VW Tiguan 1(5N)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
163–170 PS
2.0L TDI PD Diesel
PD Power in an SUV
Decent170 PS
2.0L TFSI Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The VW Tiguan 1 is available with 6 engine variants — from 136 to 170 hp.
The VW 2.0L TDI CR (Diesel, 136–140 PS) has the CBAB (2.0L TDI CR) — rated: "Be Careful", 11 known weaknesses.
The VW 4Motion (Diesel, 136–140 PS) has the CBAB (2.0L TDI CR) — rated: "Be Careful", 11 known weaknesses.
The VW Sport & Style (Diesel, 163–170 PS) has the BMN (2.0L TDI PD) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The VW Sport & Style 4Motion (Diesel, 163–170 PS) has the BMN (2.0L TDI PD) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The VW 1.4L TSI (Benziner, 150 PS) has the CAVA (1.4L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The VW 2.0L TFSI (Benziner, 170 PS) has the CAWA (2.0L TFSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs worn before 30,000 km One of the most frequent faults on the Tiguan 5N: brake discs with warping and scoring already below 30,000 km. TÜV reports record a clearly above-average brake fault rate on the Tiguan; VW partially covered warranty repairs. Symptoms: Vibration in the brake pedal at medium brake pressure, grinding noises, uneven brake pad wear from 30,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
BMW X1 E84
Kompakt-SUV (2009–2015)
Hyundai ix35 LM
Kompakt-SUV (2009–2015)
Subaru Forester SH
Kompakt-SUV (2009–2013)
Ford Kuga I
Kompakt-SUV (2008–2012)
Nissan Qashqai J10
Kompakt-SUV (2007–2010)
Honda CR-V RE
Kompakt-SUV (2006–2012)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 36 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Tiguan 1 (2007–2011) — 26 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: BMN (2.0L TDI PD), CAVA (1.4L TSI), CAWA (2.0L TFSI). Typical issues affect Brakes, Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox.
Tiguan (BMN, 2007–2010) — Stay Away!: Piezo PD unit failure BMN 170 PS, Timing belt failure BMN 2.0 TDI PD, Piezo PD unit failure — BMN-specific problem. Power: 163–170 PS.
Tiguan (CBAB, 2007–2011) — Be Careful: EGR cooler leaking — engine damage risk, Piezo injector failure (common rail), Timing belt: replacement interval must be observed. Power: 136–140 PS.
Tiguan (CAVA, 2008–2011) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch EA111 (Alhambra), Timing chain of the EA111 family stretches, Camshaft adjuster bolt loosens — oil loss. Power: 150 PS.
Tiguan (CAWA, 2008–2011) — Stay Away!: Timing chain — premature wear, Oil control ring coked up — massive oil consumption, High oil consumption — worn piston rings. Power: 170 PS.
What to watch out for with the VW Tiguan? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the VW Tiguan 1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used VW Tiguan 1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which VW Tiguan 1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the VW Tiguan 1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the VW Tiguan 1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee