Popular German family SUV with much-improved EA288 diesel engine that corrected most issues from earlier EA189 engines. The 2.0 TDI is reliable when maintained properly, but DPF regeneration requires regular longer trips - not suitable for city-only driving. DSG gearbox (DQ381/DQ500) has known mechatronic unit failures, especially at 40,000-80,000 km. Timing belt (not chain) needs replacement every 140,000 km or 5 years. Water pump and EGR valve are common wear items. Overall a solid choice for families who do mixed driving, but avoid if you only do short trips.
Control modules degrade faster than expected, causing intermittent loss of gears and limp mode · more· less
Extremely common in Tiguan models with DSG automatic transmission (DQ381 for petrol, DQ500 for diesel). Symptoms include missing odd or even gears, harsh/late engagement into D/R especially when hot, jerky gear changes, and vehicle entering limp mode. Forum reports show failures at surprisingly low mileage - one owner had DQ381 failure at 26,000 miles. One owner reported mechatronic failure at 50,000 miles costing £1,500. Manual gearbox Tiguans don't have this issue. DSG requires fluid changes at 40,000 miles (DQ500) or 80,000 miles (DQ381).
DPF clogging€250 - €1,800
Diesel Particulate Filter clogs if used mainly for short trips · more· less
The EA288 is designed to actively regenerate around every 250 miles based on soot load. Regeneration requires the car to be at full temperature for approximately 10 minutes at 2000-2500 RPM. If you only do short trips (under 10 minutes), the DPF cannot complete regeneration and will clog. Symptoms include loss of power, warning lights, increased fuel consumption, and engine dropping into limp mode. One VW dealership quoted £1,800+ for a DPF that was so heavily packed it couldn't be cleaned. Specialist cleaning costs €245-500. If the exhaust back pressure sensor fails (not the DPF itself), replacement costs around €245. VW states to reconsider diesel if you do lots of short journeys.
EGR valve/cooler failure€500 - €1,000
Exhaust Gas Recirculation system clogs with carbon, causing performance loss · more· less
The EA288 has two EGR systems which frequently encounter issues from carbon clogging. Symptoms include diminished engine performance, compromised fuel efficiency, rough engine operation, increased emissions, and warning lights. In the UK, parts cost around £330, but with labor the total is typically £700-1000. Some VW owners report the company covering 90% of valve cost under goodwill, leaving owner to pay £380 labor plus 10% of parts. Forum users note that "the EGR on VW TDI engines cause people no end of problems." Cleaning the EGR valve annually once outside warranty is recommended. Even if valve doesn't fail, the cooler will eventually clog and require cleaning or replacement.
Timing belt replacement€450 - €750
Scheduled replacement every 140,000 km or 5 years - not a failure, just scheduled maintenance · more· less
Important: The 2.0 TDI uses a timing BELT (cambelt), not a timing chain. VW recommends replacement every 140,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Some owners prefer changing around 60-70k miles for peace of mind. Total cost with independent specialist: £600 (€700) including timing belt, timing idler, timing tensioner, water pump with coolant, auxiliary belt, and auxiliary tensioner. Labor takes 3-4 hours. VW Germany says "Inspect at 100,000 km, replace at 150,000 km." Water pump and tensioners should be replaced at the same time to avoid future repairs.
Water pump failure€600 - €1,400
Electro-mechanical water pump typically fails between 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The EA288 features a complex cooling system with an electro-mechanical variable flow water pump. The shroud moves back and forth over the impeller to aid warm-up times and efficiency - these mechanisms can get stuck or stiff. Signs include unusual noises, vibrations, coolant leaks, or irregular fluctuations in coolant temperature. Symptoms also include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. TDI water pump part alone costs around £50 and is typically replaced during timing belt service. Labor is 4-6 hours due to complex access requiring intake manifold removal. Professional replacement costs £1,000-1,300 total. Preventive replacement around 70,000-80,000 km recommended when timing belt is due.
Turbo actuator failure€400 - €2,200
Wastegate actuator sticks, causing EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The pivot shaft for the wastegate can seize over time due to dissimilar metals (phosphor bronze/aluminum alloy) and turbo location directly above exhaust. Failures cluster around year 6, after warranty expires. Symptoms include P0299 error code (Low Boost), EPC light, limp mode, drop in power, and abnormal hiss. Dealer approach: replace entire turbo for $2,200. Alternative: Specialist can loosen shaft with heat for $400-500 (temporary fix lasting months to years), or modify with improved stainless-steel part for $1,200 installed. DIY actuator-only replacement possible with VW part kit (£127) and labor. Some owners negotiate goodwill cost-sharing with VW.
AdBlue system failures€200 - €1,500
SCR system sensors, injectors, or NOx sensors fail causing warnings · more· less
"Check AdBlue System" warnings indicate issues with emissions control. Common causes include AdBlue fluid crystallization, use of low-quality fluid, or sensor malfunctions within the SCR system. Typical failure points: level sensor, temperature sensor, heating element, NOx sensor, or injector. Fault code 31103 (SCR NOx Catalyst) is common. First step: drain old fluid and refill with high-quality AdBlue. If warning doesn't clear, use diagnostic tool to identify faults. Repairs may require replacing tank, pump, injector, and control module. Running costs: AdBlue consumption roughly 1 liter every 500 miles, needing filling every 9,000 miles (18-liter tank). Dealers sell 10L containers for £12-15; pump stations charge £0.70/liter.
Front suspension bushings/control arms€300 - €800
Control arm bushings wear causing clunking and creaking sounds · more· less
Owners report clunking noises when going over small imperfections. The control arm system was taken from Golf and the vertical axis bushing in the back of the control arm seems not suited to large displacements associated with SUV long suspension travel. For creaking sounds, 100% of the time it's the bushings (silent blocks) for the control arm - the large ones. Sway bar links are also a common culprit and have been replaced under warranty in some cases. Tiguan models from 2008-2016 had "subframe clunk" issue where bolts connecting subframe to engine bay stretched, but Mk2 has improved bolts and spacers. Axle shaft replacement costs £980-1,065 if needed.
