VW Tiguan II 2.0 TDI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual (2016–2021)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW Tiguan II (2016-2024): known problems and buying guide

  Check the DSG and coupling oil records first, then coolant leaks and cold judder on petrols. Avoid a diesel that only does short trips.

• Engine guide VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Look at the brake discs and ask for the last inspection (TÜV) report. Bad result: a deep lip on the disc edge, or brakes flagged at inspection.
2. Ask how the diesel was driven. Bad result: mostly short trips. Short trips let the particulate filter and the EGR valve clog.
3. Check the headlining and footwells for damp. Bad result: damp, stains or a musty smell, which points to the panoramic roof drains.

From the engine guide

1. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. AdBlue and NOx (needs a scanner). Read NOx sensor and dosing faults. Bad: an emissions warning, a restart countdown or crystallised AdBlue.
6. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
7. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
8. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
9. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions