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 …
2011 volkswagen Tiguan engine problems
moderate 51 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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. O…
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 …
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.
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 …
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 volkswagen Tiguan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 51 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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