7.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,500
Average Mileage:
54,800 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. drain system should be cleared (2 reports)
  2. replace sunroof rack (1 reports)
  3. sunroof drain came loose, reinstall with adhesive (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Volkswagen dealer.

problem #4

Apr 142016

Tiguan SUV

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

My car was full of water after a hard rain- I took it to the VW dealer and he diagnosed that the sun-roof drains were plugged and the sun-roof lining was damaged. Only to fix the cause of the leak ( unplug the drains and replace them) cost about 1250 dollars. He needed to also replace all the lining that was damaged, take out the car seats and dry the interior. Some of the damage cannot be foreseen because of the negative effects of water on the electric system and auto and power system in general. To do a fine job he estimated 2500 to 3500 dollars.

I called VW manufacturer (800) 822-8987 and they did not accept to take responsibility of the problem. I searched and found the Dewey class action suit but does not include Tiguan 2009. I expect that the design of all these sun-roofs are similar. Definitely the description of the problem is identical to other models including the new Beetle 2009. Why would the drains be designed ant different. How can I get my right, I feel I am cheated because a leaking car at 90000 mile of service is unheard of except with VW. Used cars as old as 15 years don't leak. Please help !!!!

- Ahmed T., Metairie, LA, US

problem #3

Dec 012015

Tiguan Highline 2.0L T

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,937 miles

I'm retired and I baby all my cars. No crashes or misuse and low mileage. I bought the 7 year extended warranty, but they say its not covered. Water gets in thru the glass roof and soaks the headliner just by the windshield at the front only. The water drops on the console shifter after it collects and drips off the roof controls. Dealer says they have to replace the whole rack that holds the sunroof. The dealer says they've done 20 of them and they want $1500 CND ($1200 USD) for the part, plus $750 for investigation and another $1000 labor to install the new rack... Total estimate $3350...

- 85tr, Coquitlam, BC, Canada

problem #2

Jul 012011

Tiguan 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Noticed water stains surrounding panoramic sunroof ... the interior of this car has never seen rain or any leak from the outside. The dealer says that the VW sunroof(s) and particularly the panoramic roof either has small leaks or condensation develops from the AC and doesn't drain properly resulting in the staining of the interior roof fabric. The local dealer says he has seen "numerous" examples of this problem. This dealer recommends clearing the roof drains every year ... $50 charge.

The "clearing out of the drains" (presumably low pressure air) is NOT a VW recommended service, The problem can't be anticipated. When the drains fail, water builds and the fabric stains either quickly or over time. One day you look up and there is a problem.

The most recent occurrence was a 7 hour drive in July which featured max AC most of the way with a 30 minute heavy rain storm on the freeway. The roof was tightly shut. The front portion near the windshield (passenger side) was sopping wet at the end of the drive. My trip to the service department for a drain cleaning revealed that the drains were open ... huh? Maybe the connections are leaking. Anyway, no satisfaction from the VW national complaint service. I can't verify that the problem started before the warranty expired.

Guess I am stuck with future leaks unless Tiguan owners start reporting this obvious design or manufacturing defect.

- Henri S., West Chester, PA, US

problem #1

Jul 102012

Tiguan SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,223 miles

Same issue recurred back on 08/23/12 at 28772 miles and the sun visor had water damage issue. I found out months later 08/08/14 at 52337 miles, are charged to fix it.

- Constantin N., Mundelein, US-Illinois, US