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VW · Compact SUV · 2016–2020

VW Tiguan 2(AD)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

239 PS

2.0L TDI BiTurbo Diesel

BiTurbo diesel with bite

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

239 PS

2.0L TDI BiTurbo Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The VW Tiguan 2 is available with 3 engine variants — from 149 to 245 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.0L TDI · Diesel· 150 PS
2016 2020
Be Careful 11 weaknesses
2.0L TDI BiTurbo · Diesel· 239 PS
2016 2020
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L TSI · Benziner· 179–220 PS Engine Change
2016 2020
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2016 2020
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The VW 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 150 PS) has the DFGA (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 11 known weaknesses.

The VW 2.0L TDI BiTurbo (Diesel, 239 PS) has the CUPA (2.0L TDI BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 2.0L TSI (Benziner, 179–220 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CZPA (2016–2020, Be Careful) und CZPA (2016–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TSI!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Brake disc wear from as early as 30,000 km

Many Tiguan II owners report premature brake disc wear from as early as 30,000 km. A recall covered vehicles with front discs cast too thin (production January 2018). Repair per axle: 400–700 €.

Symptoms: Grinding or squealing when braking; vibrations in the steering wheel when slowing down; visible scoring and grooves on brake discs
from 40,000 km
Ad brake discn Tiguan 2 frontbrake pads Tiguan AD front rearBremsenset VW Tiguan 2 AD1
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
724 complaints · 2016–2020
Other
158 ⚠ 4
Engine
154 ⚠ 3
Electrical
154 ⚠ 4
Airbags
88 ⚠ 10
Powertrain
76 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Other (158 complaints)
⚠ Engine (154 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (154 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 31 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Tiguan 2 (2016–2020) — 21 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. One problem engine: CUPA (2.0L TDI BiTurbo). Typical issues affect Brakes, Electronics, Other, Gearbox.

Tiguan (DFGA, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Camshaft Oil Seal Leaking onto Timing Belt, Timing Belt: Interval NOT Maintenance-Free, Turbocharger Bearing Damage from Oil Starvation. Power: 150 PS.

Tiguan (CUPA, 2016–2020) — Stay Away!: Dieselgate Recall: NOx Software Manipulation, EA189 Dieselgate Recall CUPA 184 hp Leon FR, Turbo Pressure Sensor P2563 EA189 FR. Power: 239 PS.

Tiguan (CZPA, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Piston Ring Land Fracture, Turbocharger Failure with Consequential Damage, Ring Land Fracture from Injector Spray Misdirection — Piston Damage. Power: 179 PS.

Tiguan (CZPA, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Piston Ring Land Fracture, Turbocharger Failure with Consequential Damage, Ring Land Fracture from Injector Spray Misdirection — Piston Damage. Power: 220 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 2 have? +
The VW Tiguan 2 has 21 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used VW Tiguan 2? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: DFGA (2.0L TDI), CZPA (2.0L TSI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CUPA (2.0L TDI BiTurbo). Problem engine: CUPA (2.0L TDI BiTurbo) — stay away!
Which VW Tiguan 2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the VW Tiguan 2 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 240 hp from the 2.0 BiTDI and 500 Nm — fastest diesel in the segment, 0–100 in 6.5 seconds.
Is the VW Tiguan 2 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the VW Tiguan 2 — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the VW Tiguan 2? +
The VW Tiguan 2 is available with engine variants from 149 to 245 hp. Petrol: CZPA (2.0L TSI). Diesel: DFGA (2.0L TDI), CUPA (2.0L TDI BiTurbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee