Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan have filed 7 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Tiguan | 19 |
| 2014 Tiguan | 7 |
| 2015 Tiguan | 4 |
| 2016 Tiguan | 6 |
| 2017 Tiguan (this page) | 7 |
| 2018 Tiguan | 28 |
| 2019 Tiguan | 17 |
| 2020 Tiguan | 16 |
| 2021 Tiguan | 35 |
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM updates for any control module(s) etc.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Coolant Bleed Procedure
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Faulty water pump caused expansive replacement cost aprx $1400.00. Learned from certified mechanic that it was a common problem and a lawsuit is in process against VW USA.
I was driving vehicle and it began to stall. I was a block away from home and made it home turned it off. When I tried to turn it on it would not start. I had it towed where I was told that the engine was BLOWN at no fault of my own. At 119000. I am still paying on this vehicle and can’t even use it. Mechanic says it’s not even worth putting a new engine in. The money I would spend on it I might…
Had engine trouble with your 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 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?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 50,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Volkswagen/Tiguan.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.