Concern about 2012 Tiguan auto transmission

[Preppy]

I spoke to customer service on Thursday night and they have not heard of any issues with the 2012 Tiguan transmission. Please everybody contact them if you want some results.

I wrote John White, the VW Group Canada president and CEO (email addresses seem to be easily found online).

He did not reply directly to my email.

Instead it was answered by a Customer Service Manager.

Your email to Mr. White was forwarded to me for review and response. I would like to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback and for your loyalty to our Brand over the last 12 years. I apologize that you did not find your driving experience of our 2012 Tiguan a pleasurable one because of the 6-sp transmission and its programming. The programming was done in such a fashion as to optimize the fuel consumption of the vehicle. We will certainly document your displeasure and will make sure that our Product Planning Specialists are made aware of your comments. Unfortunately, there is no programming changes planned at this time for the vehicle as it would take it out of advertised fuel consumption ratings.

[NZTIGUAN]

Your email to Mr. White was forwarded to me for review and response. I would like to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback and for your loyalty to our Brand over the last 12 years. I apologize that you did not find your driving experience of our 2012 Tiguan a pleasurable one because of the 6-sp transmission and its programming. The programming was done in such a fashion as to optimize the fuel consumption of the vehicle. We will certainly document your displeasure and will make sure that our Product Planning Specialists are made aware of your comments. Unfortunately, there is no programming changes planned at this time for the vehicle as it would take it out of advertised fuel consumption ratings.

Exactly. The NA market complained like mad that the pre 2012 Tiguan wasn't getting good enough fuel consumption figures SO VW changed it, just for NA because nobody else was complaining, NOW NA is complaining because they don't like the change !! You can't have it both ways !!

[vw_nc_dude]

Exactly. The NA market complained like mad that the pre 2012 Tiguan wasn't getting good enough fuel consumption figures SO VW changed it, just for NA because nobody else was complaining, NOW NA is complaining because they don't like the change !! You can't have it both ways !!

So the 2012 Tiguan 2.0 TSI shipped to New Zealand does not have this problem?

[sbepko]

Maybe, maybe not. See the post "trembles on Tiguan" in this forum.

[NZTIGUAN]

So the 2012 Tiguan 2.0 TSI shipped to New Zealand does not have this problem?

We have the 7 speed DSG gearbox now and until very recently the only engine available here was the diesel. Ausi get some "pacific" model Tigs that have the 6 speed (most Ausi ones are DSG) and so far I haven't heard any complaint about them. Not sure what the Brazilian model has as mentioned in the other posts.

For what it's worth my diesel (2008 6 speed auto) has a little "groan" to itself around 53kph where it changes into 5th but it's for a very limited time and it's nothing that concerns me with the great fuel consumption I have. The diesel has a totally different torque curve of course.

With the number of engine/gearbox combinations available around the World (you have to remember there's at least 3 different petrol motors and 2 different diesel ones along with various 2wd and 4wd models and 3 different gearboxes, so the combinations are almost endless) it seems only to have been the NA drivers who have been complaining about the 2012 model.

Because the NA market seems to be the only one that has the 6 speed only (no DSG) and the problem only seems to be with 2012 models which have better fuel consumption figures than the pre 2012, one can only assume that the issue is a change in the auto program for the 6 speed auto. It may be that some other markets are also getting this gearbox/program combination but virtually all the reports have been from from NA.

Cheers

[TIGSEL]

Exactly. The NA market complained like mad that the pre 2012 Tiguan wasn't getting good enough fuel consumption figures SO VW changed it, just for NA because nobody else was complaining, NOW NA is complaining because they don't like the change !! You can't have it both ways !!

Like the Chinese say "be careful what you wish for". and you are absolutely correct

[vw_nc_dude]

We have the 7 speed DSG gearbox now and until very recently the only engine available here was the diesel. Ausi get some "pacific" model Tigs that have the 6 speed (most Ausi ones are DSG) and so far I haven't heard any complaint about them. Not sure what the Brazilian model has as mentioned in the other posts.

For what it's worth my diesel (2008 6 speed auto) has a little "groan" to itself around 53kph where it changes into 5th but it's for a very limited time and it's nothing that concerns me with the great fuel consumption I have. The diesel has a totally different torque curve of course.

With the number of engine/gearbox combinations available around the World (you have to remember there's at least 3 different petrol motors and 2 different diesel ones along with various 2wd and 4wd models and 3 different gearboxes, so the combinations are almost endless) it seems only to have been the NA drivers who have been complaining about the 2012 model.

