9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$660
Average Mileage:
50,350 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace engine (1 reports)
  3. replaced fuel injector pump (1 reports)
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Owner Comments

problem #4

Jun 132018

Tiguan

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was informed by the mechanic that VWs in particular have bad engine designs. Instead of the fuel injector pumps sitting outside of the engine, they sit inside the cylinder and are more prone to break. When they break, the cylinder fills up with fuel and the car misfires. The fuel burning is what caused the white smoke I saw coming from my car as I pulled off the side off the road. Obviously, after I turned off the engine it would not turn over again. The fix was to replace the broken fuel injector pump. This became difficult, as apparently this problem is so pervasive that the part is sold-out country-wide. VW was able to offer a steep discount on the part, which is why the cost of this repair wasn't sky-high. This fix was quoted as approximately $1,200 but ultimately came down to $660. However, since the root of the issue is poor design, there is no guarantee that this won't happen again. In fact, it seems to be more of a question of "when" than "if" it will happen. I'm really disappointed as I have loved this car for the 7 months I've owned it, but it doesn't make sense to drive something that I know will have the same issue with in the future.

- smartian, Bloomington, US

problem #3

Nov 062015

Tiguan SI 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,000 miles

Second time having an issue with my check engine light coming on with little acceleration at times, once you pull over and park and sit for a while car just starts up fine and able to continue driving, this is my second time almost having an accident from this issue due to driving on a busy highway and engine stalling with little acceleration with cars speeding by. This is crazy especially with kids in the car!!! VW Dealer stated showing no issues with car but was able to charge $125.00 for a diagnostic test!!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- sugarbee45040, Louisville, KY, US

problem #2

Feb 062016

Tiguan 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

I'm just so confused as to why the dealership advised me that the only way to fix the problem is to replace the engine on a 2012 and that the reason why this has happened is that the car is left to much on idle? I don't see how that could happen if I don't sit in traffic for too long and its rare for me to go out and sit in my car and just sit there with the car on. I was advised to fix the car it would be $8700 for a new engine or $7700 for a used one

- Mirta G., Conroe, TX, US

problem #1

Oct 012011

Tiguan

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,300 miles

Our car is a year old this month...to date it has been in the shop 5 times for 3 different reasons (it started less than 30 days after we received it). All of which have caused codes, lack of acceleration, and erratic behavior. The latest left me stranded on the freeway waiting for a tow as it shut down while in commuter traffic causing a serious safety hazard. It had been returned after the first 2 issues due to the code returning right away. They have thrown parts at it each time....to no avail. The latest event was the last straw. This car is a lemon and we are moving forward as such!

- camca, Sunnyvale, CA, US

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