Model year guide

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 59 on record.

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints160
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$12,437

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls 3

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #15V483000 · 04/08/2015

Volkswagen 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 th…

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs wi…

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #14V441000 · 21/07/2014

Volkswagen 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.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase the fuel pump pressure, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers NHTSA Campaign #13V569000 · 22/11/2013

Volkswagen 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.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 97Z9/2V.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,525

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan worth?

Low
$7,999
Typical price
$12,437
High
$16,200

From 58 comparable 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,625
Fuel only$17,625
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan trims & engines on record

Trims
S 4Motion · SE · S · 4-Motion · SEL
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 200 hp

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles on record

Other Volkswagen Tiguan model years

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Based on 160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan worth?

Comparable 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan listings run roughly $7,999–$16,200, typically around $12,437 (from 58 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.