The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is a popular compact SUV, but like any vehicle, it can experience its share of problems. For owners of the 2012 Tiguan, encountering issues is not uncommon, and understanding these potential problems is crucial for maintenance and repair. This article delves into some typical problems reported by 2012 VW Tiguan owners, with a particular focus on transmission-related concerns.
Initially, some owners might face issues that seem unrelated to the transmission. One owner reported dealing with a check engine light, which led to a dealership recommending a turbo booster replacement. Subsequently, a wheel bearing issue was also addressed. While these repairs resolved the initial problems and the check engine light was temporarily off, the underlying issue persisted.
The owner then noticed unusual driving behavior at lower speeds, specifically between 25 and 40 mph. This was characterized by vibrations and noises suggesting the transmission was working harder than it should. Further investigation and online research revealed that these symptoms were consistent with common transmission problems reported by other 2012 Tiguan owners. Reviews on platforms like Edmunds and VW forums highlighted similar experiences, pointing towards a potential defect in the transmission system of this model year.
Manual gear shifting tests confirmed that the automatic transmission was shifting into higher gears too early at low speeds. For example, at 20 mph, the transmission would shift to 3rd, 4th, or even 5th gear, and at 30 mph, it would shift to 4th, 5th, or 6th gear. This premature shifting caused the described vibrations and strained noises. Manually downshifting alleviated these symptoms, indicating the issue was indeed related to the transmission’s shifting logic.
Fortunately, research also uncovered a potential, and relatively inexpensive, fix. A Volkswagen Technical Bulletin, specifically number 1-12-13 (transaction number 2029206), addresses “slight hesitation and or driving noise at low speeds in high gear.” This bulletin provides a software update that recalibrates the transmission’s shifting behavior. Owners who opted for this update reported significant improvement in their Tiguan’s driving performance.
If you are experiencing similar transmission symptoms with your 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan, inquiring about Technical Bulletin 1-12-13 with your VW dealer could be a worthwhile first step. This software update offers a promising solution to address the low-speed transmission issues commonly reported for this model year, potentially saving owners from more costly and extensive repairs.
