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Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion R-Line Edition common faults.

2011–2016, SUV, diesel, 140 HP.

The fault list covers: CBAB, CFFB engine, DQ500 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

10 fault write-ups. 9 important. 13 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

9 important faults

critical2

1.6 and 2.0 TDI: the EGR cooler leaks internally and coolant disappears without a trace

critical

The EGR cooler cools the recirculated exhaust gas before it enters the intake again, and coolant flows through it while it does so. The temperature difference between the two sides is large, so the wall can crack or the gasket can let through, and then the coolant reaches the exhaust or the intake side. This leaves no puddle under the car and the place of the leak is not visible from outside: the coolant evaporates and the level drops slowly, over weeks. The accompanying signs are whitish smoke, a rising coolant temperature, raised pressure in the cooling system and a sweetish smell. If it goes on for months the cylinder head can be damaged too, because the cooling gradually gets worse. On the EA189 engines the fault code P2425 usually comes with it. The problem is reported above 100,000 km, and replacing the cooler costs 600 to 1,500 euro.

above 100,000 km600–1,500 EUR

What to check

  • Look at the level in the expansion tank and ask how much has to be topped up
  • Look for traces outside: if the level drops but there is no puddle or streak, the leak is internal
  • After a cold start watch the exhaust, because lasting whitish smoke is not only condensation
2 more steps in the write-up

2.0 TDI (EA188, EA189): the hex drive of the oil pump rounds off

critical

The balance shaft module drives the oil pump through a hexagonal shaft stub. That hex and its mating part gradually round off, until the shaft finally turns freely: the oil pump stops and the oil pressure is gone. The process gives no warning, and that is exactly what makes it dangerous. The failure typically happens at high revs, and the oil pressure light comes on only once the damage is already done. The factory hex is undersized, so it knocks against the wall of the bore, and the wear accelerates itself. The maker classed it as a "tolerance deviation" and, given the small number of cases against total production, did not recommend preventive repair; Audi alone ran a service action (13D7). The replacement is expensive: on the German market the module replacement is 1,300 to 1,700 euro, and an independent repair touching only the hex is around 650 euro. The reported cases cluster around the Passat B6, Sharan, Audi A4/A6, Superb and Alhambra, in model years between 2005 and 2009. This layout is not only on the pump-injector (PD) engines, it is on the common rail EA189 engines too: the same module, the same hex, the same wear. The failure is typically reported between 100,000 and 160,000 km. The first sign is a short flash of the oil pressure light, in a long bend or a few seconds after a cold start, and then quiet again. The versions without balance shafts (BKD, BMM, BMN, AZV) drive the oil pump differently and are not affected by this wear. If the light stays on or flashes, stop as soon as it is safe, switch the engine off, and do not restart it until the oil pressure has been measured.

between 100,000 and 160,000 km

What to check

  • Ask whether the balance shaft module or the oil pump drive has been replaced, and if so, with a factory or a strengthened hex
  • Read through the service book: has an oil pressure warning ever flashed, even once
  • Unscrew the oil filler cap and look for metallic glitter in the lubricant
3 more steps in the write-up

expensive7

EA189 TDI: EGR valve and particulate filter blocking

expensive

The EGR valve and its cooler block up with soot and oily deposits; the particulate filter cannot regenerate on short urban trips. The signs are reduced power, a warning light, and frequent regeneration. The software update after the diesel emissions affair made the EGR operate more often, which accelerated the phenomenon: the maker gave goodwill repairs in several cases.

between 140,000 and 160,000 km

What to check

  • Ask what kind of journeys the car did: a daily short urban run is the worst for the filter
  • With a code reader look at the stored faults (P0401/P0402, and P2002 for the filter)
  • Ask whether it received the post emissions affair software update, and when
1 more steps in the write-up

4Motion Haldex: the pre-charge pump blocks up

expensive

The Haldex clutch engages the rear axle when the front wheels slip. The pre-charge pump blocks up with oil sludge, and the rear axle simply gets no drive: the car appears to run faultlessly as long as grip is good. The telltale sign is the front wheels spinning while the rears stand still. The same unit sits in the Tiguan I and the Passat B8 4Motion. The fourth generation Haldex, built up to October 2013, has a replaceable filter; the fifth generation after it does not, and there the oil change is the maintenance. Prevention is cheap, the consequence is not: replacing a neglected unit is a major expense.

What to check

  • Ask when the Haldex oil and filter were last changed: if never, budget for it immediately
  • Check whether the car is 4Motion at all: the presence of a rear differential is visible under the car
  • On a loose, gravel or grass surface pull away firmly: if only the front wheels spin, that is suspect
1 more steps in the write-up

DQ500 (7 speed wet clutch DSG): mechatronics and differential

expensive

The seven speed, wet clutch DQ500 is the DSG of the high torque models (Transporter, Arteon, Tiguan). On a heavy vehicle, on the T5 vans, the splined joint of the differential can shear. Clutch debris blocks the valves of the mechatronics unit, and it jerks on shifts. The pressure sensors fail at around 100,000 to 150,000 km, and then either the even or the odd gears drop out. The control board fails from overheating next to a clogged heat exchanger. It is not repairable, only replaceable.

What to check

  • On the test drive watch for jerking between 1st and 2nd and 2nd and 3rd, cold and warm
  • Pull away gently from standstill: shuddering indicates clutch wear
  • If a whole group of gears (even or odd) is missing, that is a pressure sensor fault
3 more steps in the write-up

Dual mass flywheel: diesel

expensive

The internal springs of the flywheel tire, and the two discs knock against each other. The signs are a rattling or knocking from the bellhousing at idle and when releasing the clutch pedal, and vibration through the floor. If the clutch slips without a burnt smell, that also points to the flywheel. It is worth replacing in time: a disintegrated flywheel can destroy the bellhousing too. At a clutch replacement the two go together anyway.

