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Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Used Volkswagen Tiguan II: the buying guide

SUV · 2016–2024 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

✓ 29 sources cited · updated on 13 October 2026

Good choice, check first
Reliability
4.0/5
Estimated monthly cost
€539/month
Indicative prices
€16,000 – €36,000

4 known faults

Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo 1 of 5

Volkswagen Tiguan II, front three-quarter view

Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Verdict

Good choice, check first

SUV with a 615 L boot, rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP in 2016. The documented points to watch are the DSG7 gearbox and its mechatronics unit, the emissions system of the 2.0 TDI (EGR, AdBlue), cold stuttering on the 1.5 TSI, and a recall for rear spring breakage on cars built in 2017-2018. A diagnosis and gearbox service invoices are essential before buying.

Reliability
4.0/5
Indicative prices
€16,000 – €36,000
Monthly cost
€539
Euro NCAP
5/5

Which version to choose

Versions to favour: 2.0 TDI 150.

  • 1.4 TSI 125

    Petrol · Manual · 125 hp · 6.0 L/100 km · 137 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1

    Four-cylinder turbo of 1,395 cm³, manual gearbox, offered at launch in 2016.

    Engine: Volkswagen 1.4 TSI (EA211)

    Verdict on this engine: Excellent choice

  • 1.5 TSI 150 DSG7

    Petrol · Automatic · 150 hp · 6.7 L/100 km · 151 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1

    1.5 TSI of 150 hp with 7-speed DSG gearbox. This engine is known for cold stuttering, addressed by a Volkswagen software update in 2020.

    Engine: Volkswagen 1.5 TSI / eTSI (EA211 evo)

    Verdict on this engine: Excellent choice

  • 2.0 TSI 190 4Motion DSG7

    Petrol · Automatic · 190 hp · Crit'Air 1

    2.0 TSI of 190 hp and 320 Nm, 4Motion all-wheel drive and 7-speed automatic gearbox.

  • 2.0 TDI 150

    ✓ Recommended

    Diesel · Manual · 150 hp · 5.7 L/100 km · 150 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 2

    2.0 TDI 150 with manual gearbox, judged more robust than the DSG7 version by CarVerif. Keep an eye on the emissions system (EGR, particulate filter, AdBlue).

    Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA288 and EA288 evo)

    Verdict on this engine: Buy with care

  • 2.0 TDI 150 DSG7

    Diesel · Automatic · 150 hp · Crit'Air 2

    2.0 TDI 150 with 7-speed DSG gearbox: insist on gearbox oil change invoices.

    Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA288 and EA288 evo)

    Verdict on this engine: Buy with care

  • 2.0 TDI 190 4Motion DSG7

    Diesel · Automatic · 190 hp · 5.7 L/100 km · 149 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 2

    2.0 TDI of 190 hp, 4Motion all-wheel drive and 7-speed DSG gearbox.

    Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA288 and EA288 evo)

    Verdict on this engine: Buy with care

  • eHybrid 245 DSG6

    Hybrid · Automatic · 245 hp · Crit'Air 1

    Plug-in hybrid introduced in 2020: 1.4 TSI of 150 hp and an electric motor of 85 kW, 400 Nm combined, 6-speed DSG gearbox, 13 kWh gross battery (10.4 kWh usable).

Market prices

€16,000 – €36,000

Indicative range: 2016 to 2024, yearly medians of 562 online listings collected by iAutos (years with at least 3 listings).

Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.

Known faults

DSG7 gearbox: mechatronics unit and clutches

Severity 2/3 · Costly

The 7-speed DSG gearbox and its mechatronics unit are the main point to watch on the Tiguan II. Reported symptoms are jerking, a switch to limp mode, loss of gears or reverse, and even the vehicle being immobilised. Owners of a 2017 2.0 TDI 150 DSG7 report a failed mechatronics unit at around 130,000 km. Gearbox oil changes must be documented.

Versions
1.5 TSI 150 DSG7, 2.0 TSI 190 4Motion DSG7, 2.0 TDI 150 DSG7, 2.0 TDI 190 4Motion DSG7
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

2.0 TDI emissions system: EGR valve, injector and AdBlue sensors

Severity 2/3 · Costly

On the 2.0 TDI (EA288), the EGR circuit, the particulate filter and the AdBlue (SCR) system are the main sources of repair costs. The AdBlue injector can clog with crystals, especially when the car is used on short trips, and a faulty NOx sensor triggers the engine warning light, then the AdBlue alert, then limp mode.

