My Tiguan only running 50K miles broke down in the middle of the highway. The engine light went on and the car stopped accelerating. When I towed it to the mechanic, I was told the timing chain tensioner and crankshaft sensor were bad. The timing chain tensioner defect caused complete engine failure. I now do not have an engine. After looking into this issue and talking to some lawyers all over the us, it seems like many people with VW Tiguans (2.0L engines) have this issue and there are a few class action law suits in the us regarding this matter. I spoke to VW of America and they said there was no recall issued, although they are aware of this defect. VW dealership now tells me the estimated cost to repair the engine and timing chain tensioner is around $10,000. If the timing chain tensioner was not defective, my engine would have never failed. I showed them proof of oil changes over the last 3 years in which were all done in a timely manner. I am now fighting with VW of America about this issue. There should be a recall on these vehicles. My car immediately broke down on the highway and I was very lucky that no one crashed into me. This is a very dangerous problem.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. While driving various speeds, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Shortly after, the vehicle failed to accelerate any further. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor and timing chain tensioner failed and needed to be replaced. While the vehicle was at the dealer, the technician had the vehicle running with the timing chain tensioner failure, which caused the engine to fail. The engine would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000...updated 10/26/16 the vehicle was repaired under warranty.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

After an oil check and replacement, within 4 weeks the check engine light came on and car has exaggerated sounds after shut down (told this is the fan cooling down car). The symbol appearing on the dash as indicated in the manual, states there may be a problem with the catalytic converter, but when taken to the dealer was told it was the turbo bypass valve $359.11 + tax and cooling fans $949+tax, plus the need for a software update $129.50 +tax and may be the turbo has to be replaced $2233.16 + tax, after they do the initial repairs. Now the car is over heating when in traffic and on hot days. Please note we were told that a new engine was put in the car in 2014, because they could not find out what was wrong with the car while it was under warranty after it stalled and would not turn back on. Since the repairs are so expensive for these latest issues we have not done the repairs. Wrestling with keeping the car, since it has had multiple issues. Just before it stalled previously there was a epc light and a catalytic converter light. Took it to the dealer and it remained there for a few days and was told problem was resolved. About a month later the epc light came back on. This time the car stayed with the dealer for over a month and eventually we were told a 2014 engine would be placed in the car. They could not find out what the exact problem was. We were told it may be due to slug in the engine. Despite this the cost for the engine was covered under the warranty. Later the catalytic converter light came on and it was changed and for a while no problems until now. Now we have a very expensive fan and turbo problem with no warranty to cover the cost. This car has had too many issues, most occurring within just 5 years of the purchase. We usually just leave it at home and use our son's car for long distances.

- Mount Vernon, NY, USA

My VW 2011 Tiguan's timing belt skipped and end up damaging the engine. The car was stationary, my wife, a couple of hours before came back from a meeting in the car and parked it. Then when she went back to the car it cranked but didn't turn on. It only has 58K miles but VW is not responding because it was 5 month past the warranty end date. This happened in 5/2016... most of the recommended scheduled maintainance were performed and most have been performed in the dealership but the last one that was performed in Firestone. Still no resolution from VW other than telling us that we are out of luck and that we have to pay for the repairs, about $12K.

- Fulton, MD, USA

Car stalled driving on highway speed, luckily no accident occurred it's very common failure of ignition coil on almost all VW models, failure will cause your car to be inoperable. VW didn't issue a recall or at least notify owners of VW cars to change their defective ignition coils.

- Brentwood, NY, USA

Common failed timing chain tensioner on many VW's tsi engines, caused complete engine damage and costly repair, luckly no injuries happened VW refused to repair even though car was still under warranty when damage occurred.

- Brentwood Ny, NY, USA

Timing chain tensioner failure at 70,000 miles. Suffered a catastrophic engine failure when the timing chain jumped time. The tensioner failure is a known and confirmed issue since 2012.

