2010 Volkswagen Tiguan

Routine

Owners filed 110 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid. Which Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
73,000 milesMedian miles at failure

93 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan problems

46 of the 110 complaints (42%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine45
010
Electrical System24
110
Steering9
000
Seats4
022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes3
100
Service Brakes · brakes3
101
Exterior Lighting · headlights3
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system2
000
Air Bags · airbags2
101

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline14V441000
Filed Jul 21, 2014151,389 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014. When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.

Risk. A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase the fuel pump pressure, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers13V569000
Filed Nov 22, 201362,155 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 through June 2011. Due to a problem with the fuse for the exterior lights, the holder for the fuse that controls the vehicle's exterior lights circuit may melt.

Risk. If the holder melts, there may be a partial loss of exterior lighting. Reduced vehicle illumination diminishes the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 97Z9/2V.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seats
Filed Aug 21, 2026NJ

Right seat heater has burned through the synthetic leather and burned my pants. No fuse went off, no warning issued by vehicle nor heater stopped itself.

Steering
Filed Aug 12, 2025WA

We own a 2010 VW Tiguan and it has many problems, but the biggest one is that the Steering Wheel just randomly will turn off and loose all power steering, I believe these models use electric power steering (EPS) system, which don't use like a traditional power steering hydraulic pump but uses electricity and maybe magnets... to induce the steering. the steering wheel is a big deal and should not just randomly stop working and there is tons of these models and others have have this problems, I seen people on youtube have the same problem with the 2017 models Tiguan and this part is consistently out of stock, because so many of them break.. this should be a nationwide recall and a major safety recall as well.

Engine
Filed Sep 26, 2024LA

Vehicle sometimes displays red check engine light on dash with alarm sounding. Check engine light goes away after the vehicle is stopped briefly and restarted. Oil level is normal. Mechanic found no diagnostic codes when scanned with OBD scanner. Mechanic changed oil pressure sensor, replaced oil, checked oil pan. There is no leaking. But the check engine light still comes on with alarm. It does not seem to be related to miles driven, speed driven, road conditions, or external temperature. Consumer is afraid to drive the car, or sell car. Mileage is 61,000, one owner.

Suspension
Filed Jul 15, 2024MO

Reversing out drive way and coil rear suspension spring snaped

Steering
Filed Aug 31, 2023125,068 milesTN

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the forward momentum allowed her to pull off the roadway. The contact stated that the steering wheel started shaking violently. The contact stated an unknown red warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, however the failure had reoccurred several times. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist, and rack and pinion gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,068.

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2023WI

Timing chain/extensioner broke My car suddenly started jerking or jumping when I was idling. I pulled into a parking lot and ended up having to have it towed. It does not run now and I was told it needed a new engine. I was told that there was a known issue and class action lawsuit with the timing chain but that I had passed the extended warranty. My care only has 50,000 miles on it so a timing chain should not fail so soon. I am sure that there extended warranty left a lot of engine failures out.

Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2023CA

Timing chain tensioner broke. Loss of power

Steering
Filed Apr 8, 2023TN

While driving down the road the steering wheel began to wobble and shake really bad and the power steering light came on and then power steering locked up, I was barely able to get out of the way of oncoming traffic which was very difficult for me because I have Lupus and not very much strength in my arms. Had to turn car off and restart several times before getting the light to stay off long enough to get home but it was still wobbling, this was a very scary situation for me.

Engine
Filed Apr 5, 2023180,000 milesOR

The contact's mother owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle made a loud popping sound coming from the passenger’s side engine compartment. Additionally, the service engine warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle had exceeded the recall remedy timeframe. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 4, 2021CA

The fusebox that was included in the NHTSA recall #13V569000 for lighting defects was never resolved correctly on this car and many other VW Tiquans like this. I am a 45 year ASE licensed professional automotive technician. I am an ASE Master tech with current L1-L9 licensing. I am also an ex GM mastertech as well. Part time automotive instructor too. I've seen the multiple cases filed with the NHTSA regarding this melting fuse box that causes multiple issues whether they be with lighting, causes the engine & whole electrical system to shut down, same with several computers. I've scanned the system using VAG-COM and have two different sets of scan data to show clearly the issue. The car will load a multitude of erroneous codes because the central electrical, ABS, engine computer & other modules lose power causing a VERY dangerous situation for the operator of the vehicle. Not to mention a fire danger. I have pictures of the before and after repair I did on this vehicle. It still needs the fuse box replaced. I replaced the melted #6 wire that attaches to the fuse box (VW part# 1K0 937 125D) which was included in the original NHTSA recall I mentioned at the beginning of this essay. The vehicle & component is available for inspection at any time. This vehicle stalled & left my wife & kids stranded several times making it incredibly unsafe to drive. The car has been ok now for 2 weeks after my temporary repair. Prior NHTSA complaints from other owners with similar issues were 105

