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we own a 2011 VW Tiguan TDI with 60,000 km and we have been told the water pump needs to be replaced, cost $400 plus labour $400, with a recommendation we also replace the timing belt at $400. Would it be usual for a vehicle of this age and mileage to need its water pump replaced, is it just "one of those things" or does it point to a fault that the manufacturer or dealer should take some responsibility for?

Hi there,
I would not be expecting this sort of thing to happen to a vehicle of this age and mileage.
It is not unheard of though.
It may come down to the type of antifreeze used and if/when it had been changed. Also if genuine coolant used or not.
I would be asking the dealer some questions on this for sure. And also from the information I have, the cambelt could be due at 120,000kms. So knowhere near due.

Thanks for these comments Cade. The vehicle has always only been serviced by the VW dealership including checking and replacing the coolant and antifreeze, in fact the leak only started after their 60,000 km check.