2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake pads1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Tiguan

  12.7% All 2021 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Volkswagen Tiguan

  11.9% All 2021 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints4.4× usual
  Volkswagen Tiguan

  4.8% All 2021 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Shock absorbers2.8× usual
  Volkswagen Tiguan

  4.8% All 2021 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  20% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  10% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Seats and seatbelts
  5% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  2% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Known faults on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Several recalls

  All engines

  Recalls cover a roof spoiler that could come off, overheating starter motors, front seat backs, seatbelt pre-tensioners and airbags.

  At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Tiguan Mk2 buyer's guide

• Cambelt checks

  All except 2.0 petrol

  All engines except the 2.0 petrol use a cambelt that should be checked after five years and changed if worn.

  At the viewing: Look for a cambelt check or change in the history.

  If it needs doing: Timing belt (cambelt) change, about £300–£700 (often with the water pump). ClickMechanic

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Tiguan Mk2 buyer's guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has all the recall work been done?
2. Has the cambelt been checked or changed?
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?