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 7, 2021NY

Terrible odor in the vehicle , when I checked on vehicle forums it seems like it’s happens in Volkswagen vehicles where an animal can get caught in the engine and dies and causes an odor . This is something that happens in Volkswagen vehicles only

Engine
Filed Jun 7, 202190,666 milesOH

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway at approximately 3 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain failed causing the engine to seize and valves to bend. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the manufacturer had extended the warranty on the vehicle however, the warranty had expired in April 2020. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle extended warranty expired and the vehicle was not eligible for a free repair. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,666.

Steering
Filed May 27, 2021CA

The power steering light has gone on several times, and I then would turn off the car, which would make the light go off. Last night, however, it went on along w the entire wheel violently shaking from side to side. I had to drive the short distance back home to my house w no power steering and the emergency lights on.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 15, 2020120,000 milesFL

POWERSTEERING FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, STEERING WHEEL WOBBLES WITHOUT USER INTERVENTION OCCASIONALLY (AT RED LIGHT). ISSUE SEEMS RELEASED TO ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING RACK OR CONTROL BOX, BUT VW DOES NOT SEEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A FREQUENTLY REPORTED PROBLEM. WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN: 1. AFTER PARKING CAR, POWER STEERING IS COMPLETELY OFF, SLOWLY DRIVING FOR 20-30 SEC SO FAR BROUGHT IT BACK. HOWEVER, STEERING IS NOT ACCURATE (SOMETIMES VERY LIGHT AND WOBBLE STARTS). AFTER OVERNIGHT PARKING THINGS SEEM FINE 2. ON HIGHWAY, AFTER 20 MINS DRIVE STEERING BECAME RATHER ERRATIC WITH DIFFICULTIES TO KEEP CAR ON THE LANE, AFTER EXIT AND STOP ENGINE AND RESTART THINGS WERE FINE AGAIN. HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. CAN SEND VIDEO SHOWING WOBBLING OF STEERING WHEEL...

Engine
Filed Sep 29, 20191 milesCT

BACKGROUND: 2015 (70,733 MI), ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON & I BROUGHT IT TO VWHARTFORD. THEY FOUND FAULT FOR SYSTEM TO LEAN FOUND REAR MAIN SELA IS LEAKING OIL WHICH IS CAUSING FUEL TRIM FAULTS. OIL CAP IS LEAKING OIL & THE UPPER TIME CHAIN COVER IS LEAKING OIL BUT THE MAIN OIL LEAK IS COMING FROM THE REAR SEAL. THEY REMOVED THE TRANS & REPLACED THE MAIN SEAL & OIL CAP ($877). IN 2016 (94,999 MI), CAR FAILED EMISSIONS DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD. VW REPLACED THIS AND IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SUGGESTION - TO GET A CARBON CLEANING FOR THE VALVES DUE TO BUILD UP ($290). JUNE '18 (118,239 MI): MY COOLANT LIGHT WENT ON. VW SAID MY COOLANT WAS NOT LOW - WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. THEY RESEALED VALVE COVER & UPPER TIMING CHAIN DUE TO OIL LEAKS. THEY R AND R VALVE COVER CLEANING & RESEALED, INSTALLED UPPER TIMING CHAIN SEALS AND SIDE OF ENGINE BLOCK OF OIL & INSTALLED NEW WATER PUMP. I ASKED IF THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY OR PREVIOUS WORK & WAS TOLD NO. I ASKED IF THIS WOULD PROLONG THE LONGEVITY & WAS TOLD YES ($1800). 8/19/19 (133,449 MI): ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON - COULD NOT LOOK AT FOR A COUPLE DAYS, BUT OK TO DRIVE AS LONG AS THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT BLINKING. RESULT: SYSTEM LEAN AT IDLE, BREATHER IS LEAKING AIR CAUSING HESITATION. THEY INSTALLED NEW BREATHER. ASKED IF IT WAS COVERED THEY SAID NO. ASKED IF IT WOULD IMPROVE THE LONGEVITY OF MY CAR, I WAS TOLD YES ($480). ISSUE 9/4/19: ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THIS WAS AFTER TRAVELING FOR LABOR DAY (360 MILES). ON MAIN ST. IN WHART, THE CA

Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2019101,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY THE CAR DIED THANKFULLY I WASN'T GOING MORE THAN 25 MPH. ICOASTED TO THE SHOULDER AND HAD THE TIGUAN TOWED TO THE VOLKESWAGEN DEALERSHIP. THE TIMING GOING CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE HEADS AND VALVES ON THE MOTOR. VOLKESWAGEN DEALSHIP REDID THE MOTOR. AT THE COST OF $5700.00

Engine
Filed Jul 10, 2019100,020 milesKS

07/05/19, WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 3:30 PM WEST ON I-90 AT THE 68 MILE MARKER WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING DIED. THE NEXT DAY I WAS INFORMED BY A AAA MECHANIC THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD MOST LIKELY BEEN THE CULPRIT AND ACCORDINGLY TO SAME, DESTROYED THE ENGINE REQUIRING A NEW ENGINE. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT THERE HAD BEEN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST SAME THAT HAD BEEN SETTLED BETWEEN VW AND THE CLAIMANTS THOUGH I HAD TRAVELED 100,020 MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND WAS ENTITLED TO "0". I BELIEVE THAT THIS OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUSLY, AND LIKE MYSELF, MANY WOULD NOT BE APPRISED OF THE POTENTIAL ISSUE SINCE MOST WOULD NOT HAVE ANY REASON TO THINK OTHERWISE. HOWEVER, I WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH AND IN THE MIDDLE OF A FOUR OR FIVE LANE FEDERAL INTERSTATE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC - AND IN THE CHICAGO VICINITY - HAD I HAD LESS FORETHOUGHT A TERRIBLE CALAMITY COULD HAVE OCCURRED. I BELIEVE THAT VW SHOULD RECALL EVERY ENGINE WITH THIS MALADY - AND SHOULD DO SO DESPITE SETTLING WITH A BUNCH OF LAWYERS. [SEE HTTPS://TIMINGCHAINLITIGATION.COM/]. I AM OUT THE ENTIRETY OF MY INVESTMENT AND STILL WITH 6K LEFT TO PAY ON THE CAR [I BOUGHT IT USED] OVER THE NEXT 2.5 YEARS. SAYING THAT, I AM WRITING TO YOU TO URGE YOU TO CONSIDER TAKING ACTION AGAINST THIS ENGINE FAULT AND PRODUCED BY VW. MY CAR IS NOW A BIG DOORSTOP IN A GARAGE IN SHAUMBERG ILL. I HAD TO POP FOR TWO ONE WAY TICKETS FOR ME AND MY WIFE TO GET BACK HOME TO KANSAS CITY. YES, PRECIOUS CARGO [MY WIFE] WAS ALSO IN THE VEHIC

EngineFire
Filed Jun 18, 201990,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, WHILE MAKING THE RIGHT TURN, FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND WITHIN MINUTES THE HOOD OPENED RAPIDLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LOST OF POWER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE FIRE REACHED THE BATTERY WAS WHEN SHE WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH IT WAS STILL IN MOTION. WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE FIRE BURNED ALL OF THE TIRES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE LOT AND THEN TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 23, 2019111,000 milesIL

I DROVE TO A FRIENDS HOUSE AND ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER GOT IN THE CAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE THEN 10 OF MY EXTERIOR LIGHTS ALL WENT OUT THE SAME TIME. MY FOOTWELL LIGHTS I CANNOT DIM OR BRIGHTEN THROUGH THE CONTROLS AND BACK UP SENSOR STOPPED WORKING. I HAD NO HEADLIGHTS WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AT AROUND 11PM. ALL THIS HAPPENED AT ONCE AT THE SAME TIME. ALL OF THE BULBS WERE FINE. I REPLACED THEM. THEY WEREN'T EVEN BLOWN. FUSES WERE FINE. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD AND CAN LEAD TO CRASH IF NOT LOOKED INTO.

