Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle started however the vehicle drove slowly. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump was previously repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and was not repaired. The contact mentioned that the horn and the instrument panel failed to function. The failure mileage was unknown. 137,000.
My Tiguan randomly shuts down or stalls while driving. I have come very close to accidents because It is in the middle of the road where I can't pull over, people coming around a curve behind me that may not have time to brake, specifically RV's and Semi-trucks. It is terrifying. I have maintained my vehicle meticulously and payed thousands in repairs only to be told by dealerships and VW corporate offices that there is nothing they will or can do and that there are no recalls and out of warranty. However...There WAS one in 2014 citing DANGEROUS to drive because of stalling. According to KBB. I don't know what else to do and I am not able to get a new vehicle.
Timeing chain skipped a tooth destroyig the engine completely. Yes its available for inspection upon request. The problem has been settled in a class action lawsuit but no recall has been issued for ea888 engines between 2008 and 2013
Problems started at 15,822 miles. Parking brake switch jamming. At 44,690 miles engine and epc. Lights comes on, engine stalls while driving. Found 2 faults set inecm for random cylinder miss fires (p0300) and miss fires on cyl 2 (p0302). Checked freeze from data and found fault were set at engine start up. Performed de-carban service, at 45,400 oil leak from drain plug washer. Long-life washer on drain plug leaking. Bluetooth malfunctioning and had to be replaced at 49,084. Also problem and found internal malfunction in new model. At 50,011 miles, found faults for intake manifold runner position sensor/switch circuit range performance. Replaced intake manifold and reseal fuel injectors. At 54,618 miles, driver side headlight bulb replaced. Found valve cover gasket leaking. At 54,902 miles found valve cover and upper chain cover gasket leaking. …
I was turning left off of a hwy. I attempting to accelerate to 40 miles and the car hesitated like it was switching gears, decreased in speed and started shaking. I pulled over, checked the gas cap, - it was closed. Turn car off for a few minutes, restarted, car still shaking. I drove the car to safe place off the road. The car would not accelerate past 20 miles hours. I put the hazard lights on, but they kept going off. Then I called the tow truck. The car had received scheduled maintenance including spark plug changes two days ago, but then this happened. Volkswagon dealer service folks said the problem was the ignition coil misfired. Originally charged 300 to have it fix, then discounted and paid 200. I see there are numerous recent complaints about the ignition coils in the years around my model year, and volkswagon recalled the ignition coil a few years ago for older models. …
The car had an extreme misfire at idle and very rough running. I took the car for an inspection at the vw dealership. They told me the problem was that the chain had stretch because they were unable get an stable timing. After dissembling the opening up the house covering the timing chain they informed me that the cam screen had come loose and liking caused the chain to stretch. Vw told me it would be wise to have the cam replaced in case the screen caused any damage it to it as well. After the repair was completed I asked them directly if the tensioner had failed and they then admitted that the engine failure was the result of bad tensioner not a stretched chain. The vw manager told me he was aware of the tbs on the tensioner failures. The manager choose to make up an unbelievable story to cover the true problem. The chain was not stretched and there was no damage to the cam shaft. …
The car had an extreme misfire at idle and very rough running. I took the car for an inspection at the vw dealership. They told me the problem was that the chain had stretched because they were unable get a stable timing. After dissembling and opening up the house covering the timing chain they informed me that the cam screen had come loose and liking caused the chain to stretch. Vw told me it would be wise to have the cam replaced in case the screen caused any damage it to it as well. After the repair was completed I asked them directly if the tensioner had failed and they then admitted that the engine failure was the result of bad tensioner not a stretched chain. The vw manager told me he was aware of the tbs on the tensioner failures. The manager choose to make up an unbelievable story to cover the true problem. The chain was not stretched and there was no damage to the cam shaft. …
My Tiguan only running 50K miles broke down in the middle of the highway. The engine light went on and the car stopped accelerating. When I towed it to the mechanic, I was told the timing chain tensioner and crankshaft sensor were bad. The timing chain tensioner defect caused complete engine failure. I now do not have an engine. After looking into this issue and talking to some lawyers all over the us, it seems like many people with vw tiguans (2.0l engines) have this issue and there are a few class action law suits in the us regarding this matter. I spoke to vw of America and they said there was no recall issued, although they are aware of this defect. Vw dealership now tells me the estimated cost to repair the engine and timing chain tensioner is around $10,000. If the timing chain tensioner was not defective, my engine would have never failed. …
I'm not sure why this issue has not been recalled but there's plenty on this that people are even going to the tv news stations for help.there was nothing wrong ,no lights,no warning lights prior and all of a sudden my engine motor stops working. I spoke with the warranty company ,the extended warranty company as well as Volkswagen... Not one of them will cover the issue nor help with the issue at all. The car was in great shape and only just turned a month ago to one hundred thousand miles. I can't afford almost 8 thousand for new engine as well as labor costs. The car is not very old for it not to b running and motor completely stop.I had two pay three different diagnostic costs and two different tows. …
Car was driven home with no engine noise or smoking and parked by the storm drainage. No signs or anything prior that the car needed servicing. About 5 minutes later went outside to move the car up from the drainage about 5 feet to in front of the center of the house in front of the door. Opened car door and placed key in to turn the engine on. Engine just turned but would not ignite or come on. On 12/26/17 contacted the dealer and stated the issue. Quick thought was the fuel pump or module went out. Had the vehicle towed to the dealer. After diagnosis and research. Found out the engine had "jumped timing" or tensioner had crashed the engine. Car has 63K miles and now to fix it will cost 7000.00. Dealer stated with a 10% discount the cost will be lowered 6,1000.00 plus taxes. …
Engine complaints in other Tiguan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan, 39% of the model year's 162 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.