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Which Years Of Used Volkswagen Tiguans Are Most Reliable?

in Reliability
Black Volkswagen Tiguan

Source: Pixabay

The Volkswagen Tiguan first came to be in 2007, operating as an SUV from the iconic brand. It has a compact body and easily fits five passengers inside for a powerful drive every single time. If you’re interested in this car, you might wonder - what is the most reliable Volkswagen Tiguan year? Which option should you purchase for your driveway?

When buying a used car, dependability should be at the top of your priorities to ensure you maximize your time and money. We’re here to simplify picking out the best year, narrowing down your options. Read on to learn about the most reliable Volkswagen Tiguan year, the least reliable options, and anything else you should know. 

THE VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN YEARS TO AVOID

Like all vehicles, some years are more reliable than others. So for today, we rounded up some of the Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid and some suggestions of which used models are safe to buy as used.

Most Reliable Years For The Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a sleek, sporty SUV option designed by the brand for an exciting drive. Whether you want to go fast on the highway or cruise the open road, there’s an option for you with the Tiguan. We’ve put together the best options to help you pick your dream car.

Here are the best years for the Volkswagen Tiguan:

  • 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

If you’re hunting for the most reliable Volkswagen Tiguan year, these six selections will serve you well.

Repairs on any car will cost excessive money, so it’s best to pick the most dependable year to mitigate the risk of necessary repairs. These have the fewest customer complaints and reported issues from buyers online.

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Are Volkswagen Tiguans Generally Reliable?

According to getjerry.com, consumerreports.org gives the Volkswagen Tiguan ⅕ for reliability, which is terrible for a vehicle of this build. According to withclutch.com, the Tiguan scores 42.65, which makes it unreliable and far below the 57 average for other cars.

If you get the Volkswagen Tiguan, set your expectations low. It’s known for being one of the most unreliable choices from the VW brand.

Which Volkswagen Tiguan Years Are The Least Reliable?

There are some decent options available for the Volkswagen Tiguan, but there are also selections that are less than ideal. It’s helpful to understand what to stay away from before buying.

Here are the worst years for the Volkswagen Tiguan available on the market:

  • 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan


If you’re hunting for the most reliable Volkswagen Tiguan year, avoid these years, if possible, during your search to minimize expenses.

These years have the most customer complaints and require the most money to keep in good shape. Not only are these years problematic, but they’re also annoying. Customers report troubles like recalls, cooling issues, engine troubles, trouble with the plastic manifold intake, and more in these years. They aren’t worth the money, and you should stay away from them.

THE 10 MOST RELIABLE USED SEDANS

If you’re ready to start shopping for a used car and reliability is a priority for you, take a look at our list of the top 10 most reliable used sedans on the market today. 

Are Volkswagen Tiguans Expensive To Maintain?

According to repairpal.com, the repair cost for the Volkswagen Tiguan is $730. This number is very high, about $200 more expensive than the average for vehicles. You should expect to pay more than average if you have a Tiguan.

Chances of minor and serious issues are higher in the Tiguan than in other vehicles. You should keep a good savings account on the side to prepare for these troubles if you have the Tiguan.

Perform regular maintenance on your Tiguan and take it in when necessary for the best results. However, you should be prepared for extensive repairs during your time as an owner.

Which Volkswagen Is Most Reliable?

Maybe you’re searching for a car from Volkswagen, but you’re determined to get the most out of your money by picking a dependable vehicle. In that case, you might want to go with a choice other than the Volkswagen Tiguan.

According to motorbiscuit.com, here are the most options from the Volkswagen name:

  • Volkswagen Up
  • Volkswagen Golf 
  • Volkswagen T-Roc

These are the best from the Volkswagen brand.

If you’re set on buying from Volkswagen but want the best, steer clear of the Tiguan and pick one of these three options instead. The Tiguan is nowhere close to the best selection from Volkswagen, and it never will come close to these three.

HOW MANY SPARK PLUGS DOES A DIESEL ENGINE HAVE?

The answer to this question isn’t as  simple as you’d expect. Let’s look explore the difference between gas and diesel engines and explore just how many spark plugs a diesel engine actually has.

What Are The Most Common Volkswagen Tiguan Problems?

As with any car, some common troubles appear across all years, good and bad. It’s helpful to know what to expect before buying the car.

According to caranddriver.com, here are the most common faults with the Tiguan:

  • Engine damage and failure: One of the most serious and expensive issues faced by Tiguan owners is engine damage and failure. This problem is particularly prevalent in the 2010 and 2011 models, with repairs often costing upwards of $3,500. The main culprits appear to be timing chain tensioner defects and general engine wear and tear.
  • Fuel and engine concerns: Many Tiguan owners have reported fuel delivery and engine performance issues. These problems manifest as poor acceleration, hesitation, or a general lack of power. Some reviewers have noted that the car feels underpowered, particularly when merging into traffic or passing other vehicles.
  • Broken spark plug: In one particularly alarming case, a Tiguan owner reported that a spark plug had broken off inside the engine, causing catastrophic damage. The dealership blamed the owner for using aftermarket spark plugs, but this issue highlights the potential for serious engine problems if proper maintenance and parts are not used. 
  • Issues with sunroof drainage tubes: The Tiguan’s sunroof drainage issues, while not engine-related, have troubled many owners. Designed to divert water, these tubes often get blocked or damaged, leading to cabin leaks, damaging the interior and electronics, and sometimes causing mold and bad smells. This problem has even led to a class-action lawsuit against Volkswagen.

Beware of these if you drive the Tiguan.

These could pop up in the best and worst years. However, they are more likely to come to fruition in the worst years for the Volkswagen Tiguan, especially if it’s already in poor condition.

Is The Volkswagen Tiguan Worth It?

If you’re interested in a dependable car, we don’t recommend the Tiguan. There are many issues, and it doesn’t score well in reliability. It will cost more money than it’s worth.

Those determined to buy the Volkswagen Tiguan should go with the most reliable years. Although these still have issues, they will require less care and maintenance than in the worst years.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Volkswagen Tiguan is not a reliable year. If you do want to pick this car for your driveway, go with the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020, or 2021 choice to make the most out of your expense.

We hope this information is valuable! It’s tricky to land on the right year for a used Volkswagen Tiguan, so our knowledge should narrow down your options and make everything easier in the decision process.

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