2011 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 62

“⁠The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle started however the vehicle drove slowly. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump was previously repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and was not repaired. The contact mentioned that the horn…”
NHTSA complaint #11632723, 2024

“My Tiguan randomly shuts down or stalls while driving. I have come very close to accidents because It is in the middle of the road where I can't pull over, people coming around a curve behind me that may not have time to brake, specifically RV's and Semi-trucks. It is terrifying. I have maintained my vehicle meticulously and payed thousands in repairs only to be told by dealerships and VW corporate offices that there is nothing they will or can do and that there are no recalls and out of warranty. However...There WAS one in 2014 citing DANGEROUS to drive because of stalling. According to KBB.…”
NHTSA complaint #11604747, 2024

“Timeing chain skipped a tooth destroyig the engine completely. Yes its available for inspection upon request. The problem has been settled in a class action lawsuit but no recall has been issued for ea888 engines between 2008 and 2013”
NHTSA complaint #11433271, 2021

Electrical System 46 1 fire

“LAST WEEK MY WIFE TOLD ME THAT SHE COULD SMELL AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND FEEL A BURNING SENSATION COMING FROM HER VW DRIVER?S SEAT WHILE SHE HAD HER SEAT WARMER ON. I IMMEDIATELY HAD HER TAKE IT IN TO THE LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THIS ISSUE IS A FIRE HAZARD AND SAFETY ISSUE AS WE COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR THAT THE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COULD CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE POWER ASSISTED SYSTEMS WHILE IN MOTION RENDERING THE CAR UNMANAGEABLE IN TRAFFIC. ADDITIONALLY, WE COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THE BURNING PAIN TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE DRIVER?S SEAT TO…”
NHTSA complaint #10678667, 2015 · fire

“My Tiguan randomly shuts down or stalls while driving. I have come very close to accidents because It is in the middle of the road where I can't pull over, people coming around a curve behind me that may not have time to brake, specifically RV's and Semi-trucks. It is terrifying. I have maintained my vehicle meticulously and payed thousands in repairs only to be told by dealerships and VW corporate offices that there is nothing they will or can do and that there are no recalls and out of warranty. However...There WAS one in 2014 citing DANGEROUS to drive because of stalling. According to KBB.…”
NHTSA complaint #11604747, 2024

“The clock spring is broken in my 2011 VW Tiguan at 114,000 miles. Therefore, the driver airbag on the steering wheel does not work. Therefore, there is a safety issue if one drives the car. The problem is not fixed because there are no parts to fix it. Apparently there is a chip in the clock spring and there are no chips available to manufacture replacement springs. I was told that the part has been on back order since October 2021. I was told that the part may be available in July 2022, but there are no guarantees. Until a replacement part is available, the vehicle is potentially unsafe to d…”
NHTSA complaint #11463294, 2022

Exterior Lighting 39 1 crash 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS, BRAKE, AND TURN SIGNALS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A MELTED FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX AND AS A RESULT, THE FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10551953, 2013 · fire

“WAS DRIVING AIR BAG NEVER CAME OUT THE IMPACT WAS FRONT.”
NHTSA complaint #11131769, 2018 · crash

“THE LIGHTS ON THE CAR START FLASING ,WHEN YOU TURN OF THE CAR , EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD & THE STERRING WHEEL HAVE A NOISE SOUND LIKE THE CLOCK RING HAS SOME DUST IN SIDE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11330670, 2020

Air Bags 30 2 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, WHEN APPROXIMATING A GREEN LIGHT, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT MADE A SUDDEN COMPLETE STOP CAUSING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT FOR THE CONTACT BUT THE INJURIES SUSTAINED WERE UNKNOWN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILA…”
NHTSA complaint #11206831, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WAS DRIVING AIR BAG NEVER CAME OUT THE IMPACT WAS FRONT.”
NHTSA complaint #11131769, 2018 · crash

“My 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan was included in the Volkswagen clock spring safety recall. According to Volkswagen’s records, the recall repair was completed in 2016. The same defect has now reoccurred: the steering wheel controls, horn, and driver airbag are disabled again due to a failed clock spring. This is a reoccurring safety defect that directly affects the airbag system. The airbag warning light is on, and the driver airbag is currently non‑functional. I contacted Volkswagen corporate, and they confirmed that my VIN was included in the original recall and that the repair was performed. How…”
NHTSA complaint #11712684, 2026

