2011 Volkswagen Tiguan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan: 3 recalls, 162 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights, Electrical Vehicle recall #13V569000 · 2013 · 62,155 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 lights, the holder for the fuse that controls the vehicle's exterior lights circuit May melt.
Why it matters: If the holder melts, there May be a partial loss of exterior lighting. Reduced vehicle illumination diminishes the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #14V441000 · 2014 · 151,389 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014. When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles May form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.
Why it matters: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V483000 · 2015 · 415,825 vehicles
What's wrong: 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. In the affected vehicles, debris May contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination May tear the…
Why it matters: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (63): the most common themes are warning light on (17), stalls / loses power (14), leaks (8).
- Electrical (47): the most common themes are electrical failure (26), warning light on (10).
- Exterior lights (39): the most common themes are electrical failure (27), warning light on (4), fire / smoke (2).
- Airbags (30): the most common themes are warning light on (10).
The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan has 162 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 18 Tiguan model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 128). Complaints peaked in 2013 (35 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 60,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (110 complaints, 2 recalls), 2012 (153 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
Owners have filed 162 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (63), electrical (47), exterior lights (39).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.