Engine
Filed May 17, 2019130,415 milesMN

I WAS DRIVING MY 2010 TIGUAN ON A MINNEAPOLIS CITY STREET AT AROUND 25 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STARTING RUNNING ROUGH AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT THEN PROCEEDED TO START BLINKING. AT THIS POINT BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE LIGHT AND PERFORMANCE ISSUE, I LOOKED FOR A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT IT OFF. AFTER I SAFELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE, APPROXIMATELY AFTER 1/3 OF A MILE FROM THE INITIAL WARNING LIGHTS & VEHICLE FAILURE STARTED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AT THIS POINT AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND MY SITUATION. WESTSIDE VOLKSWAGEN, THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, TOLD ME NOT TO TRY AND DRIVE THE CAR BUT GET IS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED AND FOUND THE TIMING HAD JUMPED AND CYLINDERS WERE DAMAGED- RECOMMENDATION WAS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP OR VW WOULD CLAIM ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH IT'S A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. SINCE THIS WAS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM, I BELIEVE VW/WESTSIDE VW SHOULD COMPENSATE ME FOR THIS REPAIR.

Service Brakes
Filed May 12, 201984,000 milesNY

THIS MODEL HAS A PUSH TO ACTIVATE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL ENGAGE WITHOUT TOUCHING IT WHENEVER IT WANTS. IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHILE I WAS GOING IN REVERSE WITH NO NOTICE NOR DOES THE LIGHT INDICATOR GO ON. I HAVE TOOK IT TO MOHEGAN VW DEALER AND THEY DID FIND ANY PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE . I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT IT ENGAGES AT ANY GIVEN TIME BUT THEY INFORMED ME THAT WITHOUT A BRAKE INDICATOR ON THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I NEED HELP WITH THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT ENGAGES WHILE I'M DRIVING AND KILLS ME OR ANYONE ON THE ROAD.

Electrical System
Filed May 2, 2019IL

I HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS TRUCK FOR 13 MONTHS NOW I HAVE MORE THAN 20 PAYMENTS STILL TO MAKE ON THIS TRUCK EVERY TIME IT RAINS THE TRUCK GETS FILLED WITH WATER IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FILLS MORE THAN 5 GALLONS OF WATER DEPENDING ON HOW BAD IT RAINS MY HEATED SEATS DON'T WORK AM ASSUMING IT'S DUE TO THE WATER DAMAGE AND MY BACK LIGHTS CONTINUE TO BLOW OUT I AM ACTUALLY FIGHTING A TICKET DUE TO THIS MATTER THERE IS WATER DAMAGE ON TOP OF THE ROOF TOP AND FEEL I GOT RIP OFF WITH THIS JUNK

Steering
Filed Apr 22, 2019101,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

SeatsFire
Filed Dec 18, 2018104,000 milesFL

EARLY MONDAY MORNING ON 12/17/18 WHILE DRIVING FROM ORLANDO,FL TO CLEARWATER,FL ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY MY WIFE HAD TURNED ON THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER. NOTHING WAS OUT OF THE ORDINARY UNTIL WE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, THINKING IT WAS PROBABLY COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE SMELL DIDN'T GO AWAY SO WE TURNED OFF THE A/C AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT HEATER UNTIL THE SMELL OF SMOKE WHEN AWAY. WE LEFT THE SEAT HEATERS OFF AND LEFT ON THE AC. WHEN WE GOT HOME WE STILL DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING UNTIL LATER ON IN THE MORNING WHEN MY SWEATER HAD A BLACK BURN MARK. I WENT OUT TO THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT HAD A BURN HOLE CLOSE TO THE BACK. WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR AND TURNED THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER ON I NOTICED SMOKE COMING UP AND THEN A SPARK AS IF IT WHERE A LIGHTER.

Seats1 injured
Filed Nov 27, 201882,000 milesIN

MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND I SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT TURNED ON THE HEATED SEATING AND AFTER ABOUT 2 MIN I STARTED TO SMELL PLASTIC BURNING MY LEG WAS BURNING AND WE SEEN SMOKE IN THE CAR AND PULLED OVER. WHEN I GOT OUT THE CAR MY SEAT HAD A HOLE IN IT WITH SMOKE BILLOWING OUT.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 22, 201878,000 milesPA

THE SUNROOF OF THE CAR LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS OR SNOWS. ANY PRECIPITATION WILL GET INTO THE VEHICLE. THE DRAINS ARE CLEARED AND VOLKSWAGEN HAS SAID THE SUNROOF DRAIN TUBS DETERIORATE AND WATER DOES NOT MAKE IT OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. INSTEAD, ALL THE WATER LEAKS INTO THE FOOT WELL OF THE VEHICLE AND HAS CAUSED MOLD AND OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED US $3,650 TO FIX THE ISSUE OF PUTTING IN NEW TUBES AND REPLACING THE CARPETS. HOWEVER, NOT THE ENTIRE CAR HAS MOLD AND NEEDS THE SEATS REPLACED AS WELL.

