Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140 (2008)

182 real MOT outcomes analysed • 74.9% first-time pass rate

2008 Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140

CarHunch analysed 182 real MOT records for the 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140 falls below the UK average with a first-time pass rate of 74.9% versus the national 80%, suggesting this model is slightly more prone to MOT issues than typical. On the positive side, no vehicles in this cohort recorded dangerous defects, so safety-critical failures aren't a pattern concern.

At 134,788 miles on average, these Tiguans have covered substantial ground for their age, yet they're still accumulating just 1.06 failures per test — a reasonable rate that suggests the diesel engine itself remains relatively robust despite high mileage. If you're considering one, budget for regular maintenance and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on suspension and exhaust components, which typically drive failures on this generation.

Below average reliability 5.1% below UK average
74.9%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
132,002
typical mileage
111,353–153,464 middle half
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
1.06
avg MOT failures per car
over 6 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (99%) 181 74.8% 1.07
Gas Bi-Fuel (1%) 1 100% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

111,353
low mileage
132,002
typical
153,464
high mileage

Half of all 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140 vehicles fall between 111,353 and 153,464 miles.

2008 Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140 — Still on the Road

98 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 70% of the peak remain.

79 98 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.

MOT History Averages

6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.06
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Volkswagen Tiguan SE TDI 140:

2009