- Derry, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle decelerated and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the manifold was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the crank case breather valves needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 87,000.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown manufacturer recall, which was directly related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

- Sparrows Point, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the engine stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that two of the ignition coils were not firing well. The technician replaced the coils. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,407.

- Naples, FL, USA

I was turning left off of a hwy. I attempting to accelerate to 40 miles and the car hesitated like it was switching gears, decreased in speed and started shaking. I pulled over, checked the gas cap, - it was closed. Turn car off for a few minutes, restarted, car still shaking. I drove the car to safe place off the road. The car would not accelerate past 20 miles hours. I put the hazard lights on, but they kept going off. Then I called the tow truck. The car had received scheduled maintenance including spark plug changes two days ago, but then this happened. Volkswagon dealer service folks said the problem was the ignition coil misfired. Originally charged 300 to have it fix, then discounted and paid 200. I see there are numerous recent complaints about the ignition coils in the years around my model year, and volkswagon recalled the ignition coil a few years ago for older models. I think they need to extend the recall to cover the 2011 year. This is a safety hazard. I reported it to volkswagon. The car behind me almost hit me in the back. A block further I would have been on a highway driving 70 miles per hour. I love my volkswagon, but this was a dangerous situation.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

Problems started at 15,822 miles. Parking brake switch jamming. At 44,690 miles engine and epc. Lights comes on, engine stalls while driving. Found 2 faults set inecm for random cylinder miss fires (P0300) and miss fires on cyl 2 (P0302). Checked freeze from data and found fault were set at engine start up. Performed de-carban service, at 45,400 oil leak from drain plug washer. Long-life washer on drain plug leaking. Bluetooth malfunctioning and had to be replaced at 49,084. Also problem and found internal malfunction in new model. At 50,011 miles, found faults for intake manifold runner position sensor/switch circuit range performance. Replaced intake manifold and reseal fuel injectors. At 54,618 miles, driver side headlight bulb replaced. Found valve cover gasket leaking. At 54,902 miles found valve cover and upper chain cover gasket leaking. Replaced valve cover sealant, upper timing chain cover and vacuum pump gasket. At 63,186 miles. Fuel rail pressure too low, determined high pressure pump internally faulty. At 68.222 miles driver door hinges loose. At 68,222 miles fuse problems. F16 burned as well as panel. Had also replaced fuel pressure regulator fuse. Problems are on going. Car is unsafe to drive. It still looses power and stalls while driving. Engine and epc lights come on intermittently. VW usa is aware of the problem, but will not take responsibility and declare the car unsafe. It is just a matter of time before a major accident with fatalities occur.

- Roseville, CA, USA

While operating the vehicle it began to shake, lose speed--the ECM warning light came on--was determined that an ignition coil had failed--have had a another ignition coil failure in Feb. 2015.

- Liverpool, NY, USA

We bought 2011 VW Tiguan SE in May 2011, and this notorious ignition-coil issue happened twice to us already. Below is the timeline & details. On 4/19/2014, we finished the last manufacturer-covered-service at a dealership (3 years/36K miles), and we were told our car is in very good condition. On 5/15/2014, the car's engine light came on and the car cannot increase its speed. On 5/16/2014, the staff of the same dealership as above checked the car & told us #1 & #2 ignition coils were dead. After they replaced them, the issue has gone. On 9/13/2014, we finished the recall service for the car regarding to the fuel bubbles issue. According to the staff of the same dealership as above, the software related to the issue has been corrected, and everything else checked was ok. On 9/15/2014, the car's engine light came on and the car cannot increase its speed again! it behaved exactly the same way as it did in May. We have to tow the car to the same dealership as above. On 9/16/2014, the staff of the dealership checked the car & told us #4 ignition coil was dead. I asked them to replace both #3 and #4 ignition coils this time. After they replaced them, the issue has gone. I also asked the staff, "is it normal to have this ignition coil so often for a 3 year old car" how frequently we have to replace the ignition coil? I don't want my wife and baby stuck in traffic like this time.". however, no answer or suggestion was given since the staff claimed he's not a mechanics. This time, we have to pay for the towing service, parts, and the labor cost (1.5 hours"!). the staff suggested us to save the receipt for future just in case there would be a recall related to this issue. I searched the VW ignition coil issue online and found this website and other resources to file the complaints. Then I realized this notorious ignition coil issue has been there for a while with VW cars.

