Two problems related to timing tensioner have been reported for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan based on all problems reported for the 2013 Tiguan.
The car stalled, it was difficult to started again and then ran poorly. The engine light came on and I had it towed to the garage. The timing chain slipped, causing a misfire in all four cylinders. Mechanic found it was due to a faulty timing chain tensioner. Vw replaced this tensioner in new cars as of July of 2012, my car was built in June of 2012. As the result of a lawsuit, vw extended the warranty on models through 2012, but did not include 2013 even though it is the same faulty part number. Car is still in the garage 10 days later, but I was told it would be $1,500-$2,000 repair.
Mileage: 38,000 miles. Date: 9/5/2016. Upon engine startup first thing in the morning I noticed a momentary rattling noise which I recognized as timing chain noise. (I'm a certified auto mechanic. ) the noise went away in about one second which is typical for a hydraulic timing chain tensioner. I researched the net and found quite a bit of information on failing hydraulic timing chain tensioners on vw tsi engines. The timing chain noise occurred a second time on 9/23/2016, also first thing in the morning substantiating a failing timing chain tensioner leaking down over night. On 10/2/2016 I spent $256. 63 to buy the parts for replacing the timing chain tensioner myself.