A few seconds of chain rattle on a cold start, later a permanent noise; the chain stretches and the tensioner does not hold it.
Applies to the engine CAXA, CAVD, CAVA.
2008–2015. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

Spurzem - Lothar Spurzem / CC BY-SA 2.0 de
What to watch for
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
A few seconds of chain rattle on a cold start, later a permanent noise; the chain stretches and the tensioner does not hold it.
Applies to the engine CAXA, CAVD, CAVA.
The EGR cooler cools the recirculated exhaust gas before it enters the intake again, and coolant flows through it while it does so.
Applies to the engine CBBB, CFFB, CUWA.
Repair: 600–1,500 EUR
The balance shaft module drives the oil pump through a hexagonal shaft stub.
Applies to the engine CBAB, CBBB, CFFB and 2 more.
With the 2008 EA888 VW switched from a belt to a chain, and the tensioner of the first two generations turned out weak: as the ratchet mechanism ages it does not hold its position when the engine stops and the oil pressure disappears.
Applies to the engine CAWA, CAWB, CCZA and 4 more.
The solenoids of the mechatronics unit wear out: slow or harsh shifting, then limp mode.
Applies to the transmission DQ250.
The Haldex clutch engages the rear axle when the front wheels slip.
It can affect every car in this generation.
A thin wall of the mechatronics valve body can crack, which causes a loss of pressure.
Applies to the transmission DQ200.
The seven speed, wet clutch DQ500 is the DSG of the high torque models (Transporter, Arteon, Tiguan).
Applies to the transmission DQ500.
10 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
Most recent: 7 October 2026
SR/02935/26Safety recallInjuries7 October 2026 · EU Safety GateMoisture ingress could lead to corrosion of a steering rack bolt, which may result in a fracture of the bolt and a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of accidents. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 07/10/2026
19V535000AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULEAIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE17 July 2019 · NHTSA (USA)Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
Risk: Deactivated air bags increases the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Z5.
INFO/00145/21Safety recallInjuries13 May 2019 · EU Safety GateDefective material may be used in the rear suspension helical springs. As a result, the springs could break, impairing the driving stability and increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 13/05/2019
16V045000AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOWAIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW28 January 2016 · NHTSA (USA)Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 15, 2015, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver and front seat passenger seat-mounted air bag inflators that may rupture in the event of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of a seat-mounted air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69M1 (for Audi) and 69L9 (for VW).
15V483000AIR BAGS:FRONTALAIR BAGS:FRONTAL4 August 2015 · NHTSA (USA)Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. 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. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
15V311000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26 May 2015 · NHTSA (USA)Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 22, 2015, to March 20, 2015. These vehicles may be equipped with Certification labels that are missing the required tire pressure information and they may state incorrect weight and loading information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk: If the labels have incorrect weight and loading information, the operator may overload the vehicle which could cause vehicle instability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will correct the information on the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01A5.
14V441000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE21 July 2014 · NHTSA (USA)Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014. When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase the fuel pump pressure, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.
13V569000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERSELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS22 November 2013 · NHTSA (USA)Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 through June 2011. 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.
Risk: If the holder melts, there may be a partial loss of exterior lighting. Reduced vehicle illumination diminishes the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 97Z9/2V.
08V235000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING28 May 2008 · NHTSA (USA)VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 4,079 MY 2008 PASSAT AND 2,500 MY 2009 TIGUAN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0T FSI ULEV II ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CONTAINING SOFTWARE THAT MAY NOT PROPERLY CONTROL ENGINE IDLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING TURNED ON. IN RARE CASES, THE ECM MAY UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASE ENGINE RPM.
Risk: AN ENGINE SURGE CAUSED BY AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM MAY SURPRISE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR AND CAN RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND UPDATE THE ECM SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.
A12/00181/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateDue to to errors in the adhesive bonding process, the upper rear (roof) spoiler may be insufficiently affixed. As a result, it can become detached from the vehicle and fall onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00688/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe roof-edge spoiler may not be secured enough due to an incorrect adhesive bond. As a result, the spoiler may become detached in motion, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/1365/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateAs a result of a production error, a capacitor in the airbag control unit may fail. In rare instances, the control unit may interpret the change in voltage when the capacitor fails as a signal similar to that in a crash and initiate the unwanted activation of the airbag(s) and/or the belt tensioner(s). Unexpected activation of the airbags may increase the risk of injury to the car occupants.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/1535/18Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateMoisture can reach the LED module of the sunroof's ambient lighting which may cause a short-circuit and a build-up of heat. If this happens, there is a risk of fire.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
I · 2008–2015
The fault list opens on the version page.
87 versions
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 122hp BlueMotion T. Comf. & Des.
2007–2011 · . Comf. & Des.
