalENGINE
Filed: Feb 2020

Your car's timing chain failed while driving, causing the engine to shut down suddenly. While you were fortunately able to pull over safely on a city street, this failure damaged the engine. The timing chain keeps your engine's internal components synchronized, and when it breaks, the engine stops working and can suffer serious internal damage.

NHTSA #: 11308824
highENGINE
Filed: Mar 2020

Your car's water pump failed while you were stopped at a red light. The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through your engine to prevent overheating. If this happens while driving, it could cause your engine to overheat and potentially leave you stranded. Replacing the water pump will be necessary to restore proper cooling function.

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NHTSA #: 11317708
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2019

HAVE HAD 3 VW WATER PUMP FAILURES WITHIN THE PAST 11 MONTHS. THE ORIGINAL WATER PUMP FAILED IN SEPTEMBER 2018; THE REPLACEMENT FAILED IN JUNE 2019; AND ANOTHER REPLACEMENT FAILED IN AUGUST 2019. ALL INSTALLED AT AAA APPROVED MECHANIC SHOPS. COOLANT WOULD RUN LOW AND WHEN ALERTED TO THIS, IT COULD BE OBSERVED FLOWING ONTO THE GROUND WHILE THE VEHICLE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND THE CAR IN MOTION.

NHTSA #: 11244428
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2019

ENGINE SHUT OFF AT A STOPPED POSITION RANDOMLY.

NHTSA #: 11192608
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2018

REAR MAIN OIL SEAL DESIGN IS INSIGNIFICANT. MY BLOWN OUT SEAL LEAKED OIL ONTO HEATED ENGINE COMPONENTS AND CAUSED SMOKE/OIL VAPORS TO BE PULLED INTO CABIN AREA. VEHICLE FIRE COULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND IDLING AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT BUT COULD HAVE JUST AS WELL BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.

NHTSA #: 11162390
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2018

ENGINE OIL LEAK WAS NOTICED FIRST WHEN PARKED. AFTER FIRST REPAIR (NOVEMBER 01, 2018), IT STARTED TO LEAK AGAIN ONLY AFTER TWO DAYS FROM REPAIR. THEN IT WAS AGAIN REPAIRED, BUT IT STARTED TO LEAK THE SAME DAY AGAIN EVEN A NEW OIL PAN WAS REPLACED. NOW T IS UNDER REPAIRING AGAIN (NOT SURE THE COST AND POSSIBILITY TO FIX YET). THIS REPRESENTS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT MAY CAUSE A FIRE OR EVENTUALLY ENGINE TO FAIL. MAY PROVIDE REPAIR REPORT FROM DEALER ONCE IT IS FINALIZED. THANK YOU.

NHTSA #: 11145177
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2018

TENSIONER AND CRANK SHAFT SPROCKET FAILURE. I BELIEVE THERE ARE SOME CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ON THIS AND AM EXPECTING IT TO GO TO RECALL.

NHTSA #: 11119485
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2018

A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON RIGHT AFTER STARTING THE CAR. THE OWNERS MANUAL SHOWED IT AS A "CATALYTIC CONVERTER" WARNING LIGHT AND RECOMMENDED THE CAR BE DRIVEN SLOWLY TO THE NEAREST VW DEALER. BY THE TIME IT ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO RESTART, AND WHEN THEY SCANNED THE CODES, IT SHOWED A PROBLEM WITH CAMSHAFT TIMING. THE DEALER SAYS THE ENGINE SHOULD BE REPLACED.

NHTSA #: 11118072
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (LAKELAND VOLKSWAGEN, 209 S LAKE PARKER AVE, LAKELAND, FL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE MIL SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE AND IDLE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MANIFOLD INTAKE, CRANK CASE BREATHING VALVE, IGNITION COIL, AND NOX SENSOR WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

NHTSA #: 11112194
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2018

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR EVERYTHING WAS FINE GOING GOOD AS SHE WENT TO PUT IN PARK THE CAR JUST STOPPED..THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED. IT'S STILL NOT RUNNING ST ALL FOR NO REASON AT ALL.THE MAINTENANCE ON CAR IS UP TO DATE AS WELL AS BRAND NEW TIRES PUT ON.

NHTSA #: 11102266
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2018

I HAD DID THIS BACK IN JANUARY AS WELL AS THE CAR ITSELF WAS NOT FEELING RIGHT. ON THE NEWS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BETWEEN MILES OF 57 THOUSAND TO OVER 100 THOUSAND COMPLAINED ABOUT ENGINE,MOTOR COMPLETELY STOPPING,COMPLETELY NOT WORKING. MY CAR AS WELL JUST FULLY STOPPED FOR NO REASON.IVE CALLED MY WARRANTY COMPANY AND DUE TO IT BEING JUST 100 THOUSAND MILES AND TWO THOUSAND OVER BUT A YEAR 2019 STILL THEY WILL NOT HELP ME AT ALL.MY CAR IS STUCK IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH ME NOT HAVING A CAR TO DRIVE .I NEED HELP THIS IS NOT NORMAL THAT AN RHINE WITH NO PRIOR SIGNS JUST STOPS .I AM LOOKING FURTHER FOR MY OPTIONS AS I'M GETTING NO HELP THRU ANY VW.

NHTSA #: 11102267
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2018

BRIGHT RED "OIL CAN" STARTS FLASHING ON SCREEN WHILE ON MAJOR HIGHWAY. MADE I HOME. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR KEPT STALING BEFORE I EVEN LEFT FOR WORK. FOUND OUT NO OIL WAS BEING DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE MOTOR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. LOUD NOISE COULD ALSO BE THE TIMING BELT, WHICH IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE VEHICLES. NOW I HAVE A CAR THAT IS NOT PAID OFF, AND I CAN'T DRIVE. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE.

NHTSA #: 11092664
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2018

CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, NO DASH LIGHTS, ODD SOUNDS OR ANYTHING TO INDICATE ISSUE. LAST OIL CHANGE WAS NORMAL AND ALMOST DUE FOR NEW OIL CHANGE. AT 109K MILES, WENT TO START THE CAR AND TURNED OVER BUT IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN. THOUGHT MAYBE KEY FOB OR FUEL PUMP BUT HAD TO HAVE TOWED TO VW DEALER. UPON REVIEWING, DEALER EXPLAINED THAT CAR SUDDENLY JUMPED THE TIMING CHAIN AND RUINED THE ENGINE, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF NEW ONE COSTING $8000+. SINCE OUT OF WARRANTY, VW WILL NOT ASSIST IN ANY WAY EVEN THOUGH APPEARS TO BE COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE CAR IS MOVING.

NHTSA #: 11081069
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2018

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START MY CAR, IT WOULD NOT 'CATCH' AND START RUNNING. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED. THE RESULT WAS A SLIPPED TIMING CHAIN THAT RENDERED THE ENGINE USELESS. I WILL NEED A WHOLE NEW ENGINE. I UNDERSTAND NOW THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF ENGINE FROM VOLKSWAGEN. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 82,000+ MILES AND IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, IS TOO EARLY FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURE.

NHTSA #: 11062409
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2018

MY CAR WOULD JUST B DEAD.COULDNT START IT WITH A JUMP.NEDED IT TOWED.FOUND OUT IT WAS A TIMING CHANGE AND NEEDED TO B DONE ASAP OTHERWISE ENGINE COULD STOP WORKING.OF COURSE NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THE DEALERSHIP COSTS WERE OUTRAGEOUS SO DECIDED TO GO ANOTHER PLACE WHICH CHARGED ME HALF THE MONIES TO GET IT DONE.TIL THIS DAY THE CAR NEVER RUNS RIGHT.

NHTSA #: 11062495
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2017

WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR AND THE ENGINE SEIZED AND SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY AS WE WERE IN MOTION. UNABLE TO START ENGINE AGAIN. AT 52,000 MILES, THE VW MOHEGAN LAKE MOTORS TOLD US THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $8K. RESEARCH INDICATES IT HAD BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH VW ISSUING TECHNICAL SHEETS ABOUT THE ENGINE IN THESE MODELS AND HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THEY REFUSED TO PAY BECAUSE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY WHICH HAD ENDED A MONTH BEFOREHAND.

NHTSA #: 11057731
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2017

CAR WAS DRIVEN HOME WITH NO ENGINE NOISE OR SMOKING AND PARKED BY THE STORM DRAINAGE. NO SIGNS OR ANYTHING PRIOR THAT THE CAR NEEDED SERVICING. ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER WENT OUTSIDE TO MOVE THE CAR UP FROM THE DRAINAGE ABOUT 5 FEET TO IN FRONT OF THE CENTER OF THE HOUSE IN FRONT OF THE DOOR. OPENED CAR DOOR AND PLACED KEY IN TO TURN THE ENGINE ON. ENGINE JUST TURNED BUT WOULD NOT IGNITE OR COME ON. ON 12/26/17 CONTACTED THE DEALER AND STATED THE ISSUE. QUICK THOUGHT WAS THE FUEL PUMP OR MODULE WENT OUT. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS AND RESEARCH. FOUND OUT THE ENGINE HAD "JUMPED TIMING" OR TENSIONER HAD CRASHED THE ENGINE. CAR HAS 63K MILES AND NOW TO FIX IT WILL COST 7000.00. DEALER STATED WITH A 10% DISCOUNT THE COST WILL BE LOWERED 6,1000.00 PLUS TAXES. TOTAL RIP OFF THE CAR HAS A WARRANTY OF 36K WHEN PURCHASED BUT NOW HAS PAST THE MILEAGE TIMEFRAME BUT THE (TENSIONER) IS NOT TO GO OUT OR HAVE PROBLEMS UNTIL THE VEHICLE REACHES AROUND 120K .

NHTSA #: 11057066
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2017

THE GEARBOX FUSED TO THE TRANSMISSION AND NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED.

NHTSA #: 11020953
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2017

ON AUGUST 15, 2017 I ATTEMPTED TO START MY VEHICLE AFTER SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR 24 HRS. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED CATASTROPHIC INTERNAL TOP-END DAMAGE DUE TO A FAILED TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. QUOTED $6,600.00 TO REPAIR. VOLKSWAGEN HAS REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. VEHICLE HAS 64,000 MILES AND ALL FACTORY RECOMMENDED SERVICES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AT THE DEALERSHIP(S). VW DOES NOT RECOMMEND ANY SERVICE OR INSPECTION BE DONE TO THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER OR AFFILIATED COMPONENTS AT OR EVEN NEAR THE MILEAGE THAT MY VEHICLE HAS RECORDED. DUE TO THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS REGISTERED, LAWSUITS FILED AND VW,S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THIS PROBLEM I BELIEVE THIS NOT TO BE AN ISOLATED EVENT. THERE APPEARS TO BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH THE TENSIONER THAT VW IS AWARE OF YET REFUSES TO PROPERLY ADDRESS OR PROVIDE REMEDY.

NHTSA #: 11020597
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2017

TAKATA RECALL: ON AUGUST 7, 2017, MY CAR WAS ON STATIONARY MODE AND WHEN I TRIED TO TURN IT ON BUT FAILED TO DO SO, I THOUGHT THEN THAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE WITH THE STARTER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 FOR DIAGNOSTICS. ON MONDAY, AUGUST 21ST, I GET A CALL BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP SAYING THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONING SYSTEM. THE CHAIN TENSIONING SYSTEM HAS A MAJOR DEFECT THAT CAN CAUSE THE CHAIN TO LOSE TENSION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF, WHICH CAN ALLOW THE CHAIN TO 'JUMP A TOOTH' IN THE CAR'S CAMSHAFT AND CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE. THIS IS VERY UPSETTING AND CATASTROPHIC FOR ME SINCE I HAVE NO FAULT WITH THIS $7000 TO $10,000 DEFECT. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT VOLKSWAGEN VIOLATED CONSUMER PROTECTION, FEDERAL WARRANTY, AND ANTI-FRAUD LAWS. IF I NEW THAT THE TIGUAN HAD SUCH A DEFECT, I WOULDN'T HAVE BOUGHT IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!

NHTSA #: 11019955
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2017

CAR STARTED LOSING POWER IN FAST LANE I35 75MPH. WE WAITED FOR A CLEARING AND JERKED CAR HARD RIGHT TO GET TO SHOULDER/GRASS. ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF ON SHOULDER. TOWED TO REPAIR. SAID CAMSHAFT BRIDGE FILTER IS FAULTY AND MALFUNCTION HAS DESTROYED WHOLE ENGINE. LUIKART'S WACO SAID HAS SEEN NUMEROUS EXACT PROBLEMS W THIS ENGINE TYPE WITH SAME PROBLEM. HE EXPECTS A CLASS ACTION TO EMERGE IN THE FUTURE. VW DENIED ANY PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE. MECHANIC SAYS VW IS TRACKING ALL VINS WHEN NEW CAMSHAFT IS ORDERED.

NHTSA #: 11019378
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2017

TIMING CHAIN - DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE MADE A CLICKING WINING NOISE AND CAME TO A STOP. IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN. THE OIL BREATHER/REAR MAIN SEAL IS ALSO LEAKING.