Because the NA market seems to be the only one that has the 6 speed only (no DSG) and the problem only seems to be with 2012 models which have better fuel consumption figures than the pre 2012, one can only assume that the issue is a change in the auto program for the 6 speed auto. It may be that some other markets are also getting this gearbox/program combination but virtually all the reports have been from from NA.

Cheers

Makes sense. FWIW, I test-drove a Golf TDI with DSG last week and it seemed to have a little bit of groaning around 35mph as well

And, apparently, the Ford Focus has the same issue as well. So looks like we need to adjust to living with these fuel efficient groaning and moaning engines here in NA

Or... go back to manual shifting. I am tempted once the time comes to replace my 2008 Passat, though I must say I am very happy with the 6-speed automatic in that car.

[AsianDude]

How about an owner of a 2012 tiguan with the transmission issue try that power plug adapter that makes the throttle response improve, so that it would compensate for the programming some?

[sbepko]

Can you give a link to "...that power plug adapter."

[NZTIGUAN]

Can you give a link to "...that power plug adapter."

Here's one of them http://www.sprintboostersales.com/sp...ake=Volkswagen

Very EXPENSIVE and I'm not suggesting for a moment this would help, I doubt it helps anything other than a slow right foot !!

Cheers

[gollumses]

I work in sales at a SoCal VW Dealership.

I haven't personally had any of my customers come in with the complaints I see here. I saw that one person was at 1500 miles and the tranny was still shifting like crap. I will back up what one poster stated about how the tranny is constantly learning, and resetting it would do no good.

When delivering any autos with an Adaptive Auto Trannys, I quote from VW Hub (VW Intranet):

Shift points are automatically regulated to provide three distinct operating characteristics:

* Comfort driving for maximum fuel economy (shift points are kept low).
* Average Driving (shift points are raised slightly).
* High Performance Driving (shift points are increased to allow the engine to rev higher between gearshifts).

In the adaptive automatic shifting mode, the transmission control module can tune the shift program incrementally between the three modes, with up to 244 variations. This is referred to as the DSP (Dynamic Shift Program).

While that is very simplistic, it gives a pretty exact explanation of how the tranny adapts to different driving habits. Based on the accelerator movements the DSP moves between 244 different tranny shift settings. As driving habits change (i.e. city/hwy or different drivers), the DSP will change shift patterns in different gears at different RPMs.

Best Wishes - Mike

BTW: I own a Certified 2009 Tiguan

[d960]

Just want to update the status of my tiguan:

Went in yesterday to dealer ship and the another guy went for a test drive in my Tiguan and it shows the vibration at around 50-60km/h. He said that this is normal. Next I requested to test drive another 2012 Tiguan on the lot and sure enough, it shows similar behavior at 50-60km/h, maybe slightly better than mine. I asked the service dept to take the car in to check and was refused as they said "it is normal and turbo wants to go fast", WTF ? technician also said"there are lot of similar complaints from other tiguan owners", so looks like this is a common issue.

I also received a call from VW canada yesterday prior to my trip to dealership and the gentleman left a number and ask me to call back to follow up. Will call today.

It seems that the auto transmission always want to choose a gear higher than necessary and caused vibration. If I manually downshift one, it is perfectly normal. Just bloody annoying !

I will also google the president of VW canada's email and number and send in my complaints. Hope that they get the message and change the program back to where it was !

[d960]

I would also spread the message on facebook (search for VW tiguan, Volkswagen Canada, Volkswagen USA) and twitter (@Volkswagen USA, #VWCares, @VWcanada)

[vw_nc_dude]

I work in sales at a SoCal VW Dealership.

Best Wishes - Mike

BTW: I own a Certified 2009 Tiguan

As a VW insider, do you know if it is possible to reprogram the 2012 transmission back to the 2009-2011 transmission programming? I guess there are many people who would sacrifice 1-2 mpg just to get back to a descent shifting transmission.

[d960]

Exactly. The NA market complained like mad that the pre 2012 Tiguan wasn't getting good enough fuel consumption figures SO VW changed it, just for NA because nobody else was complaining, NOW NA is complaining because they don't like the change !! You can't have it both ways !!

Not sure why people complains about MPG. Personally I bought this car not for its fuel economy as this is not its strong point. if I care so much fuel economy, I'm going to buy a RAV4 or CRV or whatever that has better MPG and use regular gas as well.

[d960]

As a VW insider, do you know if it is possible to reprogram the 2012 transmission back to the 2009-2011 transmission programming? I guess there are many people who would sacrifice 1-2 mpg just to get back to a descent shifting transmission.

sign me up !