Versions
2.0 TDI 150, 2.0 TDI 150 DSG7, 2.0 TDI 190 4Motion DSG7
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Cold stuttering on the 1.5 TSI

Severity 1/3 · Annoying

The 1.5 TSI evo can hesitate and jerk forward (a “kangaroo” effect) when cold. Volkswagen acknowledged the fault and issued a software update in 2020, but some owners report that the problem persists after the repair.

Versions
1.5 TSI 150 DSG7
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Rear suspension spring breakage (recall)

Manufacturer recall

Tiguans built between 5 April 2017 and 6 November 2018 received rear springs made of an unsuitable material, which can break without warning and damage the rear tyre. The recall provides for replacement of both rear axle springs at a dealership.

Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

Versions
1.4 TSI 125, 1.5 TSI 150 DSG7, 2.0 TSI 190 4Motion DSG7, 2.0 TDI 150, 2.0 TDI 150 DSG7, 2.0 TDI 190 4Motion DSG7
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

All faults by version and mileage →

Manufacturer recalls

See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Volkswagen Tiguan”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.

Real monthly cost

Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated

Monthly cost by item
Fuel or electricity€154
Insurance€74
Maintenance€34
Depreciation€277
Total per month€539

⚠ Estimates to treat with caution

  • Consumption taken from a published range (depends on trim and tyres).
  • Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
  • Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
Fuel (diesel)€154

2.0 TDI 150 version: combined consumption of 5.7 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.347 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.

5.7 × 1.15 × 2.347 € × 10 = €154

Diesel price: French national average on 7 October 2026.

Insurance€74

Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.

Maintenance€34

Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.

Depreciation€277

Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.

Inspection checklist

Things to check

  • DSG7 gearbox: test drive when cold and then when warm, including reverse and manoeuvring, to detect jerking, loss of a gear or a switch to limp mode.
  • Ask for the DSG gearbox service invoices and have the gearbox and engine fault codes read before buying.
  • 2.0 TDI: check that there is no engine warning light or AdBlue alert during the test drive.
  • 1.5 TSI: start the engine cold and drive for a few minutes to detect any stuttering.
  • Car built in 2017-2018: have a dealership check, using the VIN, that the rear spring recall has been carried out.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Has the DSG gearbox been serviced or repaired (mechatronics unit, clutches)? Do you have the invoices?
  • Has the vehicle had AdBlue alerts, engine warning lights, or work on the EGR valve or particulate filter?
  • Have all manufacturer recalls, including the rear spring recall, been carried out?

Test-drive tip: read the fault codes

A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.

See OBD2 scanners on Amazon → (new tab)Partner link

Electric or hybrid equivalent

No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost

Alternatives

Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Peugeot 3008

II · 2016–2023

Buy with care
Price
€7,980 – €17,294
Reliability
3/5
Fuel types
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

Renault Austral

I · since 2022

Buy with care
Price
€25,300 – €31,500
Reliability
3.5/5
Fuel types
Hybrid

Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

Nissan Qashqai

II · 2014–2021

Buy with care
Price
€9,000 – €18,490
Reliability
3/5
Fuel types
Petrol, Diesel

Photo: Harvey Bold, CC0

Ford Kuga

III · since 2019

Buy with care
Price
€13,400 – €30,500
Reliability
not rated
Fuel types
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

Photo: AIMHO'S REBELLION 8490s, CC BY-SA 4.0

Citroën C5 Aircross

I · 2018–2025

Extra caution
Price
€11,700 – €23,900
Reliability
2/5
Fuel types
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

Before you buy: check and equip

Check the history

Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Volkswagen Tiguan II (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

Insure the car

Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Euro NCAP rating of the Tiguan II?

5 stars out of 5 in 2016, with 96% for adult occupant protection, 84% for child occupant protection, 72% for pedestrian protection and 69% for safety assist systems.

What is the boot capacity of the Tiguan II?

615 litres with the rear seats in place and up to 1,655 litres with the rear seats folded, according to the technical data sheet for the 2.0 TDI 150 DSG7.

Does the Tiguan II 1.5 TSI have a known fault?

Yes: it can jerk forward when cold. Volkswagen issued a software update in 2020, which, according to some owners, does not fix the problem on every car.

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