- Hauppauge, NY, USA

We bought 2011 VW Tiguan SE in May 2011, and this notorious ignition-coil issue happened twice to us already. Below is the timeline & details. On 4/19/2014, we finished the last manufacturer-covered-service at a dealership (3 years/36K miles), and we were told our car is in very good condition. On 5/15/2014, the car's engine light came on and the car cannot increase its speed. On 5/16/2014, the staff of the same dealership as above checked the car & told us #1 & #2 ignition coils were dead. After they replaced them, the issue has gone. On 9/13/2014, we finished the recall service for the car regarding to the fuel bubbles issue. According to the staff of the same dealership as above, the software related to the issue has been corrected, and everything else checked was ok. On 9/15/2014, the car's engine light came on and the car cannot increase its speed again! it behaved exactly the same way as it did in May. We have to tow the car to the same dealership as above. On 9/16/2014, the staff of the dealership checked the car & told us #4 ignition coil was dead. I asked them to replace both #3 and #4 ignition coils this time. After they replaced them, the issue has gone. I also asked the staff, "is it normal to have this ignition coil so often for a 3 year old car" how frequently we have to replace the ignition coil? I don't want my wife and baby stuck in traffic like this time.". however, no answer or suggestion was given since the staff claimed he's not a mechanics. This time, we have to pay for the towing service, parts, and the labor cost (1.5 hours"!). the staff suggested us to save the receipt for future just in case there would be a recall related to this issue. I searched the VW ignition coil issue online and found this website and other resources to file the complaints. Then I realized this notorious ignition coil issue has been there for a while with VW cars.

- Hauppauge, NY, USA

Timing chain tensioner failed causing the timing to jump destroying the engine.

- Glenwood Springs, CO, USA

Twice while driving, the car has shut off. Once when leaving a parking lot. Once on the interstate in traffick, going under 20 mph. The dealership replaced the J519 module.

- Mt Pleasant, SC, USA

Vehicle rapidly decelerated from 50 miles per hour to approximately 30 miles per hour. Check engine and epc warning lights illuminated. Engine ran rough and acceleration above 35 miles per hour was not possible. Volkswagen dealership replaced all four ignition coils. Volkswagen later agreed to reimburse cost of the ignition coils but refused reimbursement for related labor charges stating no outstanding recall in effect for the ignition coils.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

The engines rear main oil seal started leaking. Brought it to Volkswagen dealer where the car was bought and stated that there was thought to be an oil leak and while the oil change was done if they could take a look it would be greatly appreciated. Now at 65000 miles and 5000 over the factory warranty they finally acknowledge the problem and are wanting over $1500 to fix it. The whole underside of the car is soaked in oil and my once nice driveway looks like a truck stop. Volkswagen refuses to work with us. I find it absolutely ridiculous that such a new car should have such an expensive issue with so little miles. My work truck has 300K miles and has yet to drip even a drop of oil in my driveway... and its over 10 years old. The biggest kicker is the dealers lack to acknowledge the problem till well after the warranty was passed.

- Joliet, IL, USA

This car does not feel safe. Several times the car has just stopped. Stopped at a traffic light and started to go and car just died. No lights, no warning. I start up the car, move forward and get ready to pull out into traffic and car just dies. VW said they need to have warning lights or something so they can get the information from the computer and since there are none, it won't tell them anything. Even in high-speed driving it sometimes feels like there is a lull or that fuel is not be injected. Car does not feel safe. I only use premium gas and keep it above 1/4 of a tank as well. I do not trust this car. Unfortunately, I cannot change it out at this time.

- Inwood, WV, USA