2023 Volkswagen Tiguan diesel: common problems and MOT failures

Common 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  17% 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
  13% 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.

• 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
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  1% 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.

Known faults on the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan diesel

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.

• Several recalls

  All engines

  Recalls cover a roof spoiler that could come off, overheating starter motors, front seat backs, seatbelt pre-tensioners and airbags.

  At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Tiguan Mk2 buyer's guide

• Cambelt checks

  All except 2.0 petrol

  All engines except the 2.0 petrol use a cambelt that should be checked after five years and changed if worn.

  At the viewing: Look for a cambelt check or change in the history.

  If it needs doing: Timing belt (cambelt) change, about £300–£700 (often with the water pump). ClickMechanic

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Tiguan Mk2 buyer's guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan diesel

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

1. Has all the recall work been done?
2. Has the cambelt been checked or changed?
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?