2016-2023 · 2.0 TSI EA888 petrol engine (180-230 hp)
Popular family SUV with Volkswagen Group's proven MQB platform and widely-used EA888 turbo engine. Solid build quality and spacious interior make it a practical choice. Main technical concerns center on the EA888 engine's known issues: timing chain tensioner (pre-2014 engines), oil consumption (especially 2022-2023 models now subject to lawsuit), water pump failures, carbon buildup on intake valves, and PCV valve failures. DSG DQ381 transmission has extremely common mechatronics failures. Infotainment screen freezing is widespread. Avoid 2018-2019 model years which had the lowest reliability scores.
Extremely common fault causing missing gears, limp mode, heat-related failures · more· less
The DQ381 7-speed wet-clutch DSG is notorious for mechatronics failures in Tiguan Mk2 petrol models. Volkswagen specialists report seeing 10 mechatronics failures per month. Symptoms start intermittently when the transmission heats up on longer journeys, then progressively worsen. You'll experience loss of odd gears (1,3,5) or even gears (2,4,6), transmission warning lights, and eventually limp mode with total loss of all gears. Common fault codes: P0607, P173500, P173600, P176A-D. Full replacement at dealer costs €3,600 parts and labor. Specialist rebuild with lifetime warranty costs €1,500-2,200. Critical: change DSG fluid every 60,000 km (not 80,000 km as Volkswagen claims) for best longevity.
Class action lawsuit filed Jan 2025 for defective piston rings burning oil · more· less
A consolidated class action lawsuit now includes 2022-2023 Tiguans with EA888 2.0 TSI engines for excessive oil consumption. Owners report adding oil every 2,000-3,000 miles due to defective piston rings that lack sufficient tension, allowing oil to pass into the combustion chamber and burn off. Volkswagen claims up to 1 liter per 2,000 km is "normal" but many consider this unacceptable. TSB issued Sept 2024 requires dealers to perform 3-step oil consumption test before repairs. If engine damage occurs from oil starvation, replacement costs €5,000+. Regular oil top-ups cost €150-300/year. Check oil level frequently on 2022-2023 models.
Water pump failure€1,100 - €1,700
Plastic water pump/thermostat housing fails typically 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The EA888 engine uses an integrated electric water pump and thermostat housing that is known to fail. Early Tiguan models are particularly susceptible. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The integrated design means the entire unit must be replaced - parts cost €400-500, labor is approximately 6 hours due to accessibility. Total dealer cost €1,400-1,700. Independent shop cost €1,100-1,300. An aluminum aftermarket upgrade pump is available for €100 more than the plastic OEM part and is more reliable. This should be considered a wear item on TSI engines.
Timing chain tensioner wear€1,300 - €2,500
Pre-2014 engines highly susceptible, causes cold start rattle and potential catastrophic failure · more· less
Engines built before January 2013 have the old design timing chain tensioner that is prone to failure. The tensioner's release valve weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive rattle on cold start for 1-30 seconds, typically occurring between 60,000-100,000 km. If you hear rattle lasting more than a few seconds, the chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. Volkswagen updated the tensioner design in 2013+ engines. Ignoring this issue can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact requiring engine replacement. Replacement cost: €1,300-1,750 for tensioner, guides, and chain. Labor is approximately 9 hours. Check engine build date, not just model year.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€650 - €1,200
Direct injection engines accumulate carbon, causes misfires, rough idle, power loss · more· less
TSI direct injection engines are prone to carbon buildup because fuel doesn't flow through the intake valves to clean them. Symptoms include rough idle, hard starts, decreased acceleration, and misfires. Requires walnut blasting service every 60,000-80,000 km. Independent shop cost €650-900, dealer cost €900-1,200. Labor is 3.8 hours to remove intake, plus 1-2 hours walnut blasting. Note: This is less of an issue in Europe than the US due to different fuel compositions and because some European Tiguans have dual port/direct injection. Gen 3 EA888 engines (2017+) use dual injection which reduces buildup significantly.
PCV valve failure€250 - €1,200
Loud screeching noise, causes lean condition and can blow rear main seal · more· less
The PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation) typically fails between 60,000-80,000 miles. The rubber diaphragm tears or the orange check valve sticks, causing a loud screeching/whistling noise from the engine bay. Also triggers check engine light with code P0171 (system too lean) and can cause misfires. More seriously, a failed PCV causes crankcase pressure fluctuations that can blow the rear main seal, leading to major oil leaks. Rear main seal replacement costs €1,200 at dealer. The PCV valve itself costs €78 aftermarket or €140 OEM, with about 1 hour labor. Many mechanics recommend replacing PCV preventively every 80,000 km as cheap insurance.
Infotainment system freezing/blank screen€0 - €1,100
System won't turn on after 8+ hours parked, backup camera fails, requires multiple restarts · more· less
Extremely common issue across 2016-2022 Tiguans. After the car sits for 8+ hours, the entire infotainment system fails - backup camera, screen, radio, navigation all show black screen. System cycles through restart attempts for 10-20 minutes. Some units also show horizontal interference lines. Volkswagen has issued TSB for software updates. Causes include weak battery (check battery voltage - should be 12.6V minimum at rest), software glitches, and hardware failure in the eMMC memory module. A software update sometimes fixes it temporarily but unit replacement costs €1,100 without warranty. Workaround: turn ignition to electrics-on position and wait 5 minutes before starting engine. Rearview camera failure is a Federal safety recall - dealer must fix free of charge.