[AsianDude]

Can you give a link to "...that power plug adapter."

http://www.sprintbooster.us/Home.html

Its worth a try for those that are not happy with the trans programing

[vivalite]

My 2010 had similar issue but magnitudes slighter. How I solve it is getting an APR Tune. After the tune, my Tiguan feels like a GTI and all the lagging and groaning are history! Even better, you got extra HP / TQ with slightly worse MPG.

It does cost you some bucks to tune. USD 600 to get mine done.

[Preppy]

Exactly. The NA market complained like mad that the pre 2012 Tiguan wasn't getting good enough fuel consumption figures SO VW changed it, just for NA because nobody else was complaining, NOW NA is complaining because they don't like the change !! You can't have it both ways !!

Do you have any evidence that the "NA market complained like mad that the pre 2012 Tiguan wasn't getting good enough fuel consumption"?

I didn't complain?

My guess is, this was a move by VW marketing/product planning to make the car more competitive relative to its competitors.

[d960]

Yet another update and some great news !

Sent in an email to Mr. John White of VW canada this morning and got a follow up email from one of the service manager right away. She asked me to call back and I did. First of all she acknowledged the problem saying that she drove this car and have same experience. According her, VW canada is working on a fix for this transmission problem and the fix can be as soon as 2-3 weeks ! She promised to update me in about 2 weeks about the status. I'm happy that VW did listen to customers.

[Preppy]

Yet another update and some great news !

Sent in an email to Mr. John White of VW canada this morning and got a follow up email from one of the service manager right away. She asked me to call back and I did. First of all she acknowledged the problem saying that she drove this car and have same experience. According her, VW canada is working on a fix for this transmission problem and the fix can be as soon as 2-3 weeks ! She promised to update me in about 2 weeks about the status. I'm happy that VW did listen to customers.

It helps when you email the CEO directly... well sometimes.

[vw_nc_dude]

Yet another update and some great news !

Sent in an email to Mr. John White of VW canada this morning and got a follow up email from one of the service manager right away. She asked me to call back and I did. First of all she acknowledged the problem saying that she drove this car and have same experience. According her, VW canada is working on a fix for this transmission problem and the fix can be as soon as 2-3 weeks ! She promised to update me in about 2 weeks about the status. I'm happy that VW did listen to customers.

Great news indeed. Hope this applies to VW of North America so that we get the update here in the US as well.

[d960]

It helps when you email the CEO directly... well sometimes.

Yes it does, and thanks for mentioning the name etc. as I would not thought about it otherwise.

Great news indeed. Hope this applies to VW of North America so that we get the update here in the US as well.

Certainly hope so. I see no reason why they only want change it on Canadian Tiguan rather than all NA tiguan.

[Preppy]

Certainly hope so. I see no reason why they only want change it on Canadian Tiguan rather than all NA tiguan.

I hope this is the case for the US folks, but VW Canada is now a separate entity from VW USA... our products are tailored for our market as per the Canadian product planners.

[Ohio Tiguan]

I am the one who originally reported the response I got from VW America about them fixing the transmission programming. For what it's worth, I sent a follow up message asking for a status update on my reference case number. It has been a month since they replied that they were aware of the issue and would issue a fix. I will post if I get a reply.

[gollumses]

As a VW insider, do you know if it is possible to reprogram the 2012 transmission back to the 2009-2011 transmission programming? I guess there are many people who would sacrifice 1-2 mpg just to get back to a descent shifting transmission.

Not at work today, but I will find out tomorrow afternoon.

Mike

[vw_nc_dude]

Not at work today, but I will find out tomorrow afternoon.

Mike

Thanks. Would really appreciate if you can provide us some feedback on this.

[vw_nc_dude]

I am the one who originally reported the response I got from VW America about them fixing the transmission programming. For what it's worth, I sent a follow up message asking for a status update on my reference case number. It has been a month since they replied that they were aware of the issue and would issue a fix. I will post if I get a reply.

Cool! I think you are the only one who got that message and we keep our fingers crossed that they indeed will provide an update.

FWIW, I called my service department last week about my Passat but while I was on the phone the service manager said "Wait, I think I have an update for your Tiguan as well." I thought "Oh my, the transmission update is coming" but then he said "No, your Tiguan is up-to-date!"

[VR6Now]

Do you have any evidence that the "NA market complained like mad that the pre 2012 Tiguan wasn't getting good enough fuel consumption"?

I didn't complain?

My guess is, this was a move by VW marketing/product planning to make the car more competitive relative to its competitors.

I doubt he has any evidence to support that statement. More in line with what actually happened is all automakers are implementing tricks like this now to meet future CAFE standards. They are rolling out the gimicks before the higher standards hit the market. That whole NA market complained about gas mileage sound like someone looking for an excuse to rag.

[Ohio Tiguan]

I am the one who originally reported the response I got from VW America about them fixing the transmission programming. For what it's worth, I sent a follow up message asking for a status update on my reference case number. It has been a month since they replied that they were aware of the issue and would issue a fix. I will post if I get a reply.

Well, I got a whole lot of nothing... So I am told that they will address the issue, but then customer care basically disconnects from the progress part of the process and pleads ignorance, and also says its "possible". It wasn't a question before but now it is? I am still hopefull we will get a fix, but who knows when.

My latest response:

Dear Mr. XXXXX:

Thank you for your reply to my e-mail seeking an update regarding a possible update for the transmission programming in your Tiguan. I appreciate the chance to follow up with you.

I’ve looked into the information we have available, and at this time, I regret we have not yet been aware of an update for your vehicle. Our dealers are the first to obtain information on software updates, however, so I recommend staying in touch with your local dealer for the latest on potential releases in this matter.

Should you have any additional questions, please know our Customer CARE Center is at your disposal Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM, local time, at (800) 822-8987. You are also always welcome to e-mail us again from the “Contact Us” page on www.vw.com.

Sincerely,




Daniel R.
Customer CARE Advocate

[vw_nc_dude]

Well, I got a whole lot of nothing... So I am told that they will address the issue, but then customer care basically disconnects from the progress part of the process and pleads ignorance, and also says its "possible". It wasn't a question before but now it is? I am still hopefull we will get a fix, but who knows when.

My latest response:

Dear Mr. XXXXX:

Thank you for your reply to my e-mail seeking an update regarding a possible update for the transmission programming in your Tiguan. I appreciate the chance to follow up with you.

I’ve looked into the information we have available, and at this time, I regret we have not yet been aware of an update for your vehicle. Our dealers are the first to obtain information on software updates, however, so I recommend staying in touch with your local dealer for the latest on potential releases in this matter.

Should you have any additional questions, please know our Customer CARE Center is at your disposal Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM, local time, at (800) 822-8987. You are also always welcome to e-mail us again from the “Contact Us” page on www.vw.com.

Sincerely,




Daniel R.
Customer CARE Advocate

I will be going to my VW service tomorrow for a recall on my Passat. While there, I will ask the service manager if there is any update on the Tiguan. Will post later tomorrow.

[vivalite]

If you can play this into a safety issue and reporting to NHTSA, I am sure it will get VW's attentions.

[garethusa]

As a VW insider, do you know if it is possible to reprogram the 2012 transmission back to the 2009-2011 transmission programming? I guess there are many people who would sacrifice 1-2 mpg just to get back to a descent shifting transmission.

if you are willing to sacrifice 1 - 2 mpg now, why not simply just drive in S mode?

do you think if VW were to reprogram the tranny, would it affect all modes and then all modes would go back to 09-11 performance?

so would 2012 S mode performance still be an improvement over 09-11 S mode performance?

[vw_nc_dude]

if you are willing to sacrifice 1 - 2 mpg now, why not simply just drive in S mode?

do you think if VW were to reprogram the tranny, would it affect all modes and then all modes would go back to 09-11 performance?

so would 2012 S mode performance still be an improvement over 09-11 S mode performance?

This has been mentioned before. The S mode shifts at too high RPM. I do not want to drive at 3000RPM at 35MPH in S mode, or at 1000RPM at 35MPH in D mode. I want to drive around the typical 2000RPM value. So basically that leaves me just to go to tiptronic mode.

So I should have just bought a manual transmission then

[garethusa]

This has been mentioned before. The S mode shifts at too high RPM. I do not want to drive at 3000RPM at 35MPH in S mode, or at 1000RPM at 35MPH in D mode. I want to drive around the typical 2000RPM value. So basically that leaves me just to go to tiptronic mode.

So I should have just bought a manual transmission then

I will probably feel your pain once I get the hang of my tiggy.

I will miss most the 5 spd tranny of my jetta wagon. I never thought I would ever consider an auto tranny.

But yes, the option then would to put it in tiptronic mode in case if we just don't get any programming updates. If I can get the 22/27 from the Tig using tiptronic, that may be my preferred way of driving it.