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 122hp BlueMotion Techn. Easyline
2007–2011 · Techn. Easyline
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 122hp BlueMotion T. Sport & Style
2007–2011 · . Sport & Style
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 122hp BMT Comfort & Design
2011–2016 · BMT Comfort & Design
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 122hp BMT Comfort & Design Edition
2011–2016 · BMT Comfort & Design Edition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 122hp BMT Easyline
2011–2016 · BMT Easyline
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 122hp BMT R-Line Edition
2011–2016 · BMT R-Line Edition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 122hp BMT Sport & Style
2011–2016 · BMT Sport & Style
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp 4Motion Comfort & Des.
2007–2011 · Comfort & Des.
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp 4Motion Sport & Style
2007–2011 · Sport & Style
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp 4Motion Track & Field
2007–2011 · Track & Field
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp 4Motion Trend & Fun
2007–2011 · Trend & Fun
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp BlueMotion T. Comf. & Des.
2007–2011 · . Comf. & Des.
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp BlueMotion Techn. Easyline
2007–2011 · Techn. Easyline
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp BlueMotion T. Sport & Style
2007–2011 · . Sport & Style
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp Comfort & Design
2007–2011 · Comfort & Design
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp Sport & Style
2007–2011 · Sport & Style
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp Trend & Fun
2007–2011 · Trend & Fun
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 TSI 160hp 4Motion Comfort & Design
2011–2016 · Comfort & Design
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 TSI 160hp 4Motion R-Line Edition
2011–2016 · R-Line Edition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 TSI 160hp 4Motion Sport & Style
2011–2016 · Sport & Style
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 TSI 160hp 4Motion Track & Field
2011–2016 · Track & Field
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 TSI 160hp BMT Comfort & Design
2011–2016 · BMT Comfort & Design
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · DQ200
1.4 TSI 160hp BMT R-Line Edition
2011–2016 · BMT R-Line Edition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 TSI 160hp BMT R-Line Edition
2011–2016 · BMT R-Line Edition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · DQ200
1.4 TSI 160hp BMT Sport & Style
2011–2016 · BMT Sport & Style
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 TSI 160hp BMT Sport & Style
2011–2016 · BMT Sport & Style
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CZDB · MQ250
1.4 TSI 125hp Comfort & Design Edition
2011–2016 · Comfort & Design Edition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CZDB · MQ250
1.4 TSI 125hp R-Line Edition
2011–2016 · R-Line Edition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CZDB · MQ250
1.4 TSI 125hp Sport & Style
2011–2016 · Sport & Style
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CZDA · DQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp R-Line Edition
2011–2016 · R-Line Edition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CZDA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp R-Line Edition
2011–2016 · R-Line Edition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CZDA · MQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp Sport & Style
2011–2016 · Sport & Style
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CZDA · DQ250
1.4 TSI 150hp Sport & Style
2011–2016 · Sport & Style
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFFD · MQ350
2.0 TDI 110hp BlueMotion T. Comf. & Des.
2007–2011 · . Comf. & Des.
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFFD · MQ350
2.0 TDI 110hp BlueMotion Techn. Easyline
2007–2011 · Techn. Easyline
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFFD · MQ350
2.0 TDI 110hp BMT Comfort & Design
2011–2016 · BMT Comfort & Design
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFFD · MQ350
2.0 TDI 110hp BMT Comfort & Design Edition
2011–2016 · BMT Comfort & Design Edition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFFD · MQ350
2.0 TDI 110hp BMT Easyline
2011–2016 · BMT Easyline
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFFD · MQ350
2.0 TDI 110hp BMT R-Line Edition
2011–2016 · BMT R-Line Edition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFFD · MQ350
2.0 TDI 110hp BMT Sport & Style
2011–2016 · BMT Sport & Style
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion Comfort & Design
2007–2011 · Comfort & Design
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · DQ500
2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion Comfort & Design
2007–2011 · Comfort & Design
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · DQ500
2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion R-Line Edition
2011–2016 · R-Line Edition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · DQ500
2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion Sport & Style
2007–2011 · Sport & Style
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion Sport & Style
2007–2011 · Sport & Style
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · DQ500
2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion Track & Field
2007–2011 · Track & Field
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion Track & Field
2007–2011 · Track & Field
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · DQ500
2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion Trend & Fun
2007–2011 · Trend & Fun
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion Trend & Fun
2007–2011 · Trend & Fun
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp BlueMotion T. Comf. & Des.
2007–2011 · . Comf. & Des.
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp BlueMotion Techn. Easyline
2007–2011 · Techn. Easyline
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp BlueMotion T. Sport & Style
2007–2011 · . Sport & Style
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp BMT Comfort & Design
2011–2016 · BMT Comfort & Design
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp BMT R-Line Edition
2011–2016 · BMT R-Line Edition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp BMT Sport & Style
2011–2016 · BMT Sport & Style
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp Comfort & Design
2007–2011 · Comfort & Design
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp Sport & Style
2007–2011 · Sport & Style
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp Trend & Fun
2007–2011 · Trend & Fun
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CUVC · DQ500
2.0 TDI 150hp 4Motion Sport & Style
2011–2016 · Sport & Style
Neighbouring generations
I. If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
2008–2015. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
The fault list is.
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.