Steering 14 1 crash

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHIN THE LIMITED SPEED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SUDDENLY OUT OF MY CONTROL. THE CAR MOVED LEFT AND RIGHT, BUT I COULDN'T CONTROL IT. I HIT THE BRAKE AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED BY HIT THE GUARDRAIL AFTER TURNING 180 DEGREE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT WAS ON BUT DISAPPEARED AFTERWARDS. THIS WAS A REALLY SCARING EXPERIENCE. I COULD BE KILLED. AFTER COMPLAINING THE STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM TO VOLKSWAGEN, SINCE THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT (ORANGE) DISAPPEARED, THE CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE SAID IT WAS ME WHOM CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. I WAS FURIOUS AND INSISTED ON THE ISS…”
NHTSA complaint #10483563, 2012 · crash

“The clock spring is broken in my 2011 VW Tiguan at 114,000 miles. Therefore, the driver airbag on the steering wheel does not work. Therefore, there is a safety issue if one drives the car. The problem is not fixed because there are no parts to fix it. Apparently there is a chip in the clock spring and there are no chips available to manufacture replacement springs. I was told that the part has been on back order since October 2021. I was told that the part may be available in July 2022, but there are no guarantees. Until a replacement part is available, the vehicle is potentially unsafe to d…”
NHTSA complaint #11463294, 2022

“I OWN A 2011 VW TIGUAN AND IS THE WORST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED. 1. INITIALLY I HAD A BAD TURBO AT 60,000 MILES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SHOWED AND ENDED UP A BAD TURBO. 2. A BAD OIL LEAK FROM ONE OF THE ENGINE GASKET ONLY HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING 3. A BAD COOLANT LEAK. I WAS DRIVING AND I SAW THE OVERHEATING LIGHT ON I PULLED OVER AND ADDED COOLANT 5 MINUTES LATER WAS EMPTY AGAIN. 4. BAD POWER STEERING PUMP I WAS TURNING AND HEADS SOMETHING MAKING NOISE ON THE STEERING AND HAD TO REPLACE BEFORE SOMETHING MAJOR HAPPENED. AND NEXT I'M GETTING RID OF IT. TO BAD VERY BAD EXPERIENCE OWNING ONE OF THIS.…”
NHTSA complaint #11286988, 2019

Unknown Or Other 11

“I OWN A 2011 VW TIGUAN AND IS THE WORST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED. 1. INITIALLY I HAD A BAD TURBO AT 60,000 MILES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SHOWED AND ENDED UP A BAD TURBO. 2. A BAD OIL LEAK FROM ONE OF THE ENGINE GASKET ONLY HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING 3. A BAD COOLANT LEAK. I WAS DRIVING AND I SAW THE OVERHEATING LIGHT ON I PULLED OVER AND ADDED COOLANT 5 MINUTES LATER WAS EMPTY AGAIN. 4. BAD POWER STEERING PUMP I WAS TURNING AND HEADS SOMETHING MAKING NOISE ON THE STEERING AND HAD TO REPLACE BEFORE SOMETHING MAJOR HAPPENED. AND NEXT I'M GETTING RID OF IT. TO BAD VERY BAD EXPERIENCE OWNING ONE OF THIS.…”
NHTSA complaint #11286988, 2019

“BELT TENSIONER NOISE /MORNING STARTUP ROUGH IDLE AND MISFIRING.”
NHTSA complaint #11217991, 2019

“I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY PANORAMIC SUN SHADE IS SAGGING COST A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR...1500 AND UP ... MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SOMEHOW IT'S A POOR DESIGN”
NHTSA complaint #11191727, 2019

Fuel/Propulsion System 8

“My Tiguan randomly shuts down or stalls while driving. I have come very close to accidents because It is in the middle of the road where I can't pull over, people coming around a curve behind me that may not have time to brake, specifically RV's and Semi-trucks. It is terrifying. I have maintained my vehicle meticulously and payed thousands in repairs only to be told by dealerships and VW corporate offices that there is nothing they will or can do and that there are no recalls and out of warranty. However...There WAS one in 2014 citing DANGEROUS to drive because of stalling. According to KBB.…”
NHTSA complaint #11604747, 2024