What to check

  • At idle, without touching the clutch pedal, listen for the rattle from the bellhousing, then press the pedal: if it stops, that is suspect
  • Watch for the characteristic clatter on starting and switching off
  • Put your foot on the floor at idle: a noticeable vibration indicates tired springs
2 more steps in the write-up

I: above average wear of the front suspension

expensive

The springs, dampers and control arm bushes wear far earlier than average. In the roadworthiness test the suspension failure rate on this model is many times the average: the TUV statistics have shown this for years. Symptoms: knocking on uneven roads, less confident cornering, uneven tyre wear. A broken spring also occurs, typically on overloaded cars.

What to check

  • On an uneven road with the window open, listen for knocking from the front suspension
  • Look at the inner and outer edges of the tyres: uneven wear indicates a suspension fault
  • Push the car down at each corner: if it rebounds several times, the damper is tired
2 more steps in the write-up

I: the brake discs warp early

expensive

Waves and grooves appear on the surface of the brake discs under 30,000 km, accompanied by pulsing felt through the steering wheel and the brake pedal when braking. The phenomenon is not a question of driving style: it is traced back to faulty production batches. VW sometimes contributed to the cost as a goodwill gesture, but rejected many claims. A full brake overhaul is a substantial item.

What to check

  • On the test drive brake from 80 with moderate force: pulsing felt through the steering wheel is the sign of a warped disc
  • Look at the disc surface through the wheel: the grooves and the lip around the edge are visible to the eye
  • Ask when and how many times the discs were replaced: a repeat replacement within a short time points to wavy discs
1 more steps in the write-up

Tiguan I: the panoramic roof water channel cracks

expensive

The water channel around the roof is plastic and the support frame is steel; the two expand differently, and a stress crack forms where they meet. Add to that a rear drain squashed during assembly. The water gets onto the headlining, and from there into the cabin and the electronics. The repair is often not durable: the workshop seals it or cleans a drain, and months later it comes back.

What to check

  • Feel along the headlining all around the roof, especially at the rear corners
  • Open the roof and look at the channel running around it for cracks
  • Pour a little water into the four corners of the channel, and see whether it drains out underneath
2 more steps in the write-up

cheap repair1

DSG selector lever: failure of the P position switch

cheap repair

The dash shows "Error: Workshop! Only leave vehicle in position P" with an audible warning. The message appears in whatever language the car is set to, for example "Fehler: Werkstatt! Fahrzeug nur in Stellung P verlassen" in German.

Show the rest

The message points at the gearbox, but the fault is not there. A tiny switch sits in the module under the selector lever and signals that the lever is in park (P). Its contact wears and can also burn. That makes the signal unreliable, and the car warns you. The fault codes appear as 617752, P173400 or B116229.

At first it is intermittent. Sometimes the message comes up, sometimes not, so a short test drive easily misses it. Later it becomes permanent, and the gearbox can drop into limp mode.

This fault looks more expensive than it is. The maker released a separate retrofit switch kit for it (5Q0713128A for the black module, 3Q0713128 for the white one), which can be fitted in half an hour. The kit costs 70 to 100 pounds. At a franchised dealer, however, the whole selector lever module sometimes gets replaced, which costs 626 to 1,000 pounds there. So the difference between the two routes is roughly tenfold.

The affected group is post 2013 MQB platform Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda cars with a DSG gearbox. The switch is in these gearboxes, because that is what these cars have in common. The part itself is not part of the gearbox but of the module under the lever.

What to check

  • Watch the dash after starting: the message is intermittent and can be missed on a short loop
  • Move the lever from P to D and back several times, then get out and lock the car
  • Ask whether the selector lever switch has been replaced already, and ask for the invoice
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 140hp 4Motion R-Line Edition

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall13 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 7 October 2026

SR/02935/26Safety recallInjuries7 October 2026 · EU Safety Gate

Moisture 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

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.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

INFO/00145/21Safety recallInjuries13 May 2019 · EU Safety Gate

Defective 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

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).

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

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.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

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.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

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.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

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.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

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.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00181/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00688/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/1365/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

As 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/1535/18Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

Moisture 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

2 engines · 1 transmissions

CBAB · 2.0 BlueTDI

103 kW (140 HP) · diesel

DQ500 · 7-speed DSG, wet clutch, high-torque

DSG · 7 speed

Clutchwet
Torque limit600 Nm
MakerVolkswagen

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it. More than one engine code is possible. The fault list shows the faults of each.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
R-Line Edition
Body
SUV
Fuel
diesel
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
1968 cc
Power
103 kW (140 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2011–2016

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Engine oil and oil filter

    • LongLife30,000 km or 2 years(valid only with LongLife-approved oil)
    • 15,000 km or 1 year

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Haldex coupling: oil and filter

    • 64,000 km or 3 years(40,000 miles, or 3 years per the older VW documentation)

  • DSG oil change, WET clutch gearbox

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Timing belt, 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA188/EA189/EA288)

    • 210,000 km(EA288, including the 1.6 TDI, with no time limit. 130,000 miles = 209,215 km. Parts maker repair specification, read by a human. The interval chart at https://www.rwcmotorsport.com/tech/tdi-maintenance.php gives the same figure independently.)

  • Coolant (antifreeze) change

    • first: 193,000 km or 10 years, then 97,000 km or 5 years(G13 / G12++: first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles or 5 years)

  • Fuel filter, diesel

    • 60,000 km or 2 years
All I versions

Information, not an expert opinion

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.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms