2007-2016 · 2.0 TDI EA189 common rail diesel (110-184 hp)
Popular German compact SUV, practical for families and first-time SUV buyers. The 2.0 TDI EA189 engine is mechanically solid when maintained, but the Dieselgate emissions scandal affects all units. DSG automatic gearbox (DQ250) has known mechatronic failures - manual transmission is significantly more reliable. Main concerns: DSG mechatronic unit, turbo wastegate failure, DPF/EGR issues (especially post-emissions fix), subframe clunk, and power steering failures in cold weather. Timing belt requires replacement every 5 years or 80,000-100,000 km. Verify all recalls completed before purchase.
DSG mechatronic unit failure (DQ250, if equipped)€1,500 - €3,500
Control module degrades causing harsh shifts, limp mode, and loss of gears · more· less
The DQ250 wet-clutch DSG gearbox uses a mechatronic unit that combines electronic control and hydraulic valves. Components inside degrade faster than they should, causing intermittent loss of gears and limp mode. Common symptoms include harsh shifting, warning lights (flashing PRND), delayed engagement, and "gearbox in emergency mode" messages. Typical fault code is P173600 (position sensor for clutch 2). Failures commonly occur between 40,000-100,000 km. Mechatronic repair costs around €1,500, full replacement €2,500-3,500. Note: Manual gearbox Tiguans are significantly more reliable and avoid this issue entirely.
Turbocharger wastegate failure€900 - €3,000
OEM IHI turbo wastegate arm wears through metal, causing loss of boost · more· less
The OEM turbocharger is manufactured by IHI and has a design flaw where the wastegate actuator rod wears through the metal housing. This typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include loss of power, excessive exhaust smoke, whining noises, and reduced boost pressure. The wastegate arm eats through the metal, causing a loose wastegate valve - the turbo cannot spin up fast enough due to bypassed exhaust. OEM turbo replacement costs €1,900-2,900 at dealers. Rebuilds available for around €500-900. Used turbos with gaskets cost approximately €300-600. Note: Borg-Warner replacement turbos are considered more reliable than the OEM IHI units.
DPF and EGR problems (especially post-Dieselgate fix)€350 - €2,500
DPF clogs with short trips, EGR valves fail from soot buildup, worse after emissions software update · more· less
The Dieselgate emissions fix causes DPF regenerations to occur more frequently, reducing fuel economy and increasing wear. Many owners report EGR failures within 200 miles after the software update, with glow plug lights flashing and limp mode activation. EGR valve replacement costs €350-500 at independent shops, up to €800 at Volkswagen dealers. DPF cleaning costs €400-800, replacement €1,200-2,500. DPF issues are common if the car is driven primarily on short trips below 20 km. Regular highway driving (20-30 minutes at high RPM) helps prevent DPF clogging. Volkswagen has covered 90% of EGR replacement costs in some goodwill cases. Some owners have chosen not to apply the Dieselgate fix due to widespread post-fix problems.
Subframe clunk on acceleration€150 - €550
Bolts securing subframe to chassis stretch over time, causing clunking noise · more· less
This is an extremely common issue affecting 2008-2016 Tiguans. The bolts that connect the subframe to the bottom of the engine bay gradually stretch, allowing the subframe to move and collide with the bottom of the car during acceleration. Symptoms include a clunking noise when accelerating from a stop, downshifting for hard acceleration, or a light impact sensation under the driver's feet. Volkswagen issued a correction including upgraded bolts and spacers that fit between the subframe and car. Aftermarket kits (TyrolSport Deadset, CTS collars) cost €150-250. Professional installation with alignment costs €300-550. DIY fix using upgraded Audi stretch bolts costs around €20-50. After repair, proper torque (82 ft-lbs) and wheel alignment are essential.
Water pump and thermostat housing failure€600 - €1,400
Water pump (driven by timing belt) fails between 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The 2.0 TDI uses a water pump with a plastic impeller that is prone to failure, typically occurring between 70,000-100,000 km. Because the pump is driven by the timing belt, replacement requires removing the belt. Volkswagen recommends replacing both the timing belt and water pump together at 5 years or 80,000 km, whichever comes first. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. Combined timing belt + water pump replacement costs €600-900 at independent specialists, €1,100-1,400 at Volkswagen dealers. Delaying this service risks catastrophic timing belt failure if the seized water pump damages the belt.
Power steering failure in cold weather€800 - €2,200
Electric power steering control module fails, especially below -25°C · more· less
The electric power steering system can fail in extremely cold weather (below -25°C), particularly common in northern climates. The power steering control module is usually the culprit, though the steering rack itself can also fail. Low voltage signals to the module or internal bearing failures are common causes. Some cases involve the main power wire burning at the rack. Average repair cost is €2,000 at 110,000 km. Volkswagen issued Service Information Circular VVT-12-02 regarding a software update that can resolve some cases. Professional rack replacement requires dropping the subframe and costs €1,900-2,200. This is not a DIY-friendly repair due to risk of damaging the clock spring and alignment requirements.