“THE VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY TOLD ME TO PUT GAS TREATMENT IN SEE IF THAT FIXES PROBLEM. IT SEEMED TO HELP A BIT FOR A WEEK BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. THEN ONE MORNING I GOT UP AND TIRED TO START CAR IT HESITATED TO START ALMOST DIED AND STARTED. I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING IT TO VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THANK GOD I WAS JUST DOWN THE ROAD FROM MY HOUSE. IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF IT DIED ON HIGHWAY. ONE OF THE RECALLS ON THIS MODEL IS DESCRIBING WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. BUT WHEN…”
NHTSA complaint #11377267, 2020

“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 complaint #11018866, 2017

Power Train 8

“BELT TENSIONER NOISE /MORNING STARTUP ROUGH IDLE AND MISFIRING.”
NHTSA complaint #11217991, 2019

“I'M NOT SURE WHY THIS ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED BUT THERE'S PLENTY ON THIS THAT PEOPLE ARE EVEN GOING TO THE TV NEWS STATIONS FOR HELP.THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG ,NO LIGHTS,NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ENGINE MOTOR STOPS WORKING. I SPOKE WITH THE WARRANTY COMPANY ,THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY AS WELL AS VOLKSWAGEN... NOT ONE OF THEM WILL COVER THE ISSUE NOR HELP WITH THE ISSUE AT ALL. THE CAR WAS IN GREAT SHAPE AND ONLY JUST TURNED A MONTH AGO TO ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES. I CAN'T AFFORD ALMOST 8 THOUSAND FOR NEW ENGINE AS WELL AS LABOR COSTS. THE CAR IS NOT VERY OLD FOR IT…”
NHTSA complaint #11104111, 2018

“FAULTY PCV LED TO BLOWN REAR MAIN SEAL, TIMING CHAIN COVER, AND OIL SEPARATOR. CO SAID 2011 TIGUANS ARE COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT CLAIMED MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED DESPITE BEING A 2011 TIGUAN.”
NHTSA complaint #11020626, 2017

Service Brakes 4 1 crash

“WAS DRIVING AIR BAG NEVER CAME OUT THE IMPACT WAS FRONT.”
NHTSA complaint #11131769, 2018 · crash

“THE CLOCK SPRING SOUND A LOT, WHEN YOU DO A TURN , AND IT SOUND A LOT , MOVING THE WHEEL, THE BRAKES HAVE A SOUND WHEN YOU ARE GO IN DOWN THE HILL , SEEMS LIKE THE CAR WANT TO STOP ,LIKE SOME BODY IS PUSHING THE BRAKES. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11327455, 2020

“THE PARKING BRAKE SETS ITSELF WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. ALSO, WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND COME TO A STOP, IT WILL NOT ROLL FORWARD OR MOVE UNTIL THE GAS IS PRESSED. THE NECESSITY OF PRESSING THE GAS TO MOVE AT ALL IS ALSO THE CASE IN REVERSE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10509303, 2013

Vehicle Speed Control 4 1 crash

“IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, GAS PEDAL STUCK. PROCEEDED TO JUMP THE CURB, RAN OVER A SIGN, AND THEN INTO A LARGE FLOWER POT. ALL THE WHILE MOTOR RUNNING AT HIGH RPM'S, UNTIL THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED.”
NHTSA complaint #11255769, 2019 · crash

“I WAS TURNING LEFT OFF OF A HWY. I ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO 40 MILES AND THE CAR HESITATED LIKE IT WAS SWITCHING GEARS, DECREASED IN SPEED AND STARTED SHAKING. I PULLED OVER, CHECKED THE GAS CAP, - IT WAS CLOSED. TURN CAR OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES, RESTARTED, CAR STILL SHAKING. I DROVE THE CAR TO SAFE PLACE OFF THE ROAD. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 20 MILES HOURS. I PUT THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON, BUT THEY KEPT GOING OFF. THEN I CALLED THE TOW TRUCK. THE CAR HAD RECEIVED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE INCLUDING SPARK PLUG CHANGES TWO DAYS AGO, BUT THEN THIS HAPPENED. VOLKSWAGON DEALER SERVICE FO…”
NHTSA complaint #10731124, 2015

“VEHICLE SHIFTED TO A LOWER GEAR (IT IS AUTOMATIC), ALMOST KILLING OUR FAMILY ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10668315, 2014

Fuel System 3

“2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL REPAIR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE FAILURE HE EXPERIENCED, WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL # 14V441000. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10640996, 2014

