2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 162
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 162 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 110 |
| 2011 | 162 |
| 2012 | 153 |
| 2013 | 140 |
| 2014 | 84 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2016 | 97 |
| 2017 | 76 |
| 2018 | 287 |
| 2019 | 195 |
| 2020 | 140 |
| 2021 | 144 |
| 2022 | 274 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 36 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
39% · 63 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Car only starts when it wants to. Rpms dont go over 4,000. Low idle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-09
Also filed under Electrical system
My Tiguan randomly shuts down or stalls while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-26
Also filed under Electrical system and fuel/propulsion system
Electrical system
30% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and horn.
Show complaint excerpts
Last week my wife told me that she could smell an electrical short and feel a burning sensation coming from her vw driver?s seat while she had her seat warmer on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-24
Exterior lighting
24% · 39 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Was driving air bag never came out the impact was front.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-26
Also filed under Air bags and service brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the head lights, brake, and turn signals would intermittently fail.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-12
Air bags
19% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.
Steering
9% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was driving on the highway within the limited speed. The steering wheel was suddenly out of my control. The car moved left and right, but I couldn't control it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-07
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2011Complaint volume 162 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2013-11-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-02-28 Partial Loss of Exterior Lights
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R
2014-01-03Electrical system, exterior lighting13V569000 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…
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.
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R
2014-08-19Fuel system, gasoline14V441000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014.
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.
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I
2015-03-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-09-28 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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R
2016-01-15Air bags15V483000 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.
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.
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I
2017-11-13Recall queryClosed 2018-05-04 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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I
2018-04-18Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 63 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 48 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 39 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V569000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
- Recall 14V441000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 15V483000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.