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VW Tiguan Mk2 common problems

Volkswagen Tiguan

Trying to keep your VW Tiguan maintenance bills to a minimum? Haynes can help you look after your SUV yourself, thanks to our AutoFix, which gives you:

  • Instant online access on your desktop, smartphone or tablet
  • Electronic diagnostics tool, wiring diagrams and mechanical servicing guide, with personalised maintenance advice to fit your driving style.
  • Step-by-step vehicle specific descriptions for the more complicated tasks
  • Vehicle-specific information includes specification data, torque wrench settings, capacities, lubricants, maintenance/service schedules, fuse allocations, steering geometry, and technical drawings
  • Over 40 generic tutorials, some of the tutorials include video guides
  • Interactive fault finder
  • Best used with a multimeter and fault code reader (not included)

Prevention is better than cure, so we’ll be able to help you diagnose the source of that strange rattling noise in your VW Tiguan Mk2 (2016 - 2021), and we can show you how to fix it quickly and cheaply.

The Mk2 Tiguan has foibles that include a creaking noise from the steering wheel, engine judders and a clicking noise from the front wheels. All of these will undeniably prove irritating, but they’re also easily fixable with the help of Haynes.

Mk2 VW Tiguan

What recalls has the VW Tiguan Mk2 been subject to?

Unfortunately, the VW Tiguan Mk2 has suffered more than its fair share of recalls. One of the most serious concerned the rear wheel bearing housing, which may fracture. If this occurs it could result in loss of vehicle control.

A number of vehicles were also recalled because only two bolts had been installed in the driver’s seat rail, where four were required. Another recall was brought about by the roof spoiler, which can partially or completely detach from the vehicle, due to the use of an unsuitable adhesive.

Another issue involved the laser welded seam on the front seat backrests, which may not have been correctly configured during production and which may impact on the strength of the welded connection. Also, a faulty condenser may have been fitted inside the airbag control unit.

Then the car was recalled because the seatbelt pretensioners and airbags may not perform as expected in a crash.

A further campaign dealt with gas-filled shock absorbers on the rear axle that may have an incorrect weld on the lower securing eye of the shock absorber.

Heating in the LED module for the sunroof background lighting may result in a short circuit due to humidity ingress into the LED module.

Another recall concerned the engine compartment cover, which may become loose. If this occurs the engine cover may move and touch the turbocharger resulting in smouldering damage or an engine bay fire.

Find out more here

What common problems does the VW Tiguan have?

Some examples of the VW Tiguan Mk2 have suffered from whistling and hissing noises from the engine bay, while the smell of fuel in the cabin has also caused a few problems.

The 2.0-litre TDI engine has been known to suffer an oil leak, usually from around the oil filter area.

Some examples of the Tiguan have suffered squeaking front suspension, as well as an air-conditioning system that fails to perform properly on occasion.

And the front and rear parking sensors have also been known to fail.

However, the good news is that these issues are all comparatively easy to repair when you have the Haynes Tiguan Mk2 Autofix.

VW Tiguan dashboard

Does your VW Tiguan Mk2 make whistling noises?

It isn’t unknown for the Volkswagen Tiguan Mk2 to be afflicted by whistling and hissing noises emanating from under the bonnet when the car is accelerating.

The problem lies with a faulty exhaust manifold seal.

Repair involves removing the turbocharger and exhaust manifold, and replacing the seal. Now, while this sound complex, it isn’t anything that a home mechanic should be fazed by. Besides, along the way you can refer to the Haynes Tiguan Mk2 Autofix.

Does the VW Tiguan have oil leak problems?

There have been reports of the Mk2 Tiguan suffering from the odd oil leak from the engine bay.

The source of this leak is known to be a faulty cover for the oil filter, which is easy to replace. You need only remove the filter cover and fit a new one, but you must also make sure you check and top up the oil level as necessary.

This is a simple enough task that is covered by the Haynes Tiguan Mk2 Autofix.

Driving VW Tiguan

Is squeaky suspension a thing in the VW Tiguan?

Squeaks are annoying, mainly because they tend to manifest themselves whenever the car is moving, and therefore vibrating. And a suspension squeak is laways going to be annoying, because everyone else can hear it as well as you. So, it’s unfortunate that the Mk2 Tiguan suffers such a squeak, which is caused by poorly lubricated bushes in the front control arms.

To fix it, you need to remove the control arms and apply grease to the bushes, which is a task the Haynes Tiguan Mk2 Autofix will be able to help you with.

Why is the VW Tiguan Mk2 steering wheel grinding?

If a squeak isn’t bad enough, a grinding noise from the steering wheel is arguably worse, because you move the wheel all the time.

In this case, the fault lies with unlubricated steering wheel springs.

It’s an easy fix. Simply remove the driver’s airbag and lubricate the springs.

Volkswagen Tiguan boot

Is your VW Tiguan Mk2 air-conditioning playing up?

If the air-conditioning system in your Volkswagen Tiguan Mk2 becomes inefficient and unable to keep the cabin as cool as you’d like, then it’s time to plug in a fault code reader into the OBD socket. If you see fault code B10AB, then the problem is that the refrigerant pressure is below the lower limit, which means there isn’t enough in the system.

The cause is likely either a leak, which you can find using leak-detector spray, or a faulty air-con charging valve, which will need to be renewed.

The Haynes Tiguan Mk2 Autofix will provide vital assistance for this task.

Does the VW Tiguan have parking sensor problems?

By the very nature of a parking-sensor fault, you’re only going to discover it right when you need it most.

Still, if you manage to avoid bumping into something during your parking manoeuvre, you’re going to have to repair the system afterward. So, start off by plugging in a fault code reader to the OBD socket. The fault lies within the wiring loom, and one of these fault codes will indicate which sensor is suffering the issue:

  • B1076
  • B107E
  • B10F6
  • B10F7
  • B10F8
  • B10F9
  • B1077
  • B1078
  • B1079
  • B107A
  • B107D
  • B10FA
  • B10FB
  • B1150
  • B1151
  • B1152
  • B1153
  • B1377

The solution is to remove the relevant bumper and inspect the wiring behind it, repairing the affected circuit.

The Haynes Tiguan Mk2 Autofix will provide vital assistance for this task.

VW Tiguan in profile

Is your VW Tiguan Mk2 leaking oil?

Volkswagen Tiguan models fitted with the 1.4-litre TSI engine have been known to leak oil on occasion.

The engine can also consume oil at a slightly alarming rate, and the oil warning light on the dashboard will illuminate. All very disturbing.

A faulty turbocharger air inlet hose is the source of the problem, but it’ll be easy enough to change, along with the inlet hose gasket.

The Haynes Tiguan Mk2 Autofix will give you important help for this task.