Ignition coil/spark plug failures€200 - €450
Misfires, flashing check engine light, common on TSI engines · more· less
Most misfires on TSI engines are caused by failing ignition coils. Fault codes: P0300, P0301-P0304. When one coil fails, best practice is to replace all four to ensure balanced performance. Avoid cheap unbranded coils - stick with Bosch, Eldor, Beru, or genuine VW. Coil set costs €120-200, spark plugs €60-80 (NGK or OEM only). Labor approximately 1 hour. Spark plug lifespan is 50,000 km - must be gapped properly and torqued correctly. Important: if you see oil in spark plug holes (especially cylinders 2 or 3), stop immediately - you need a new cam bridge gasket first before continuing with coil/plug replacement.
Front control arm bushing squeak€300 - €650
Poorly lubricated bushings cause creaking over bumps and steep driveways · more· less
The Mk2 Tiguan suffers from squeaking/creaking in the front suspension caused by poorly lubricated bushings in the front control arms. The vertical axis large bushing at the back of the control arm seems unsuited to the long suspension travel of an SUV. The control arm system was taken from the Golf but doesn't cope well with larger displacements. Temporary fix: spray bushings with silicone lubricant. Permanent fix: replace control arm bushings. Upgraded solid rubber bushings from BFI tighten up front end geometry without sacrificing ride quality - much better than polyurethane which is harsh for daily driving. Parts cost €100-150, labor 2-3 hours per side.
Fuel injector failure€400 - €900
Misfires, rough idle, hesitation, intermittent issues on cylinder 4 · more· less
TSI engines have a known fuel injector wiring harness issue (Bulletin 01-20-02TT). On 2018 Tiguans, intermittent misfires on cylinder 4 are often caused by a bad fuel injector harness, not the injector itself. The T8 injector harness costs €70-75 at dealer and takes about 2 hours to replace (requires intake removal). For actual injector failures, symptoms include misfires, rough idle, hesitation, and check engine light. Intake manifold must be removed to access injectors. Best practice: if one injector fails, service all four at once to ensure balanced fuel delivery. Single injector replacement costs €400-550. Full set costs €650-900 including labor.
Exhaust manifold seal whistle€600 - €900
Hissing/whistling noise under acceleration from leaking exhaust manifold gasket · more· less
Some Tiguan Mk2 examples develop whistling and hissing noises from under the bonnet when accelerating. The problem is a faulty exhaust manifold seal/gasket. Repair requires removing the turbocharger and exhaust manifold to replace the seal. Gasket replacement cost: €600-900. Parts cost is minimal (€3-16 for gasket), but labor is 5-6 hours due to turbo removal. If the manifold itself is cracked (less common), full manifold replacement costs €2,600-4,700. Important: exhaust fasteners become brittle from heat and often break during removal, which can increase labor time significantly.
Moderate reliability with expensive repairs when things go wrong
The Tiguan Mk2 with 2.0 TSI is built on Volkswagen's proven MQB platform and shares components with SEAT Ateca and Skoda Karoq. The EA888 engine has been around since 2008 and most issues are well-documented. However, the DSG DQ381 transmission has an extremely high failure rate and should be considered a ticking time bomb. Avoid 2018-2019 model years which had the lowest reliability ratings. Pre-2014 engines need timing chain tensioner checks. The 2022-2023 models have a serious oil consumption defect now subject to class action lawsuit. Manual transmission versions are significantly more reliable than DSG.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Volkswagen dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (ideally 10,000 km, not 15,000 km). Check DSG service history if equipped.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), uneven wear patterns. Common sizes: 215/65R17, 235/50R19.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds is a major red flag.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect wheel arches.
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including highway speeds. DSG must heat up to reveal issues.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle
Start engine completely cold and listen carefully for rattle in first 30 seconds. This is the most critical check for pre-2014 engines. Check engine build date on data plate.
DSG gearbox operation (if equipped)
Drive for 20+ minutes to heat transmission. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, missing gears, clunking, or limp mode activation. Any intermittent issues when hot indicate mechatronics failure.
Check engine oil level and consumption (especially 2022-2023)
Pull dipstick and check oil level. Ask owner about oil consumption between services. On 2022-2023 models, this is critical due to piston ring defect lawsuit. Volkswagen considers 1L per 2,000 km "normal" but this is excessive.
Infotainment system startup test
If possible, test car after it's been sitting 8+ hours. Turn on electrics and see if screen boots properly. Test backup camera function.
Listen for PCV valve screeching/whistling
With engine running, listen for loud screeching or whistling noise from engine bay. This indicates PCV valve failure.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump, thermostat housing, or head gasket issues. Look for coolant leaks around water pump area.
Front suspension squeak test
Drive over speed bumps and into/out of steep driveways. Listen for creaking from front control arm bushings.
Exhaust manifold whistle during acceleration
Accelerate moderately and listen for hissing or whistling from engine bay. Indicates exhaust manifold seal leak.
Scan for fault codes
Have the car scanned with VCDS or OBD2 scanner. Look for codes: P0171 (PCV), P0300-P0304 (misfires/coils), P0607/P173500/P173600 (DSG mechatronics).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Rearview camera display failure (2021-2022)Federal recall - verify completed
eMMC memory infotainment failure (2021-2022)Software update available
TSB: Oil consumption test procedure (Sept 2024)3-step test for 2022-2023 models
Contact a Volkswagen dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. Check VW.com recall lookup tool. The rearview camera recall is particularly important as it's a Federal safety requirement.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years / 80,000 km)Expired on 2016-2020 models
Powertrain warranty (5 years / 100,000 km)Check status for 2019-2021 models
Volkswagen extended warranty (Drive Easy)Available up to 10 years / 240,000 km
Most 2016-2020 Tiguans are outside factory warranty. Extended warranty is available through Volkswagen dealers (Drive Easy Protection Plan) or third-party providers. Given the high cost of DSG mechatronics and engine repairs, extended warranty may provide peace of mind if purchasing a DSG-equipped model. Note: Oil leaks and wear items like brakes/tires are typically excluded from extended warranties.
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.