NHTSA #: 11019066
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2017

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING COMPLETE ENGINE DESTRUCTION. 67,000 MILES. VW NORTH AMERICA SAID THEY ARE AWARE OF THE COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS ABOUT THE TENSIONER BUT SINCE THE WARRANTY IS ONLY FOR 60,000 MILES THEY WERE NOT GOING TO COVER IT. $8,000 REPAIR BILL FROM THE DEALER.

NHTSA #: 11019167
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL PUMP MODULE, THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OR LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,200.

NHTSA #: 11018866
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2017

TURBO FAILURE, WATER PUMP FAILURE, AND REAR MAIN SEAL FAILURE. ALL RIGHT AFTER HITTING 100K MILES. NEARLY 5K IN TOTAL REPAIR COSTS. I'VE EXPERIENCED REDUCED PERFORMANCE BECAUSE OF THE TRURBO ISSUES. ISSUES PULLING OUT ON TO STREETS, OR ON RAMPS. I OPTED OUT OF THE REPAIR AT THE TIME DUE TO VW WANTING 2.2K TO REPLACE THE TURBO, WHICH SHOULD BE ALMOST A LIFETIME PART. I THEN TOOK IT BACK 2 WEEKS LATER FOR THE WATER PUMP WHICH WAS LEAKING FLUID EVERYWHERE, THEY REPLACED THE WATER PUMP BUT FAILED TO MENTION THAT THE REAR MAIN SEAL WILL NEED REPLACED AS WELL. REAR MAIN SEAL IS COMMON, AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF ENOUGH OIL LEAKS ON TO THE EXHAUST.

NHTSA #: 11010654
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2017

I PURCHASED MY TIGUAN THREE YEARS AGO AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED CAR. IT WAS WORKING GREAT UNTIL A FEW DAYS AGO I WENT TO GO START IT WHILE IT WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND IT WOULDN'T START. I HAD IT TOWED TO FIRST A MECHANIC WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE VALVES WERE BENT AND NO COMPRESSION WAS IN ANY OF MY CYLINDERS. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT MY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER HAD FAILED CAUSING MASSIVE ENGINE DAMAGE. NO WARNINGS. NO INDICATORS. BUT A BILL FOR OVER $6,000 WHICH VOLKSWAGEN HAS ONLY TOLD ME TO "KEEP RECEIPTS AND PROOF SHOULD THEY ISSUE A RECALL IN THE FUTURE." VW IS IGNORING A MASSIVE FAULT IN THEIR ENGINES THAT MAKES THEIR TENSIONERS FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY AND PREMATURELY AND RUIN ENGINES WITHOUT THE DRIVER NEEDING TO HAVE MOVE THE VEHICLE AND THEY'RE DOING NOTHING TO WARN CONSUMERS OF THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA #: 11002429
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2017

CARBON BUILDUP IN ENGINE AT 65K MILES, VEHICLE WAS MAINTAINED AS RECOMMENDED BY VW. PCV VALVE COMPLETE FAILURE AT 88K MILES WHICH RESULTED IN FAILURE OF THE REAR MAIN SEAL WHICH REQUIRES REMOVAL OF TRANSMISSION (ROUGHLY $2,000 OF REPAIRS). THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY DEALERS AND SERVICE CENTERS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT OR IMPROPER APPLICATION OF SEALANT.

NHTSA #: 11000433
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2017

TURBOCHARGER LEAKS OIL

NHTSA #: 10986285
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2017

THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED CAUSING MASSIVE ENGINE DAMAGE, DESPITE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED MASSIVE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE.

NHTSA #: 10984230
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2017

ENGINE SHUDDERS AS IF IT WILL STALL BUT DOES NOT. HAPPENS AFTER COLD START, GOES AWAY WITH SLOWLY REVVING ENGINE IN PARK. TRIGGERS ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. OIL BEING PUSHED OUT OF CYLINDERS AND LEAKING UNDER ENGINE. ALSO HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP.

