2021 Volkswagen Tiguan TSI 1.5L Petrol · CU71 LWR

The defining mechanical takeaway for this Tiguan is the September 2025 MOT failure driven entirely by tyre condition, with two tyres declared illegal under the Dangerous category. A nearside front tyre was recorded below the 1.6mm tread minimum, while an offside rear had exposed ply or cords on the inside edge. The very next day, the vehicle was presented again and passed, but not before the tester recorded fresh advisories on both rear tyres for sub-2.5mm tread and inner-edge wear. The earlier September 2024 test had already flagged the rear brake pads as wearing thin, indicating that braking and tyre management have been the recurring weak points in an otherwise clean record. The most recent pass on 31 July 2026 was clean with no advisories, which suggests the tyre issues were addressed at that point, but a buyer should treat the September 2025 episode as evidence of how rapidly consumable wear can present on this car if monitoring lapses. With 56,714 miles recorded against an age of around five years, this Tiguan is accumulating roughly 11,300 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a family SUV of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would suggest extended standing time, and the annual mileage between tests appears consistent, indicating regular use rather than long lay-ups or short bursts of high mileage. Mechanically, this usage profile tends to be favourable for a TSI petrol drivetrain, as consistent running keeps the turbo, charge pipework, coolant system and timing chain components regularly exercised. The mileage does, however, place the vehicle into a band where original brake discs, suspension bushes and drop links are approaching the point at which replacement becomes likely on a Tiguan of this generation, particularly given the rear brake pad advisory already on file. A prospective buyer should focus a physical inspection on the areas flagged in the MOT record, starting with the tyres and wheels. Inner-edge wear on both front and rear tyres was specifically noted, which on a transverse-mounted engine platform like the Tiguan can point towards misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak coil springs allowing the vehicle to sit slightly lower on one corner. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and pay close attention to any steering pull or uneven turn-in response. The rear brake pad advisory from September 2024 suggests the pads have now been renewed, but the buyer should verify the condition of the rear discs, as worn pads left in place too long frequently score the disc surface and necessitate replacement as a paired job. On the road, the brake pedal should feel firm without excessive travel, and there should be no judder or vibration under firm pedal pressure from speed. Beyond the documented items, it is worth inspecting the underside of the vehicle for any early signs of corrosion on the rear subframe, brake pipes and suspension arms, as the Tiguan of this era can begin to show surface corrosion in these areas once mileage climbs beyond the mid-50,000 mark. The TSI 1.5 or 2.0 petrol engine should be cold-started during the viewing to confirm there is no timing chain rattle, excessive vibration from the engine mounts, or visible oil misting around the cam cover and turbo oil feed lines. Inside the cabin, check that the infotainment and climate controls function fully, as these are known weak points on MQB-platform Volkswagens. Finally, request evidence of recent tyre replacements and brake work to confirm the September 2025 Dangerous defects were properly rectified with matching axle pairs rather than a single replacement, as uneven tyre condition across an axle is the most likely root cause of the inner-edge wear pattern recorded by the tester.