Overview

The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, on sale 2016-2024 and sometime known as the Tiguan Mk2, is the kind of car that fits in anywhere. Like a VW Golf, they do most things very well, and though some wags will refer to them as boring really what they mean is highly accomplished and very well rounded. An excellent SUV, and a solid choice of family car, in other words.

With a lifespan of nearly a decade there have been plenty of changes. The earliest examples will almost all be diesels, for instance, while later cars have shifted to a more petrol-centric range, with a plug-in hybrid in the mix as well. All should be comfortable, smooth and refined – or you should walk away and buy another.

Rivals include the Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq.

VW Tiguan Mk2 known faults and common problems

Volkswagen sold a lot of these, and so inevitably you’ll find good and bad used Tiguans for sale in the classifieds. On this page we’ll take you through some of the more common issues you might come across, and aim to equip you with the knowledge necessary to spot them.

Since many will only be a few years old, even a second-hand Tiguan can represent a significant financial investment. So if you’re at all uncertain, get a professional inspection carried out – some of the potential pitfalls can be very expensive. A Parkers valuation will help you understand if you’re getting a good deal, while a history check is always a sound idea, too.

Buying guide

Common issues, and what to look for if you’re thinking of getting one

1. Engine trouble – including turbo failure

These cars can suffer with a vast array of engine faults, from timing chain tensioners through to turbo failure, via a gamut of problems including blocked diesel particular filters, low fuel pressure (often due to a faulty pump), misbehaving glow plugs and duff throttle bodies. Intake and exhaust issues – including with the catalytic converters as these cars get older – are also not uncommon.

Take a lengthy test drive, listen for unusual noises, look for smoke, make sure the engine pulls strongly and smoothly (including uphill) and be alert to excessive vibration. Better yet, test drive a range of different examples so you understand what the car should feel like.

2. Oil consumption

Check the dipstick – does the engine have plenty of oil in it? Is the current owner carrying spare oil in the car? While the latter doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an issue, many of the engines fitted to the Tiguan Mk2 are prone to high oil consumption. This is often due to relatively easy-to-fix leaks, but low oil level can be bad news for the turbocharger, which needs a good clean supply. For similar reasons, comprehensive service history is a must.

3. Carbon build-up inside the engine

The Tiguan uses modern direct injection engines, and like many motors of this type, they can suffer with carbon deposits building up inside, reducing performance. Symptoms include rough running, misfires, loss of power and difficulty starting in the first place. It can all be cleaned out – many garages will offer a special service – and you can reduce the problem by using high quality fuel and avoiding short journeys.

4. DSG automatic transmission problems

You won’t have to look far in owners’ groups online to find people experiencing issues with their Tiguan’s DSG automatic transmission. Clutch wear is one trouble area, but the more common issue is related to the Mechatronic control system – which can be very expensive to fix, depending on exactly what’s gone wrong. On the test drive, make sure each gear engages in turn and can be easily selected. Does the DSG shift smoothly, does it kickdown when the accelerator is pressed fully. Does it go into reverse, even.

5. Noisy and worn suspension

Squeaking from the suspension is usually due to bushes that are worn or need lubricating – to be expected, depending on the age of the car. However, the Tiguan has suffered with coil spring issues in the past, and any vehicle that doesn’t sit level has got a more serious problem. Older examples will be approaching the need for replacement shock absorbers and other components, too. Knocking noises and a lumpy ride are telltale signs – again drive a few to try and establish what’s normal.

6. Infotainment issues

Volkswagen’s infotainment systems often look very slick and are usually easy to use, but they can be problematic. Owners complain of poor digital radio reception, reversing cameras that don’t work, and other general buggy-ness. Particularly troublesome are systems in later cars that rely even more heavily on touchscreen controls. Not only can these be difficult to use while you’re driving, they’re prone to crashing software and other issues. Ask the seller lots of questions, and check that everything is working during the test drive.

7. Other electronics problems

Parking sensors, alarms, starter buttons (often just need cleaning), lights, various engine-related sensors – all of these electronic systems can cause problems. If you can take a fault code reader with you when you go to view a potential purchase this will show any current errors; failing that, look out for warning lights on the dashboard, especially the engine management warning light.

8. Steering trouble

The Tiguan Mk2 can suffer with a couple of different steering problems. Failure or issues with the power-assistance system should be easy to spot, as it will make turning the wheel heavy or inconsistent in feel. The other common trouble is with a component inside the steering wheel called the clock spring. This will typically cause a grinding noise when you turn but also impacts the functioning of the buttons on the wheel – so make sure all of these work before you buy.

9. Water in the cabin

Feel the carpets – are they damp? Are there signs of mould anywhere, including under the seats? Does the glovebox have water in it? These are all potential signs that your prospective Tiguan purchase isn’t as waterproof as it should be. Potential culprits include the sunroof, the door and window seals, and various drain holes. For example, if the ones in the bottom of the doors are blocked, rain will build up and then make its escape via the door cards into the cabin. Solving the problem and putting it right can be a real pain.

10. Interior condition

These are often hard-working family cars, so look for signs of careless damage inside. Broken parcel shelves, scratched plastics, sticky seats – none of these are necessarily a big deal, but make sure the price reflects the condition. However, seatbelt issues are also not unheard of, and this is more problematic. Make sure none are frayed, and that they all pull out and retract smoothly, and lock when you tug hard.

What models and trims can you buy?

Parkers has a full list of Tiguan variants and specs available – it’s worth referring to this, as VW made a lot of changes to the choice of trim levels over the vehicle’s lifetime, and there were plenty of engine adjustments as well.

The fundamentals include power outputs ranging from 115hp right up to 240hp for the regular range and a high-performance Tiguan R with 320hp available for recovering hot-hatch addicts. The least powerful engines are best avoided, as they can feel very sluggish; diesel models generally feel a little peppier, as they have more torque (pulling power) but the petrols are more refined and more fun when driven quickly.

The Tiguan was offered with 4Motion four-wheel drive, but most on the market are front-wheel drive only. Avoid the most basic trim levels – such as S – as they don’t have much kit. But run-out specials such as the Match can be great value. Watch out for cars built during the covid crisis period, as these may suffered with reduced standard equipment as parts supply suffered.

There’s also a seven-seater variant, which you can read about in our separate VW Tiguan Allspace review, which includes a long-term test.

Over the next few pages, we’ll review each aspect of the Mk2 VW Tiguan, taking into account its practicality, comfort, fuel economy and performance. If you’re short on time, you can also skip to our verdict page to see if we recommend the Tiguan as a good used car.