The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan remains a popular compact SUV, known for its blend of European driving dynamics and practicality. However, like many vehicles, it’s not without its potential issues. For owners and prospective buyers, understanding the common problems associated with the 2015 Tiguan is crucial for informed maintenance and purchasing decisions. This guide delves into the typical issues reported by 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan owners, providing a comprehensive overview to help you stay informed.
Engine Troubles in the 2015 Tiguan
Engine problems are a significant concern for many Volkswagen Tiguan owners, and the 2015 model year is no exception. Several issues can affect engine performance and reliability.
Throttle Body Malfunctions
Malfunctioning throttle bodies are a recurring problem in various Volkswagen Tiguan years, including the 2015 model. Symptoms often include rough idling, where the engine vibrates or runs unevenly when the car is stationary. You might also notice RPM fluctuations, with the engine speed unexpectedly increasing or decreasing at idle. The check engine light illuminating on your dashboard is another common indicator. A faulty throttle body can significantly impact your Tiguan’s drivability, especially at lower speeds, leading to hesitant acceleration and jerky movements.
Turbocharger Failures
Turbocharger issues are another frequently reported problem in 2015 Volkswagen Tiguans. Owners often describe a noticeable lack of power, particularly when trying to accelerate or maintain speed on highways. If your Tiguan engine sounds like it’s working harder than usual, or if you hear whining or whistling noises from the engine bay, it could signal a failing turbocharger. The prevalence of these issues has even led to petitions from concerned Volkswagen owners urging the manufacturer to address these concerns more proactively.
Carbon Deposit Buildup
A known design characteristic of Volkswagen Tiguan engines, particularly the TSI direct injection engines used in the 2015 model, is their susceptibility to carbon buildup. This occurs when carbon deposits accumulate on the intake valves, intake manifold, and cylinder head ports. Signs of carbon buildup include black smoke emanating from the exhaust, malfunctioning sensors, and diminished engine performance. Drivers may experience power loss, rough idling, difficulty starting the engine, reduced acceleration, and engine misfires. Resolving carbon buildup typically requires a thorough cleaning of the intake manifold, cylinder head intake ports, and intake valves.
Timing Chain Tensioner Problems
Timing system issues, specifically related to the timing chain tensioner, are among the most serious and costly problems that can affect a 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. The plastic timing chain tensioner is known to be prone to failure. Rattling noises or engine misfires, especially during idling, could be symptoms of a failing timing system. If the check engine light comes on in conjunction with contaminated engine oil, it’s a strong indicator of a potential timing chain problem. Addressing timing chain issues promptly is crucial to prevent severe engine damage.
Acceleration Hesitation
Hesitation during acceleration is a concerning problem reported by 2015 Tiguan owners. This issue is described as erratic and severe, potentially making highway driving unsafe. Frustratingly, this problem often doesn’t trigger diagnostic trouble codes, making it harder to pinpoint. However, it’s frequently linked to a lean fuel/air mixture. Possible causes include a failing mass airflow sensor, a faulty fuel pump, a malfunctioning throttle position sensor, or clogged or failing fuel injectors.
Electrical System Issues in the 2015 Tiguan
Beyond engine problems, the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan can also experience a range of electrical system issues.
Exterior Lighting Problems
Exterior lighting malfunctions are a documented issue in the 2015 Tiguan. This includes failures of both low and high beam headlights, problems with the sunroof ambient lighting bar, and taillight malfunctions. Some of these lighting issues were prevalent enough to warrant recalls from Volkswagen to implement fixes.
Infotainment System Glitches
Issues with the infotainment system are particularly common in newer Volkswagen Tiguan models, potentially including the 2015. Owners report systems freezing, becoming unresponsive, or screens going completely blank. Sometimes these problems can be resolved by resetting the system or updating to the latest software version. Notably, Volkswagen issued a recall in 2018 because of instrument cluster failures that could fail to warn drivers if the key was left in the ignition.
Rearview Camera Failures
Rearview camera problems are frequently observed in modern Volkswagen vehicles, and the 2015 Tiguan appears to be no exception. Due to the high incidence of these issues, Volkswagen has issued multiple recalls to address rearview camera malfunctions.
Other Noteworthy 2015 Tiguan Problems
Beyond engine and electrical concerns, 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan owners have reported other issues.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Excessive oil consumption, often referred to as “burning oil,” is a problem encountered by some 2015 Tiguan owners. Particularly in models from around 2018, owners have found themselves needing to add oil frequently, at alarming rates. While some dealerships have reportedly stated that consuming a quart of oil every 1,000 miles is “acceptable,” many owners find this level of oil consumption concerning and unacceptable. This issue is often linked to problems with cylinder seals.
Airbag System Malfunctions
Airbag-related issues are relatively common across modern Volkswagen vehicles, and the 2015 Tiguan is no exception. Complaints frequently involve the airbag control module, frontal airbag deployment, side/window airbags, and the coil spring. These are among the most consistent complaints associated with newer generation VW Tiguans.
Automatic Emergency Braking Problems
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) system malfunctions have been reported by 2015 Tiguan owners. In some cases, the AEB system engages unexpectedly without driver input. Conversely, in other situations, the system fails to activate when emergency braking is genuinely needed. This problem is reported in Tiguan models from 2018 onwards and is suspected to be caused by overly sensitive sensors.
Steering System Issues
Two primary steering problems have been noted in the 2015 Tiguan. The first involves the clock spring, which can break, leading to the failure of the multifunction steering wheel and related systems like the airbag. The second common issue is power steering disengagement, which results in a sudden and significant increase in steering wheel heaviness, making the vehicle difficult to maneuver.
Fuel System Problems
Both gasoline and diesel versions of the 2015 Tiguan can experience fuel system related problems. These include fuel leaks, a faulty fuel pump, and issues with the N80 purge valve. Fuel leaks can stem from faulty fuel lines.
Fuel Pump Issues
A failing fuel pump is a relatively common problem in both older and newer Tiguan models, potentially including the 2015. A faulty fuel pump might deliver fuel at inconsistent pressure, leading to poor engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and even engine stalling. Volkswagen issued a recall in July 2014 specifically due to fuel pumps failing to deliver correct fuel pressure.
N80 Purge Valve Problems
The N80 purge valve is another fuel system component that has caused issues for 2015 Tiguan owners. Symptoms of an N80 purge valve failure include performance problems, poor fuel economy, and the check engine light illuminating. A malfunctioning N80 purge valve can cause either excessive or insufficient fuel delivery to the engine, leading to performance issues.
Engine Stalling
Engine stalling is another issue reported by 2015 Tiguan drivers, often accompanied by the Electronic Power Control (EPC) warning light. This has been attributed to a faulty fuel injector wiring harness or, in more severe cases, engine problems.
Seats and Seatbelt Issues
Finally, some 2015 Tiguan owners have reported problems with the seats and seatbelts. Premature tearing of seat fabric has been mentioned, along with seatbelt malfunctions. While generally less critical than engine or safety system issues, these problems can still be a source of frustration.
Conclusion
The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan, while a well-regarded SUV, does have a range of potential problems that owners and buyers should be aware of. From engine issues like turbocharger failure and carbon buildup to electrical and safety system concerns, understanding these common problems is the first step in proactive vehicle maintenance. If you experience any of these issues with your 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan, seeking professional diagnosis and repair from a Volkswagen specialist is highly recommended to ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.
