2016 Volkswagen Tiguan petrol: common problems and MOT failures

Common 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  25% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  20% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  8% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  3% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Power steering that cuts out in the cold

  Steering assistance can fail, especially in sub-zero temperatures. It's often the control unit, sometimes the steering rack.

  At the viewing: Make sure the steering feels light and consistent from a cold start.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Tiguan Mk1 problems

• Melting fuse box and electrical faults

  Fuse boxes have been known to melt from high currents, causing a range of electrical faults.

  At the viewing: Test all the electrics and look for any warning lights.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Tiguan Mk1 problems

• Electronic parking brake that won't release

  The electronic handbrake can refuse to release, sometimes simply because the driver's seatbelt isn't fastened or the clutch isn't fully pressed.

  At the viewing: With your seatbelt on and the clutch fully down, check the parking brake releases cleanly.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Tiguan Mk1 problems

• Climate control switchgear

  Air-con or climate control faults are often the switchgear rather than the compressor.

  At the viewing: Try every climate control setting and check it blows cold.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Tiguan Mk1 problems

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the power steering ever failed or been repaired?
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?