Electronic parking brake failure€130 - €550
EPB actuator motors or sensors fail, parking brake refuses to release or engage · more· less
The electronic parking brake system uses actuator motors in the brake calipers and various sensors that can fail. Common causes include low battery voltage, faulty sensors, or failed actuator motors. Symptoms include parking brake warning lights, inability to release or engage the brake, or "parking brake fault" messages. Switch replacement costs €130-200. Parking brake motor replacement exceeds €300 per caliper. Full control unit replacement costs around €530-550. In some cases, simply replacing a weak battery resolves the issue. Important: Electronic parking brake calipers require special Volkswagen tools to properly retract and reset after brake service - improper DIY brake work can damage expensive calipers.
Fuse box melting€150 - €550
Under-hood fuse box overheats from loose connections, melts plastic housing · more· less
The under-hood fuse box, particularly 30A and 110A fuses, can overheat and melt the plastic housing. This is caused by excessive heat at the connection interface (not excessive current). Wire terminal connections loosen over time, creating increased resistance that softens the plastic and reduces clamping pressure - a cycle that generates more heat and damage. Symptoms include burnt plastic smell, melted fuses, or electrical faults. Volkswagen acknowledged this as a "regular issue" and recommended gold-plated fuses to prevent overheating. Fuse box replacement costs €150-270 for parts, total repair typically €400-550. Some owners report dealers quoting up to €1,000. Check for open Volkswagen service actions regarding under-hood fuse issues.
Rear door handle sticking€100 - €500
Exterior rear door handles stick open, preventing door from closing from inside · more· less
Exterior rear door handles can stick in the open position, preventing doors from closing when shut from inside. This stems from a design flaw involving a small wire spring in the lock assembly that jumps off its position, often caused by hard door slamming. Door cables can also stretch over time. Volkswagen dealers quote €140+ for cable replacement alone. Full door lock actuator/assembly replacement costs around €500 for parts and labor. Some owners temporarily fix the issue by repositioning the latch with fingers or "punching" near the door handle, but permanent repair requires disassembling the door panel. Avoid slamming doors hard to prevent recurrence.
Average reliability for a European SUV, but DSG and post-Dieselgate issues are significant
The Tiguan Mk1 with 2.0 TDI EA189 engine is mechanically solid when properly maintained - the engine itself is robust and many examples exceed 150,000 km. However, DSG-equipped models have higher failure rates than manual transmissions. The Dieselgate emissions fix has caused widespread DPF and EGR problems. Pre-2014 models tend to have more issues. With proper maintenance and avoiding the DSG gearbox, the Tiguan can be a reliable family SUV, but it ranks 26th out of 26 compact SUVs in RepairPal's reliability ratings.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Volkswagen dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify timing belt/water pump replacement history. DSG models must show DSG oil changes every 40,000 km.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Typical size: 235/55R18.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, turbo whine, or DPF regeneration (high idle).
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect wheel arches and underbody.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to get engine and gearbox fully warmed up.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for subframe clunk during acceleration
Accelerate from a stop and listen for clunking sound beneath the floor. Very common issue - budget €150-550 for repair if present.
DSG gearbox operation (if equipped)
Drive for at least 20 minutes until gearbox is fully warm. Feel for harsh shifts, jerking, hesitation, clunking, or delayed engagement. Watch for flashing PRND light or "gearbox in emergency mode" message. Check service records for DSG oil changes every 40,000 km - skipped changes dramatically increase failure risk.
Check for turbo wastegate rattle or loss of power
Listen for rattling from turbo area at idle and during acceleration. Test full-throttle acceleration - turbo should build boost smoothly without hesitation. Loss of power or excessive smoke indicates potential turbo failure.
Verify Dieselgate emissions fix status
Ask seller if EA189 emissions software update has been applied. Check service records. Ask about any DPF or EGR problems after the fix - many owners report issues. Consider cars where fix was NOT applied if you value reliability over emissions compliance.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump or head gasket issues. Check for leaks around water pump area.
Test electronic parking brake operation
Engage and release parking brake multiple times. Should operate smoothly without warning lights. Check that it holds on an incline.
Inspect for power steering issues
Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock at idle. Should be smooth and quiet. Watch for steering warning lights. If buying in winter, test steering in cold weather if possible.
Check rear door handles
Open and close all doors from inside and outside. Rear exterior handles should return to closed position smoothly.
Inspect fuse box for melting
Open hood and visually inspect under-hood fuse box for signs of melting, burnt plastic smell, or discolored fuses.
Verify all recalls completed
Contact Volkswagen with VIN to confirm auxiliary cabin heater recall (2008), fuel leak recall (2009-2011 2.0 TDI), and any other open recalls.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Auxiliary cabin heater electrical short (2008, diesel models)Verify completed
Service Action 97AM - Under-hood fuse degradationCheck VIN for applicability
TSB VVT-12-02 - Power steering software updateCheck if applied for cold weather steering issues
Contact Volkswagen with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. Regarding the Dieselgate emissions fix: while legally required in many jurisdictions, many owners report increased DPF/EGR problems and reduced fuel economy after the update. Research carefully before deciding whether to apply the fix if it hasn't been done.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all Mk1 Tiguans
DSG extended warranty (5 years / 150,000 km)Check with Volkswagen if still applicable
All Mk1 Tiguans (2007-2016) are outside their original factory warranty. DSG-equipped models may still have extended gearbox warranty coverage - verify with a Volkswagen dealer using the VIN. Independent extended warranties are available but carefully review exclusions, as many don't cover oil leaks, wear items, or pre-existing conditions. Given the Tiguan's history of DSG and emissions-related issues, extended warranty may provide peace of mind.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.