NHTSA #: 10983915
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2017

THE CAR HAD AN EXTREME MISFIRE AT IDLE AND VERY ROUGH RUNNING. I TOOK THE CAR FOR AN INSPECTION AT THE VW DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE CHAIN HAD STRETCH BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE GET AN STABLE TIMING. AFTER DISSEMBLING THE OPENING UP THE HOUSE COVERING THE TIMING CHAIN THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE CAM SCREEN HAD COME LOOSE AND LIKING CAUSED THE CHAIN TO STRETCH. VW TOLD ME IT WOULD BE WISE TO HAVE THE CAM REPLACED IN CASE THE SCREEN CAUSED ANY DAMAGE IT TO IT AS WELL. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED I ASKED THEM DIRECTLY IF THE TENSIONER HAD FAILED AND THEY THEN ADMITTED THAT THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF BAD TENSIONER NOT A STRETCHED CHAIN. THE VW MANAGER TOLD ME HE WAS AWARE OF THE TBS ON THE TENSIONER FAILURES. THE MANAGER CHOOSE TO MAKE UP AN UNBELIEVABLE STORY TO COVER THE TRUE PROBLEM. THE CHAIN WAS NOT STRETCHED AND THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAM SHAFT. I DIRECTLY COMPLAIN TO VW AND THEY TOLD ME IN A LETTER THE "TSBS DON'T INDICATE TRENDS AMONG OUR VEHICLES, AS THEY ARE ISSUED TO OUT DEALERSHIPS FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY." THIS IS A CAREFULLY CONSTRUCTED STATEMENT TO OBFUSCATE THE TRUTH. INITIAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. THE MILEAGE WAS 77300. THE FAILURE ON THIS ENGINE APPEARS TO HAVE SPARED DAMAGE TO THE VALVE BUT A MORE SERIOUS FAILURE COULD HAVE SHUT DOWN THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF A 4 LANE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA #: 10940319
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2017

THE CAR HAD AN EXTREME MISFIRE AT IDLE AND VERY ROUGH RUNNING. I TOOK THE CAR FOR AN INSPECTION AT THE VW DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE CHAIN HAD STRETCHED BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE GET A STABLE TIMING. AFTER DISSEMBLING AND OPENING UP THE HOUSE COVERING THE TIMING CHAIN THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE CAM SCREEN HAD COME LOOSE AND LIKING CAUSED THE CHAIN TO STRETCH. VW TOLD ME IT WOULD BE WISE TO HAVE THE CAM REPLACED IN CASE THE SCREEN CAUSED ANY DAMAGE IT TO IT AS WELL. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED I ASKED THEM DIRECTLY IF THE TENSIONER HAD FAILED AND THEY THEN ADMITTED THAT THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF BAD TENSIONER NOT A STRETCHED CHAIN. THE VW MANAGER TOLD ME HE WAS AWARE OF THE TBS ON THE TENSIONER FAILURES. THE MANAGER CHOOSE TO MAKE UP AN UNBELIEVABLE STORY TO COVER THE TRUE PROBLEM. THE CHAIN WAS NOT STRETCHED AND THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAM SHAFT. I DIRECTLY COMPLAIN TO VW AND THEY TOLD ME IN A LETTER THE "TSBS DON'T INDICATE TRENDS AMONG OUR VEHICLES, AS THEY ARE ISSUED TO OUT DEALERSHIPS FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY." THIS IS A CAREFULLY CONSTRUCTED STATEMENT TO OBFUSCATE THE TRUTH. INITIAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. THE MILEAGE WAS 77300. THE FAILURE ON THIS ENGINE APPEARS TO HAVE SPARED DAMAGE TO THE VALVE BUT A MORE SERIOUS FAILURE COULD HAVE SHUT DOWN THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF A 4 LANE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA #: 10940323
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2016

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED 09/11/16. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME THE LIGHT ENGAGED. DROPPED OFF AT DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE TENSIONER HAD FAILED AND THE FOLLOWING HAD TO BE REPLACED: TENSIONER, TIMING CASE, SEALENT, GASKET, BRACKET, VALVE, AND RAIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUGHT EARLY ENOUGH THAT UPON INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE THEY FOUND NO DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THERE IS NO MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE IN THE MANUAL FOR THE TENSIONER. HE ALSO STATED THAT DUE TO THE TENSIONER FAILING, THE TIMING CHAIN WAS SKIPPING LINKS WHICH WOULD HAVE LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO DASH BOARD MESSAGES INDICATING WHY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS TRIGGERED. PLEASE SEE ENCLOSED INVOICE AS ATTACHED.

