The Lemon Index2011 Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is worse than average by owner complaints: 54 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 174, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about lights, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 21 to 22 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Tiguan year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 162 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Tiguan year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 43K to 86K miles on the car (138 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 54K–95K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 38K–59K miles
- lights complaints mostly came at 36K–54K miles
Recalls 3
- airbags 2015
In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned.
- fuel system, gasoline 2014
When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.
- electrical 2013
Due to a problem with the fuse for the exterior lights, the holder for the fuse that controls the vehicle's exterior lights circuit may melt.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 858 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Certain model year vehicles are experiencing engine not starting, making a rattling noise
- All models experience the timing chain slipping, rattling noises of the engine after starting
- When not driven for long periods of time, would have engine crank, but no start
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenAir bag clockspring failure2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2017–2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2015
- ClosedPartial loss of exterior lights2013–2014
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3600–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Right side headlamp, turn signal, brake light inoperative. 30 amp fuse one blade burnt but fuse not blown. Fuse box melted around contact.
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan owner · NHTSA complaint 10558239
More owner reports
Intermittent failure of right headlight and turn signal. Vw dealership diagnosed as melted fuse box. Fuse box replaced and issue resolved.
NHTSA complaint 10504495
Twice while driving, the car has shut off. Once when leaving a parking lot. Once on the interstate in traffick, going under 20 mph. The dealership replaced the j519 module.
NHTSA complaint 10588274
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 174; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Tiguan year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (59%), electrical (54%) and engine (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 43,500 and 86,600 miles. The middle report was at 60,000 miles, from 138 complaints.
Does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 6% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan cost in fuel a year?
About $3600 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Tiguan year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2015 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works