Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Tiguan years.
161 owner complaints, most about engine. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Tiguan?The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan has 161 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Tiguan years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the Tiguan?
Across the 18 Tiguan model years we track, complaint volume runs from 62 (2015) to 544 (2018). With 161 complaints, the 2011 Tiguan sits above the model's median of 139.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2011 Tiguan
air bags:frontal
Campaign 15V483000Volkswagen 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 cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 14V441000Volkswagen 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.
electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
Campaign 13V569000Volkswagen 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.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Owners of newer models (approximately 2018+) frequently praise the vehicle for its spacious and comfortable interior, excellent highway manners, smooth ride, and competitive technology and safety features.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tiguan. See the full Tiguan owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Tiguan listings typically run $17,318–$28,298.
Other Tiguan model years
Compare every Tiguan year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Tiguan against its rivals
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