Problems · by component
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems
63 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan cite engine, 39% of all 162 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
63
39% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle started however the vehicle drove slowly. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump was previously repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and was not repaired. The contact mentioned that the horn and the instrument panel failed to function. The failure mileage was unknown. 137,000.”
“My Tiguan randomly shuts down or stalls while driving. I have come very close to accidents because It is in the middle of the road where I can't pull over, people coming around a curve behind me that may not have time to brake, specifically RV's and Semi-trucks. It is terrifying. I have maintained my vehicle meticulously and payed thousands in repairs only to be told by dealerships and VW corporate offices that there is nothing they will or can do and that there are no recalls and out of warranty. However...There WAS one in 2014 citing DANGEROUS to drive because of stalling. According to KBB. I don't know what else to do and I am not able to get a new vehicle.”
“Timeing chain skipped a tooth destroyig the engine completely. Yes its available for inspection upon request. The problem has been settled in a class action lawsuit but no recall has been issued for ea888 engines between 2008 and 2013”
“THE VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY TOLD ME TO PUT GAS TREATMENT IN SEE IF THAT FIXES PROBLEM. IT SEEMED TO HELP A BIT FOR A WEEK BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. THEN ONE MORNING I GOT UP AND TIRED TO START CAR IT HESITATED TO START ALMOST DIED AND STARTED. I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING IT TO VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THANK GOD I WAS JUST DOWN THE ROAD FROM MY HOUSE. IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF IT DIED ON HIGHWAY. ONE OF THE RECALLS ON THIS MODEL IS DESCRIBING WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. BUT WHEN I LOOK IT UP THE SCORE TELLS ME THE RECALLS WERE FIXED. WHICH I KNOW THIS IS NOT TRUE. MY MOTHER TRIED TO GET VOLKSWAGEN TO FIX THE AIRBAG RECALL THEY JUST DISMISSED HER SAYING YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT ONE ON RECALL. NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY TO FIX VEHICLE THIS IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND UNACCEPTABLE! NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER.”
“TIMING CHAIN FAILURE, BROKEN. STARTED ENGINE ON 3-10-2020, ENGINE SPUTTERED, STALLED. SHOP MECHANIC CALLED 3-12-2020 TO NOTIFY ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED.”
“TIMING CHAIN FAILED WHICH CAUSED CAR TO DIE AND DAMAGED ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED. TRAFFIC WAS NOT HEAVY AND VEHICLE WAS ON CITY STREET SO WAS ABLE TO STOP AND PULL OVER.”
Showing 6 of 63 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.