Electrical/infotainment problems€100 - €600
Radio stays on draining battery, parking sensors fail, software glitches · more· less
According to What Car? survey, 5.0% of diesel Tiguan owners experienced engine electrical issues (vs 1.6% of petrol). Common problems: (1) Battery drain - older radios don't get proper ignition-off signal and stay on in background. Workaround: manually turn off radio before shutting ignition. Long-term fix: upgrade CANBUS gateway module to later version (£200-400). (2) Parking sensors intermittently fail - often fixed by checking wiring looms under driver's seat and pressing connectors home. Parking aid module replacement costs €60 (scrap yard) vs €290 (VW). (3) Newer Mk3 Tiguans have software issue where front assist camera and gateway drain battery - VW issued TSB campaign 90PV (Dec 2024) for software update.
Parking sensor/camera failures€60 - €400
Rear camera or sensors intermittently stop working, "Sensors Impaired" warning · more· less
Common issue: when selecting reverse, rear camera comes on briefly with long beep then returns to radio, with parking light flashing. Problem often appears more after long journey from cold. "Sensors Impaired" warning can appear even on new vehicles with 1,000 miles, disabling Lane Assist, Parking Assist, and Proximity Alerts. Causes: (1) Loose wiring connections - check looms under driver's seat, press connectors until they click. (2) Corroded wires behind bumpers. (3) Faulty parking aid module (part 5N0919475B) - replacement costs €60 (scrap yard) vs €290 (VW dealer), takes 5 minutes to install. (4) Sometimes caused by mist/slush on sensors - wipe clean or wait 10-15 minutes. (5) Battery issues in some cases.
Reasonably reliable diesel SUV, but requires proper maintenance
The Tiguan Mk2 with EA288 2.0 TDI is a significant improvement over earlier diesel engines. What Car? reliability survey ranks it 57th out of 76 family SUVs with 88.1% reliability score. The engine itself is robust when maintained, but the emissions system (DPF, EGR, AdBlue) requires regular longer trips - absolutely not suitable for city-only driving. DSG gearbox mechatronic failures are the biggest concern, occurring at surprisingly low mileage. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable. Budget €850-1,450/year for routine maintenance plus risk buffer, and ensure you can do regular 20+ minute highway drives for DPF regeneration.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete VW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify timing belt replacement if over 5 years old or 140,000 km. Check DSG fluid changes completed on time.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. Tiguan uses 215/65R17, 235/55R18, or 235/50R19 depending on trim. Replacement costs €90-160 per tire.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual diesel clatter or smoke. Check for blue smoke on deceleration indicating oil burning.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds. DSG issues often only appear when transmission is fully warmed up.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect suspension components and underside for corrosion.
Specific for this vehicle
DPF regeneration check
Use diagnostic tool to check DPF soot loading percentage. Over 70% indicates clogged filter. Ask owner about driving pattern - if only short trips, walk away.
DSG gearbox operation (if equipped)
Drive for 20+ minutes until fully warm. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking, or harsh engagement into D/R. Check for "Gearbox Emergency Mode" errors. Manual gearbox is more reliable.
EGR valve inspection
Check for error codes related to EGR system. Listen for rough idle or excessive diesel clatter. Check if EGR cleaning has been performed.
AdBlue system check
Verify no "Check AdBlue System" warnings. Confirm AdBlue consumption is normal (1L per 500 miles). Check for fault codes related to NOx sensors or SCR system.
Turbo actuator test
Accelerate hard from standstill. Listen for unusual hissing. Check for P0299 error code (low boost). Ensure no EPC warning light during test drive.
Front suspension noises
Drive over speed bumps and small imperfections. Listen for clunking, creaking, or rattling from control arm bushings or sway bar links.
Water pump/thermostat check
Monitor temperature gauge for stable operation. Check coolant level and condition. Listen for unusual water pump noises. Look for coolant leaks.
Electrical system test
Test all infotainment functions, parking sensors, and camera. Check battery voltage. Verify no parasitic drain issues.
Verify timing belt replacement
If car is over 5 years old or 140,000 km, verify timing belt has been replaced with documentation. Should include water pump, tensioners, and auxiliary belt.
Check for recalls completed
Verify swivel joint front suspension recall (Feb-Mar 2017 production), airbag recall (Mar-May 2018), and any TPMS software updates.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Front suspension swivel joint (Feb 2017 - Mar 2018)Verify completed
Incorrect fuses fitted (Oct 2017 - Jun 2018)Verify completed
Front passenger airbag folding issue (Mar 2018 - May 2018)Verify completed
Airbags and seatbelt tensioners (May 2016 - Oct 2016)Verify completed
Rearview camera display (2022-2024 models)Software update
TPMS software updateCheck if applied
Battery drain software issue (2023+ models)TSB 90PV Dec 2024
Contact a Volkswagen dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls and technical service bulletins have been completed. The Tiguan has 1,139 TSBs issued across all model years. Check official VW website for latest updates.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on most 2016-2022 models
DSG extended warranty5 years / 150,000 km - verify with VW
Carefree Maintenance programFirst 2 years / 20,000 miles on new vehicles
Most used Tiguans are outside factory warranty. If purchasing a car with DSG gearbox, verify whether extended DSG warranty is still active (5 years / 150,000 km). Consider purchasing extended warranty from VW or third-party provider, especially for DSG-equipped vehicles. Prepaid maintenance plans can reduce costs by up to 26% compared to individual services.
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.