Five problems related to timing tensioner have been reported for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan based on all problems reported for the 2012 Tiguan.
Timing tensioner chain blew and shredded our engine at 65,000 miles. Metal pieces were found in the oil pan. This happened in a parking lot when the car failed to start - thankfully not while the vehicle was in motion. Vw service tried to insinuate that we may not have changed the oil often enough, which is low considering we have all records showing we changed the oil exactly when prescribed by vw, as the service guy later admitted. The real issue is the tensioner chain is susceptible to failure. This is not only dangerous (I. E. If the engine failed while on a highway with young children in the back) but expensive, and it is infuriating that vw did not recommend a simple replacement when they became aware of the problem.
Timing chain tensioner failed (common issue with vw tsi engine) and caused an interference which resulted in a catastrophic failure of the engine during a regular engine start-up. This issue happened at about 115,000 miles and resulted in an engine replacement. The car was stationary and was working properly earlier in the day. The car was up to date with all recommended maintenance/ service tasks. Upon searching the web, it was noted this was a common issue to a point that there are several sites that offer "kits" to repair the engine (just search "timing chain tensioner issue + vw tsi" on google). . Read more...
My check engine light came on, indicating code p0341. I took the car into the shop and they replaced the camshaft position sensor in an attempt to fix the problem. The car was returned to me with the check engine light off. Two drives later the check engine light was back on, and while driving the epc light would intermittently light when a nasty rattle became audible. This typically happened upon acceleration, near 2k rpm. I have not driven it over 30 mph since this issue started, only accelerating very gingerly. I took the car back into the mechanic, at which point they informed me the cam chain tensioner and guides had failed or were in the process of failing. They informed me that repairing the timing chain components would cost $4000, but that the engine is also burning oil. They recommended a total engine replacement for $5400. I purchased the Tiguan used from larson vw in tacoma, wa November 2015 (just under 2 years ago) with 59000 miles on it. It currently has ~89000 miles.
My car suddenly started having problems accelerating in freeway traffic. I took it to a garage and got a part repaired. Afterwards I was alerted to excessive oil consumption in the car (having to fill oil every week) at no point is there a warning about the oil burning or check engine light. Then without warning again while driving on a city street, my tensioner belt slips causing massive engine damage, rendering the car undriveable and the engine now needs replaced on a 5 year old car. There are numerous lawsuits currently pending against Volkswagen due to this exact issue and yet there is no recall and no safety warning being issued. Individuals are at risk both safety-wise and financially.
Tried to start the vehicle and it turned over but would not run. Cranked enough to get a sound like a bicycle wheel with baseball cards in the spokes along with a flashing check engine light. Has been diagnosed as a failed timing chain tensioner and slipped timing chain due to faulty sprocket where teeth were rounded off, requiring a complete engine rebuild or replacement in spite of recommended oil changes having taken place.