Cooling Fan Problems of Volkswagen Tiguan

Whiel driving on a busy state road, the check engine light came on around 70,900 miles. I heard rattling sound from engine, front end shake. I pulled over near my house and shut the car off. I then had trouble starting the vehicle. I was able to drive the car to a Volkswagen dealership where they informed me of the following, "tech found that timing chain adjuster has reached its limits. Found coolant fans have internal short circuit. Tech recommends to replace all timing chain components and to replace both coolng fans. Timing chains and all components $2887. 68 cooling fans $1252. 16" the tech then told me he would not recommend me driving the vehicle anymore. I'm not sure when the timing adjustor failed, but if I were to keep driving the Tiguan, it could have caused my engine to seize at any time. I later became aware from internet research that the timing chain tensioner problem was common among Volkswagen and audis with the 2. 0t engine sold from 2008 - 2011 and in Nov. 2011 Volkswagen issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) making their dealers aware of the defect. However, the company never informed customers. This problem is currently the subject of an ongoing class action lawsuit. Volkswagen has so far refused to help me in any way, instead maintaining that because my car is out of warranty (6 years or 60,000 miles) they are unable to help in any way and that I would be fully responsible for the repairs. The Tiguan manual says no maintenance should be needed on the timing chain until 130,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

After an oil check and replacement, within 4 weeks the check engine light came on and car has exaggerated sounds after shut down (told this is the fan cooling down car) . The symbol appearing on the dash as indicated in the manual, states there may be a problem with the catalytic converter, but when taken to the dealer was told it was the turbo bypass valve $359. 11 + tax and cooling fans $949. 00+tax , plus the need for a software update $129. 50 +tax and may be the turbo has to be replaced $2233. 16 + tax, after they do the initial repairs. Now the car is over heating when in traffic and on hot days. Please note we were told that a new engine was put in the car in 2014, because they could not find out what was wrong with the car while it was under warranty after it stalled and would not turn back on. Since the repairs are so expensive for these latest issues we have not done the repairs. Wrestling with keeping the car, since it has had multiple issues. Just before it stalled previously there was a epc light and a catalytic converter light. Took it to the dealer and it remained there for a few days and was told problem was resolved. About a month later the epc light came back on. This time the car stayed with the dealer for over a month and eventually we were told a 2014 engine would be placed in the car. They could not find out what the exact problem was. We were told it may be due to slug in the engine. Despite this the cost for the engine was covered under the warranty. Later the catalytic converter light came on and it was changed and for a while no problems until now. Now we have a very expensive fan and turbo problem with no warranty to cover the cost. This car has had too many issues, most occurring within just 5 years of the purchase. We usually just leave it at home and use our son's car for long distances.

See all problems of the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.