repaired · 2017 Q2
Air bags: frontal
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…
2011 Volkswagen TiguanProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 162 owner complaints about the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-483 the manufacturer reports only 76% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan has problems
162 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
63Engine
47Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
39Exterior lighting2 crash/fire/injury
30Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
14Steering1 crash/fire/injury
8Power train
8Fuel/propulsion system
5Service brakes
4Vehicle speed control
117 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 63 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 47 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 39 | 2 |
| Air bags | 30 | 2 |
| Steering | 14 | 1 |
| Power train | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| 7 other systems | 11 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
Risk. If the holder melts, there may be a partial loss of exterior lighting.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
76kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 58 engine complaints. 81% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles47under 100k miles11100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other Tiguan year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tiguan median. How we score
'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan safety ratings
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan, and the recalls they led to.
- Clockspring failureNo recall
- Partial Loss of Exterior LightsLed to recall 13V-569
- Air Bag Clockspring FailureLed to recall 15V-483
- Air Bag Clockspring FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What Tiguan owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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
Own a 2011 Tiguan?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.