The Volkswagen Tiguan Years To Avoid
Since its debut in 2007, the Volkswagen Tiguan has captured a significant share of the hotly-contested compact SUV market segment – competing with the likes of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.
The Tiguan has appealed to various consumers by striking a good balance of German engineering, composed handling, interior comfort, and advanced technology features. It is especially favored among families and individuals seeking a versatile, reliable, and well-designed vehicle. It’s one of the best-selling models for Volkswagen for good reason.
You have plenty of model years to choose from for buying a used VW Tiguan. However, like all vehicles, some years are more reliable than others. So for today, we rounded up some of the Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid and some suggestions of which used models are safe to buy as used.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR MODEL OF THE VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
We’re here to simplify picking out the best year, narrowing down your options. Read on to learn about the most reliable Volkswagen Tiguan year, the least reliable options, and anything else you should know.
Which Volkswagen Tiguan Years To Avoid?
Overall, the Tiguan has consistently received average to good reliability ratings. According to Consumer Reports, the Tiguan has typically scored average or above average in reliability, considering factors like body integrity, powertrain performance, and the absence of issues in the electrical system and other components.
But of course, some years have struggled with reliability, so we recommend skipping when buying a used Tiguan, including:
- 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2009 VW Tiguan has the most number of complaints, as per CarComplaints.com, with 345 reports and three recalls. The worst complaints are related to the engine, cooling system, and steering problems. Perhaps the most common and expensive issue with this model year is the faulty timing chain tensioner. Reports of defective tensioners claimed the component is prone to failure and becomes loose, throwing off the engine’s timing. Failure to replace this part caused some owners’ cars to break down.
Many frustrated owners also complained about faulty water pumps in the Tiguan. One person claimed they had to replace the water pump three times within 30,000 miles.
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2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
Unfortunately, the following year was still not good for this SUV. The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan had fewer complaints than the previous model year, but many owners still had many problems. CarComplaints says that the 2010 Tiguan has 246 issues and two recalls under its belt. The worst complaints are engine, cooling system, and AC / heater problems.
With over 22 written complaints, the 2010 Tiguan struggled with major engine issues – easily the worst issue for this model year. It costs a lot to repair, creates dangerous accidents, and causes a lot of hassle to get fixed—definitely, one of the worst Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid.
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan received a facelift, new headlights, and a fancier grille, but the company failed to address many major mechanical issues that plagued the previous years. CarComplaints documented 292 complaints, three recalls, and four ongoing investigations for the 2011 Tiguan. The worst issues, as reported by owners, are related to the engine, electrical, and windows/windshield.
Sadly, the defective timing chain tensioner is still very much present in this Tiguan. CarProblemZoo confirms that the faulty timing chain tensioner on many Volkswagen TSI engines caused significant engine damage, likely leading to costly repairs. According to experts, the earlier version of the tensioner was failure prone and may lead to catastrophic engine failure.
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is much more reliable than the previous models we highlighted. However, it has some serious issues that we can’t overlook. Its reliability ratings are also questionable, like how it received a dismal 1.0 out of 5.0 rating from Consumer Reports. According to the consumer advocate website, the 2016 Tiguan struggled with several major trouble spots like engine, drive system, electric system, and in-car electronics.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has collected 77 complaints and two recalls for the 2016 Tiguan. The majority of the complaints were about the airbags. The vehicle’s steering wheel clock spring is prone to fail, which may prevent the deployment of airbags.
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2017 model year is perhaps the most reliable version in this list of Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports gave the 2017 Tiguan a low reliability verdict of 1.0 out of 5.0. Based on CR’s tests, the 2017 Tiguan performed poorly in several major trouble spots, such as the engine, electric system, power equipment, and in-car electronics.
Other common problems with the 2017 VW Tiguan include excessive carbon buildup in the engine, a worn-out clock spring, and abnormal grinding noises.
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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is a skip for us due to its higher number of complaints and recalls. CarComplaints collected almost 400 complaints and a staggering 13 recalls for the 2018 Tiguan. Its top three issues include premature brake wear, hesitation/stalling during acceleration, and burning oil.
On the other hand, Consumer Reports wasn’t very thrilled with the 2018 Tiguan’s reliability and gave it a low reliability rating of 1.0 out of 5.0. In addition, the SUV performed poorly in various major trouble spots, including the engine, electric system, climate system, and power equipment.
The NHTSA told a similar story, as there were a whopping 68 complaints related to the engine. Some owners reported hesitation when accelerating quickly, excessive jerking when accelerating slowly, and random jerking while driving.
Which Volkswagen Tiguan Years To Buy?
If you don’t mind a newer model, the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid choice for a used compact SUV. Consumer Reports gave it an impressive reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, albeit with a low consumer satisfaction score.
Overall, the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan is considered a distinctive choice in the small SUV class. It was picked as one of Edmunds’ Best 3-Row SUVs for 2020. Consumer reviews are generally positive, with many praising the vehicle’s value, comfort, and tech features. Some users have noted issues with acceleration from a stop, but overall, consumer satisfaction seems high.
Frequently Asked Questions: Volkswagen Tiguan Years to Avoid
Q: Which Volkswagen Tiguan model years have the most complaints and issues?
A: According to CarComplaints.com, the 2009, 2010, and 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan models have the highest number of reported problems. The 2009 Tiguan has 300+ complaints and three recalls, while the 2010 and 2011 models have 240+ and 290+ complaints, respectively.
Q: What are the most common issues with the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?
A: The 2009 VW Tiguan’s most common and expensive problems are related to the engine, cooling system, and steering. A prevalent issue is the faulty timing chain tensioner, which can cause engine damage if not replaced promptly.
Q: Did Volkswagen address the mechanical issues in the 2011 Tiguan?
A: Unfortunately, despite receiving a facelift and some exterior updates, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan still suffered from many of the same mechanical problems as the previous years. The defective timing chain tensioner, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure, is still a significant issue in this model year.
Q: Which Volkswagen Tiguan model year is considered a solid choice for a used compact SUV?
A: If you’re in the market for a newer used Tiguan, the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan is a reliable option. Consumer Reports gave it an impressive reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, and it was even picked as one of Edmunds’ Best 3-Row SUVs for 2020. While some users have reported issues with acceleration from a stop, overall consumer satisfaction remains high for this Tiguan.
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