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ProblemsByVin File / 2011-VOLKSWAGEN-TIGUAN
2011 · volkswagen

volkswagen Tiguan problems

1 safety recall. 160 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
51 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
39 reports · avg $850
moderate
lighting
17 reports · avg $250
severe
steering
14 reports · avg $700
severe
airbags
13 reports · avg $1,100
severe
powertrain
8 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
cruise control
3 reports · avg $600
severe
fuel system
3 reports · avg $1,200
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2011 Tiguan · engine
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…
12/31/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057731.0
2011 Tiguan · engine
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…
12/28/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057066.0
2011 Tiguan · electrical
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT, MULTIPLE INDICATOR LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER: CHECK FRONT RIGHT LOW BEAM, CHECK FRONT RIGHT FOG LIGHT, CHECK REAR LEFT SIDE LIGHT, CHECK LEFT FRONT SIDE LIGHT, NUMBER PLATE CHECK LICENSE PLATE LIGHTING, CHECK THIRD BRAKE…
12/28/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10490408.0
2011 Tiguan · engine
⁠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…
12/27/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11632723.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 13V569000 22/11/2013

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

If the holder melts, there may be a partial loss of exterior lighting. Reduced vehicle illumination diminishes the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 97Z9/2V.

Common questions

Is the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 51 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Volkswagen Tiguan has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 160 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with volkswagen. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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