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Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N) (2008-2015) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N) built around 2015: about average at the MOT

Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N) models built around 2015 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

21% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N) models built around 2015 ended in a fail (retests included), against 23% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N) models built around 2015 involves the suspension.

Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2008-2015SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 103,690 tests of Tiguan models registered 2008-2015.

About 1 in 25 Tiguan Mk1 (5N) MOTs (4.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 23,053 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 Tiguan Mk1 (5N) MOTs (5.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).

Based on 23,053 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (5N) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
10,52719.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
23,05321.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
19,02822.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
13,53423.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
10,33825.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
9,40927.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
8,62528.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,49328.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,68329.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 17 years old.

How the Tiguan Mk1 (5N) compares

At each age below, see how the Tiguan Mk1 (5N) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 284,638 tests across 18 Volkswagen models, built around 2015 (10 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
10,52719.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
23,05321.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
19,02822.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
13,53423.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
10,33825.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
9,40927.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
8,62528.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,49328.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,68329.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Tiguan Mk1 (5N).

  1. 1

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 21.1% for the Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N), both built around 2015.

    2,671 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    3.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 21.1% for the Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N), both built around 2015.

    1,622 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    Honda CR-V

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    4.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 14.7%, against 21.1% for the Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N), both built around 2015.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,667 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5%
    Dangerous
    2.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Lower fail rate: 13.9%, against 21.1% for the Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N), both built around 2015.

    3,003 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

96%of all Volkswagen Tiguan cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

29 recalls in all

8 of the 29 Tiguan Mk1 (5N) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • A condenser may fail in the airbag control unit
  • Starter motor may malfunction and overheat
  • Fire may occur

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Tiguan Mk1 (5N) cars have aged

How Tiguan Mk1 (5N) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%6810121416Age at MOTBuilt around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.4% (14,397 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (14,280 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (14,381 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (14,380 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (14,676 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (11,522 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (11,377 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (11,454 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (11,424 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (11,473 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (8,905 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (8,755 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.3% (8,599 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (8,453 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (8,463 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (7,370 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (7,380 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (7,241 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (7,049 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (6,967 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (6,178 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (6,083 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (5,945 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (5,827 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (5,592 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (5,886 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (5,673 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (5,462 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (5,186 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (4,916 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (5,424 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (5,194 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (4,916 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (4,454 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (4,102 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (3,997 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (3,703 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (3,432 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (3,053 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (2,683 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012
Mk1 (5N) variants compared

Tiguan Mk1 (5N) variants built around 2015

The fail rate for each Tiguan Mk1 (5N) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • TIGUAN21.2%22,536 tests

Petrol

  • TIGUAN18.3%504 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Volkswagen Tiguans of this age

This list covers every Volkswagen Tiguan built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (5N) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    23.6%
    Advisory: 7,548Fail: 1,654 (18% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    22.9%
    Advisory: 8,069Fail: 784 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    16.8%
    Advisory: 6,089Fail: 722 (11% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    13.9%
    Advisory: 4,524Fail: 62 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.1%
    Advisory: 2,143Fail: 326 (13% of the times it was found)

Based on 23,053 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Volkswagen Tiguan Mk1 (5N) (2008-2015) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 23,053 10-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 103,690 MOT tests on Volkswagen Tiguans first registered between 2008-2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.