NHTSA #: 10906218
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2016

REFERENCE TSB 15-12-01 (NHTSA 10045560) AND TSB 15-11-04 (NHTSA 10043276) WHERE THE TIMING CHAIN SENSOR FAILS PREMATURELY RESULTING IN TIMING CHAIN SLIPPAGE AND CATOSTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE. SEE VW COMPLAINT CASE # 160737061 WHEREBY VW DENIES FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DUE TO VEHICLE MILEAGE. THIS IS A KNOWN AND RECURRING ISSUE TO A VEHICLE COMPONENT THAT IS DESIGNED TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE BY THE OEM'S ADMISSION. VW NEEDS TO EXTEND WARRANTY COVERSAGE FOR DAMAGES RELATED TO TIMING CHAIN SLIPPAGE TO A REASONABLE VEHICLE LIFE EXPECTANCY AND NOT A CONVENIENT LIFE EXPECTANCY.

NHTSA #: 10892747
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO THE TIMING CHANGE TENSIONER AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

NHTSA #: 10892849
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHORTLY AFTER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE ANY FURTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN HAD THE VEHICLE RUNNING WITH THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. ..UPDATED 10/26/16 *BF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. *JS

NHTSA #: 10884759
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2016

AFTER AN OIL CHECK AND REPLACEMENT, WITHIN 4 WEEKS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR HAS EXAGGERATED SOUNDS AFTER SHUT DOWN (TOLD THIS IS THE FAN COOLING DOWN CAR) . THE SYMBOL APPEARING ON THE DASH AS INDICATED IN THE MANUAL, STATES THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, BUT WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TURBO BYPASS VALVE $359.11 + TAX AND COOLING FANS $949.00+TAX , PLUS THE NEED FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE $129.50 +TAX AND MAY BE THE TURBO HAS TO BE REPLACED $2233.16 + TAX, AFTER THEY DO THE INITIAL REPAIRS. NOW THE CAR IS OVER HEATING WHEN IN TRAFFIC AND ON HOT DAYS. PLEASE NOTE WE WERE TOLD THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS PUT IN THE CAR IN 2014, BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AFTER IT STALLED AND WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON. SINCE THE REPAIRS ARE SO EXPENSIVE FOR THESE LATEST ISSUES WE HAVE NOT DONE THE REPAIRS. WRESTLING WITH KEEPING THE CAR, SINCE IT HAS HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES. JUST BEFORE IT STALLED PREVIOUSLY THERE WAS A EPC LIGHT AND A CATALYTIC CONVERTER LIGHT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND IT REMAINED THERE FOR A FEW DAYS AND WAS TOLD PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE EPC LIGHT CAME BACK ON. THIS TIME THE CAR STAYED WITH THE DEALER FOR OVER A MONTH AND EVENTUALLY WE WERE TOLD A 2014 ENGINE WOULD BE PLACED IN THE CAR. THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT THE EXACT PROBLEM WAS. WE WERE TOLD IT MAY BE DUE TO SLUG IN THE ENGINE. DESPITE THIS THE COST FOR THE ENGINE WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. LATER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS CHANGED AND FOR A WHILE NO PROBLEMS UNTIL NOW. NOW WE HAVE A VERY EXPENSIVE FAN AND TURBO PROBLEM WITH NO WARRANTY TO COVER THE COST. THIS CAR HAS HAD TOO MANY ISSUES, MOST OCCURRING WITHIN JUST 5 YEARS OF THE PURCHASE. WE USUALLY JUST LEAVE IT AT HOME AND USE OUR SON'S CAR FOR LONG DISTANCES.

NHTSA #: 10884182
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2016

MY VW 2011 TIGUAN'S TIMING BELT SKIPPED AND END UP DAMAGING THE ENGINE. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, MY WIFE, A COUPLE OF HOURS BEFORE CAME BACK FROM A MEETING IN THE CAR AND PARKED IT. THEN WHEN SHE WENT BACK TO THE CAR IT CRANKED BUT DIDN'T TURN ON. IT ONLY HAS 58K MILES BUT VW IS NOT RESPONDING BECAUSE IT WAS 5 MONTH PAST THE WARRANTY END DATE. THIS HAPPENED IN 5/2016... MOST OF THE RECOMMENDED SCHEDULED MAINTAINANCE WERE PERFORMED AND MOST HAVE BEEN PERFORMED IN THE DEALERSHIP BUT THE LAST ONE THAT WAS PERFORMED IN FIRESTONE. STILL NO RESOLUTION FROM VW OTHER THAN TELLING US THAT WE ARE OUT OF LUCK AND THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, ABOUT $12K.