“I BOUGHT A NEW 2011 TIGUAN SE AND IT STALLS OUT AT AROUND 5 MPH. THIS IS VERY DANGERS IN PARKING LOTS ( ROLLED INTO LIGHT POST). VW SERVICE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT IT IN TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO A BAD FUEL INJECTOR WHICH THEY REPLACED , WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN JUST THIS PAST NOVEMBER THEY SAID IT WAS A MELTED FUSE BOX ON TOP OF MY LIGHTS GOING OUT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10552906, 2013

“TRAVELING NORTH/WEST BOUND ON INTERSTATE 94 IN MAPLE GROVE, MN. CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER, STARTED STUTTERING, AND THEN SHUT OFF. WAITED 2 HOURS FOR A TOW ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY WITH A 3 YEAR OLD IN 90 DEGREE HEAT. *TR WAS TOWED TO LUTHER WEST SIDE VW DEALER AND THEY FOUND A FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. THERE HAS BEEN ONGOING ISSUES WITH THESE PUMPS IN PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS 2009 AND 2010. THOSE YEARS WERE INVESTIGATED BY THE NTSB PREVIOUSLY AND THE VW WARRANTY FOR THE PART WAS EXTENDED AS A RESULT. BUT AS OF NOW VW IS REFUSING TO FIX THE PART UNDER WARRANTY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10542745, 2013

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON IN THE CAR IT IS MY DASHBOARD I HAVE HAD IT RESET AND IT STILL KEEPS COMING ON AND IT SAYS AIRBAG ERROR WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS”
NHTSA complaint #11067263, 2018

“MY TIGUAN ONLY RUNNING 50K MILES BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING. WHEN I TOWED IT TO THE MECHANIC, I WAS TOLD THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WERE BAD. THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER DEFECT CAUSED COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. I NOW DO NOT HAVE AN ENGINE. AFTER LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE AND TALKING TO SOME LAWYERS ALL OVER THE US, IT SEEMS LIKE MANY PEOPLE WITH VW TIGUANS (2.0L ENGINES) HAVE THIS ISSUE AND THERE ARE A FEW CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS IN THE US REGARDING THIS MATTER. I SPOKE TO VW OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID THERE…”
NHTSA complaint #10887702, 2016

Seats 2

“I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY PANORAMIC SUN SHADE IS SAGGING COST A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR...1500 AND UP ... MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SOMEHOW IT'S A POOR DESIGN”
NHTSA complaint #11191727, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RAISE THE PASSENGER SEAT FROM THE RECLINED POSITION BUT THE SEAT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT WAS INFORMED THE SEATS WERE DESIGNED NOT TO RAISE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN UNLESS THE DRIVER PHYSICALLY LIFTED THE SEAT FOR THE PASSENGER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ALSO STATED THE SEAT WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10534023, 2013

Parking Brake 1

“2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. CONSUMER STATES MALFUNCTION OF ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH. MOMENTS BEFORE, COFFEE FROM AN OVER-FILLED CUP HAD SPILLED INTO THE RECESSED AREA WHERE THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE SWITCH WAS LOCATED. WHEN THE CONSUMER REACHED FOR SOME NAPKINS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAME TO A SCREAMING HALT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CONSUMER THEN PULLED THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH; AFTER A NUMBER OF PULLS, IT FINALLY RELEASED THE BRAKES AND THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10424855, 2011

Structure 1

“THE LATCH FROM THE TRUNK STOPPED WORKING AND THE TRUNK DOESN'T CLOSE”
NHTSA complaint #11365158, 2020

Suspension 1

“The driver side rear coil spring snapped at 103,000 miles. We just returned from a road trip and are lucky it occurred in the driveway. There was a loud bang when it occurred. The car had to be towed for replacement of both coil springs.”
NHTSA complaint #11430373, 2021

Wheels 1

“ALUMINUM WHEEL HAS CRACK IN IT WITH NO DAMAGE TO TIRE OR AXLE. TIRE WENT FLAT. ONE SERVICE PERSON SAYS DEFECTIVE. ONE WEEK LATER ANOTHER SAID "YOU MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING", WHICH WE DIDN'T. I HAVE PICTURES. I HAVE ESCALATED AT VW. THEY DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR IT. NUMBER ON WHEEL IS: KBA 46696. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10682051, 2015