Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Volkswagen Tiguan (Mk1, 2008-2016) - What should you look for?

Don’t let the premium badge fool you, because the Tiguan has its fair share of problems

It’s not the most reliable family SUV you can buy. If you’re after something dependable, it’d be worth looking at a Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4. Some of the earliest examples will have 150,000+ miles on the clock, so approach with caution.

Common used Volkswagen Tiguan problems

Steering

The power steering can fail, especially in sub-zero temperatures. A control unit failure is usually to blame, but it can be the steering rack itself. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Parking brake

The electronic parking brake can refuse to release. This can be because the driver’s seatbelt isn’t latched, or the clutch isn’t fully depressed. 

Electrical woes

Faulty electrics can be down to damaged fuse boxes, which have been known to melt because of the high currents being passed through them.

Air-con

Check that the air-conditioning or climate control works properly. If not, it may be due to switchgear failure rather than the compressor. 

Recalls

The Tiguan has been recalled four times. The first, in July 2008, related to an electrical short circuit in the auxiliary cabin heater on diesels. Then, in December 2011, 2.0 TDIs built from 2009-11 were recalled over a potential fuel leak.

Failure of the child door lock mechanism on Tiguans produced between November 2015 and April 2016 led to a further recall in June 2016. VW has also called back examples built from August to October 2016 because of the risk of the front seat backs failing in the event of a collision. On top of this, check that 2.0 TDI models have had the diesel emissions fix.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,800
Mercedes GLB

Mercedes GLB

RRP £38,340Used from £22,220
Nissan X-Trail

Nissan X-Trail

RRP £36,225Avg. savings £6,947 off RRP*Used from £22,000
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,450 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025