NHTSA #: 10883128
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2016

COMMON FAILED TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER ON MANY VW'S TSI ENGINES , CAUSED COMPLETE ENGINE DAMAGE AND COSTLY REPAIR, LUCKLY NO INJURIES HAPPENED VW REFUSED TO REPAIR EVEN THOUGH CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WHEN DAMAGE OCCURRED .

NHTSA #: 10865187
mediumENGINE
Filed: Apr 2016

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE AT 70,000 MILES. SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHEN THE TIMING CHAIN JUMPED TIME. THE TENSIONER FAILURE IS A KNOWN AND CONFIRMED ISSUE SINCE 2012.

NHTSA #: 10855650
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MANIFOLD WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CRANK CASE BREATHER VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

NHTSA #: 10837538
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL, WHICH WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA #: 10825812
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT TWO OF THE IGNITION COILS WERE NOT FIRING WELL. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE COILS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,407.

NHTSA #: 10780484
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2015

PROBLEMS STARTED AT 15,822 MILES. PARKING BRAKE SWITCH JAMMING. AT 44,690 MILES ENGINE AND EPC. LIGHTS COMES ON, ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. FOUND 2 FAULTS SET INECM FOR RANDOM CYLINDER MISS FIRES (P0300) AND MISS FIRES ON CYL 2 (P0302). CHECKED FREEZE FROM DATA AND FOUND FAULT WERE SET AT ENGINE START UP. PERFORMED DE-CARBAN SERVICE, AT 45,400 OIL LEAK FROM DRAIN PLUG WASHER. LONG-LIFE WASHER ON DRAIN PLUG LEAKING. BLUETOOTH MALFUNCTIONING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 49,084. ALSO PROBLEM AND FOUND INTERNAL MALFUNCTION IN NEW MODEL. AT 50,011 MILES, FOUND FAULTS FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH CIRCUIT RANGE PERFORMANCE. REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD AND RESEAL FUEL INJECTORS. AT 54,618 MILES, DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT BULB REPLACED. FOUND VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKING. AT 54,902 MILES FOUND VALVE COVER AND UPPER CHAIN COVER GASKET LEAKING. REPLACED VALVE COVER SEALANT, UPPER TIMING CHAIN COVER AND VACUUM PUMP GASKET. AT 63,186 MILES. FUEL RAIL PRESSURE TOO LOW, DETERMINED HIGH PRESSURE PUMP INTERNALLY FAULTY. AT 68.222 MILES DRIVER DOOR HINGES LOOSE. AT 68,222 MILES FUSE PROBLEMS. F16 BURNED AS WELL AS PANEL. HAD ALSO REPLACED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FUSE. PROBLEMS ARE ON GOING. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT STILL LOOSES POWER AND STALLS WHILE DRIVING. ENGINE AND EPC LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. VW USA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND DECLARE THE CAR UNSAFE. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH FATALITIES OCCUR.

NHTSA #: 10723855
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2015

WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO SHAKE, LOSE SPEED--THE ECM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON--WAS DETERMINED THAT AN IGNITION COIL HAD FAILED--HAVE HAD A ANOTHER IGNITION COIL FAILURE IN FEB. 2015. *TR

NHTSA #: 10692818
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2014

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING THE TIMING TO JUMP DESTROYING THE ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10618373
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2014

THIS CAR DOES NOT FEEL SAFE. SEVERAL TIMES THE CAR HAS JUST STOPPED. STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND STARTED TO GO AND CAR JUST DIED. NO LIGHTS, NO WARNING. I START UP THE CAR, MOVE FORWARD AND GET READY TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND CAR JUST DIES. VW SAID THEY NEED TO HAVE WARNING LIGHTS OR SOMETHING SO THEY CAN GET THE INFORMATION FROM THE COMPUTER AND SINCE THERE ARE NONE, IT WON'T TELL THEM ANYTHING. EVEN IN HIGH-SPEED DRIVING IT SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE THERE IS A LULL OR THAT FUEL IS NOT BE INJECTED. CAR DOES NOT FEEL SAFE. I ONLY USE PREMIUM GAS AND KEEP IT ABOVE 1/4 OF A TANK AS WELL. I DO NOT TRUST THIS CAR. UNFORTUNATELY, I CANNOT CHANGE IT OUT AT THIS TIME. *TR

NHTSA #: 10575523

Other 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan Issues