2011 Volkswagen Tiguan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 162 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan, 5% of the 162 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I'm not sure why this issue has not been recalled but there's plenty on this that people are even going to the tv news stations for help.there was nothing wrong ,no lights,no warning lights prior and all of a sudden my engine motor stops working. I spoke with the warranty company ,the extended warranty company as well as Volkswagen... Not one of them will cover the issue nor help with the issue at all. The car was in great shape and only just turned a month ago to one hundred thousand miles. I can't afford almost 8 thousand for new engine as well as labor costs. …”
NHTSA complaint #11104111, filed 2018-06, 9,900 miles“When I am at a traffic light, my transmission tends to bump like it is going into another gear. This happens when my vehicle is stopped and my foot is on the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10794481, filed 2015-11, 56,000 miles“My Tiguan only running 50k miles broke down in the middle of the highway. The engine light went on and the car stopped accelerating. When I towed it to the mechanic, I was told the timing chain tensioner and crankshaft sensor were bad. The timing chain tensioner defect caused complete engine failure. I now do not have an engine. After looking into this issue and talking to some lawyers all over the us, it seems like many people with vw tiguans (2.0l engines) have this issue and there are a few class action law suits in the us regarding this matter. …”
NHTSA complaint #10887702, filed 2016-07, 50,000 miles“Faulty pcv LED to blown rear main seal, timing chain cover, and oil separator. Co said 2011 tiguans are covered under an extended warranty but claimed my VIN was not included despite being a 2011 Tiguan.”
NHTSA complaint #11020626, filed 2017-08, 89,000 miles“The parking brake sets itself whenever the vehicle is in park. Also, when you depress the brakes and come to a stop, it will not roll forward or move until the gas is pressed. The necessity of pressing the gas to move at all is also the case in reverse.”
NHTSA complaint #10509303, filed 2013-04, 37,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11023836Sep 15, 2025This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW…
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10238310Jun 21, 2023Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
- 10214473Jun 14, 2022Auto Trans fluid requirements.
- 10188558Mar 3, 2021Transmission Fluid requirements updated to include additional model year applicability.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 16% |
| 2025 | 9 | 16% |
| 2024 | 5 | 6% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 42 | 15% |
| 2021 | 11 | 8% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 49 | 17% |
| 2017 | 5 | 7% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 3% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 6 | 4% |
| 2012 | 7 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 20 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
63 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsExterior lighting
39 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology