This page covers 3 recalls, 160 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan generates its heaviest complaint volume around the engine and exterior lighting, with a secondary cluster around the electrical system. Engine complaints center on stalling and sudden shutoffs while driving, owners describe the vehicle cutting out at highway speeds or in traffic with little warning, sometimes requiring a tow. Exterior lighting draws a significant share of reports as well, with owners noting failures across various lights. The electrical system complaints frequently involve the clock spring in the steering column, which owners report failing and disabling the horn, steering wheel controls, and driver airbag simultaneously. Several owners note the part has been difficult to source, leaving their vehicles in an unrepaired state for extended periods.
160
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's frontal airbag, which can lose its electrical connection and fail to deploy in a crash, leaving the driver without that protection.
A coiled cable inside the steering column keeps the airbag powered while the wheel turns, but debris can contaminate it and break the connection. On the fuel side, when the vehicle is running winterized fuel, bubbles can form in the fuel system and cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, which raises the risk of a crash particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. There is also an exterior lighting concern: a fuse holder in the circuit that controls the outside lights can melt, knocking out some or all of the exterior lights and making the vehicle harder for other drivers to see at night or in poor conditions.
At a glance
What can fail
Debris may contaminate and tear the air bag clock spring—a spiral cable that powers the driver's front air bag during steering wheel turns—causing the air bag to lose electrical connection.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover over the clock spring if the air bag light is off, or replace the clock spring if the light is on. Repairs are free.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When winterized fuel is used in certain conditions, air bubbles can form in the fuel system, causing the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase fuel pump pressure at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuse holder that controls exterior lights may melt, potentially affecting the exterior lighting circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuse at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
