Diesel · 2007–2016
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the Volkswagen Tiguan 1All about the 1.2 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI CR (EA189) engine
The 2.0 TDI CR (EA189) engine was fitted to the Volkswagen Tiguan 1 (2007–2016). In the EU that is 76.0 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 2.0 140 hp, 2.0, 2.0 110 hp, 2.0 177 hp, 2.0 150 hp, 2.0 170 hp.
The most expensive known risk is DPF clogging or faulty DPF pressure sensor: it usually appears at 80,000–200,000 km and costs €100–1,800 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Power loss, limp mode, EGR fault codes (e.g. P0401), black smoke
Fix: Check EGR position and flow in live data; clean or replace the valve, and the cooler if it is blocked
Signs: DPF light, frequent or interrupted regenerations, limp mode; worse with short trips
Fix: First check the differential pressure sensor and its hoses, then soot and ash load; forced regeneration, cleaning or replacement; use low-ash VW 507.00 oil
Signs: Engine light with P2015, reduced power, sometimes limp mode
Fix: Clean the manifold and fit a linkage repair kit, or replace the manifold with flaps; adapt the flaps with a diagnostic tool
Signs: Engine light, reduced power or limp mode, codes P2563 / P2564
Fix: Check vacuum lines and the control valve, the crankcase pressure valve in the cylinder head cover (1.6 TDI) and the actuator with its position sensor; clean the vanes or replace the turbo if needed
Signs: Oil pressure warning, then sudden loss of oil pressure; the engine can be destroyed
Fix: Stop the engine at once if the oil pressure light comes on; on early engines fit the revised longer (100 mm) hex shaft preventively, e.g. with the timing belt
Signs: Hard starting, power loss, rail pressure codes; metal particles can reach the injectors
Fix: Replace the pump; if there is metal debris, also injectors, rail and lines, and flush the tank; check the fuel filter for metal at services
Signs: Harder starting, rough idle, smoke, higher fuel use, high return flow on the test
Fix: Return-flow (leak-off) test and check of injector coding; recondition or replace the faulty injectors
Signs: Coolant loss, coolant traces at the timing belt cover, temperature warning
Fix: Replace the pump together with the whole timing belt kit, even if the belt is not yet due
Signs: Applies to every EA189; after the update some owners report more EGR and DPF faults
Fix: Have a dealer check by VIN that the free update was done; the 24-month extra cover after the update has expired
Signs: Knocking or rattling from the front over bumps, vague handling, inspection notes on wheel suspension, springs or dampers.
Fix: Inspect springs for breaks near the lower seat and check bushes and dampers; replace springs and dampers in axle pairs, then do a wheel alignment.
Signs: Juddering or grinding when braking, scored or rusty discs flagged at inspection, sometimes below 30,000 km.
Fix: Replace discs and pads on the axle; clean and lubricate the caliper slides so the new discs wear evenly.
Signs: Parking brake warning light, brake stays on or drags, car will not drive off.
Fix: Read the codes, check battery voltage and the rear caliper motors; replace the faulty caliper motor and reset the system with a diagnostic tool.
Signs: Steering warning light and heavy steering, often after a cold start below zero.
Fix: Read the codes and check battery and earth connections; usually the steering control unit is at fault, sometimes the whole steering rack must be replaced.
Signs: A/C or Climatronic does not respond, wrong temperature or blower settings, no cooling.
Fix: Read the codes and check the control panel and flap motors before condemning the compressor.
Signs: No warning; a loose earth cable on the electric auxiliary heater can overheat and in rare cases start a fire.
Fix: Check the VIN for the July 2008 recall; the dealer secures the earth connection free of charge.
Signs: Starter keeps running or burning smell after start; the switch can overheat.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer replaces the starter solenoid switch free of charge.
Signs: No warning; when the front side airbag fires, metal fragments can hit occupants.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer replaces the side airbag modules free of charge.
Signs: No warning; after a strong jolt the rear door can be opened from inside although the child lock is set.
Fix: Check the VIN for the July 2016 recall; the dealer checks and if needed replaces the rear door locks free of charge.
Signs: No warning; a wrong igniter mixture can stop the passenger airbag from deploying in a crash.
Fix: Check the VIN for the March 2017 campaign; the dealer replaces the passenger airbag unit free of charge.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
Signs: Gearbox warning, odd or even gears (1-3-5 or 2-4-R) drop out, delayed or wrong shifts, limp mode or no drive
Fix: Diagnose with a dealer-level tester; repair the control unit / solenoids or fit a reconditioned mechatronic unit, change the oil and filter and run the adaptations
Signs: Knock or jerk when shifting down into 3rd or 2nd in traffic, a pause of 1-3 seconds before the car pulls away
Fix: Ask the dealer for the latest gearbox software, change the oil and filter and reset the adaptations; if it persists, have the mechatronic checked
Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts
Fix: Fluid service, repair
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,400–5,750. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Volkswagen Tiguan 1 with the 2.0 TDI CR (EA189) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions | every 20,000 km | €0–60 |
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 210,000 km or every 120 months | €450–900 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Diesel1,968 cm³ · 103 kW (140 hp) | 33.4 % | 2011–2015 | — | — |
| 2.0 Diesel1,968 cm³ | 17.3 % | 2010–2015 | — | — |
| 2.0 Diesel1,968 cm³ · 81 kW (110 hp) | 13.3 % | 2011–2015 | — | — |
| 2.0 Diesel1,968 cm³ · 130 kW (177 hp) | 5.9 % | 2012–2015 | — | — |
| 2.0 Diesel1,968 cm³ · 110 kW (150 hp) | 2.7 % | 2015–2015 | — | — |
| 2.0 Diesel1,968 cm³ · 125 kW (170 hp) | 1.9 % | 2011–2014 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (13). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: DPF clogging or faulty DPF pressure sensor (80,000–200,000 km, €100–1,800); injector wear (high return flow) (150,000–250,000 km, €400–1,600); electric power steering fails, mostly in frost (60,000–250,000 km, €300–1,500); turbo boost control fault (P2563): actuator, vacuum or sooted vanes (100,000–220,000 km, €100–1,400).
Belt · 210,000 km / every 120 mo.
5W-30 · VW 507.00 · ~4.3 L · every 15,000 km.
Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C) 2009–2017Volkswagen Golf VI 2008–2012Audi A4 (B8) 2007–2015Audi A3 (8P) 2003–2012Audi A1 (8X) 2010–2018Audi A6 (C7) 2011–2018Škoda Octavia II 2004–2013Volkswagen Caddy III 2004–2020Škoda Fabia II 2007–2014Škoda Yeti 2009–2017Volkswagen Transporter T5 2003–2015Volkswagen Passat B7 2010–2014
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026