MYRModel Year Report

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan

◆ Worse than typical
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:57:01.182Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Tiguan Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2011 highlighted. 2009: 167 complaints 2009 2010: 109 complaints 2011: 160 complaints 2011 2012: 152 complaints 2012 2013: 139 complaints 2014: 82 complaints 2015: 62 complaints 2015 2016: 95 complaints 2017: 73 complaints 2018: 274 complaints 2018 2019: 183 complaints 2020: 132 complaints 2021: 126 complaints 2021 2022: 243 complaints 2023: 57 complaints 2024: 54 complaints 2024 2025: 38 complaints 2026: 20 complaints 2026
2011: 160 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2009167
2010109
2011160
2012152
2013139
201482
201562
201695
201773
2018274
2019183
2020132
2021126
2022243
202357
202454
202538
202620

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 39%

39% of complaints: engine — 62 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

My Tiguan randomly shuts down or stalls while driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240726

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 28%

28% of complaints: electrical system — 45 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
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, 20150124

My Tiguan randomly shuts down or stalls while driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240726

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 24%

24% of complaints: exterior lighting — 39 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WAS DRIVING AIR BAG NEVER CAME OUT THE IMPACT WAS FRONT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180926

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, 20131112

AIR BAGS 18%

18% of complaints: air bags — 29 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WAS DRIVING AIR BAG NEVER CAME OUT THE IMPACT WAS FRONT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180926

STEERING 9%

9% of complaints: steering — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show 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, 20121107

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2011 — complaint volume: 160
I 20131104 — PE (closed 20140228)

Partial Loss of Exterior Lights

R 20140103 — electrical system, exterior lighting

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 ligh

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.

Campaign 13V569000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140819 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 14V441000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20150324 — PE (closed 20150928)

Air Bag Clockspring Failure

R 20160115 — air bags

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.

Campaign 15V483000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20171113 — RQ (closed 20180504)

Air Bag Clockspring Failure

I 20180418 — EA (open)

Air Bag Clockspring Failure

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (62 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (45 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (39 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 13V569000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V441000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V483000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2025 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2018 ■ 2022 ◆ 2019

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.