Steering
Filed Jul 10, 201897,200 milesWA

WHILE MERGING ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC - ON THE FREEWAY, TAKING A TURN, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED MY CAR WAS HEADING STRAIGHT INTO A CURVED CONCRETE WALL. I MANAGED TO SLIGHTLY TURN THE WHEEL JUST ENOUGH TO NOT HIT THE BARRIER. A RED LIGHT IN THE SHAPE OF A STEERING WHEEL COMES ON. ACCORDING TO VOLKSWAGEN THIS IS THE POWER STEERING RACK'S SCANNER. THE SCANNER JUST FAILS. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE FAILURE, IT JUST FAILS.

Engine
Filed Jul 8, 201899,000 milesNJ

PURCHASED OCTOBER 2017 AND IN JANUARY STARTED TO HEAR RATTLING SOUNDS. TOOK BACK TO SUBARU SERVICE WHERE PURCHASED AND THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. IN JUNE 2018 CAR STARTED TO SPUTTER AND MAKE SOUNDS WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD NOT ADJUST RPMS WHEN DRIVING. COULD NOT GO FASTER WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL ON THE HIGHWAY. THREE DAYS LATER, CAR WOULD START BUT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR AND HAD TO BE TOWED FROM A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. MECHANIC GAVE AN ESTIMATE OF OVER $6,000 BECAUSE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND ENGINE FAILED. ENGINE LIGHT HAD NOT GONE ON BEFORE THAT INCIDENT. POSSIBLE DEFECT BY VOLKSWAGEN WHEN LEARNING ABOUT CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND MY CAR IS SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL OF ONES IN LAWSUIT.

Engine
Filed Jun 19, 201886,000 milesIN

MY CAR WAS DRIVEN TO A RESTAURANT AND PARKED. UPON RETURNING TO THE CAR, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. IT WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD BROKEN AND RUINED THE ENGINE BY BENDING PARTS OF THE VALVES. THE ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED AND USED ENGINES HAVE A STARTING PRICE AROUND $6000.00.

Engine
Filed Jun 13, 2018115,000 milesOH

DEALERSHIP INFORMED US TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND MANIFOLD WOULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER REPLACING TIMING CHAIN, THEY NOTIFIED US MANIFOLD WAS ALREADY REPLACED ON VEHICLE AND IT ALSO NEEDED NEW VALVES DUE TO BEING BENT FROM BAD TIMING CHAIN. MANY OTHER VW OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED TIMING CHAIN ISSUES. THESE ISSUES STARTED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND WHILE DRIVING LED TO EXTREME SHAKING AND NOISE AT LOW SPEEDS. VEHICLE FELT VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WAS PROMPTLY TAKEN TO DEALER.

Power Train
Filed May 29, 201843,000 milesMN

LEAKAGE OF FLUID AROUND TRANSFER CASE NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT . MILEAGE ONLY 43000

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Mar 23, 2018FL

2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HEADLIGHTS NOT BEING ALIGNED. *LD *JS

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 12, 201876,000 milesWY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, BUT NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SHOP. THE CONTACT CALLED FREMONT VOLKSWAGEN CASPER AT (307) 462-5509 (6001 E 2ND ST, CASPER, WY 82609). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 3, 201840,000 milesMN

AT 37,500 MILES THE WATER PUMP ON MY VEHICLE CRACKED AND RESULTED IN LOSS OF COOLANT REQUIRING TOW FOR REPLACEMENT OF FUEL PUMP ON 04/19/17. ON 2/28/18 AT 42,770 MILES A BROKEN MANIFOLD PLUG CLIP RESULTED IN DISPLACEMENT OF COOLANT TEMP SENSOR, AGAIN WITH LOSS OF COOLANT AND TOW FOR REPAIR. BOTH OF THESE EPISODES WERE NOTED AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A SHORT CITY DRIVE.

SeatsFire1 injured
Filed Feb 20, 201830 milesWI

THE SEAT HEATER ON THE DRIVER SIDE OVERHEATED, BURNED THE DRIVER'S SKIN AND BURNED A HOLE IN A COAT. A BURNING SMELL WAS CLEARLY NOTICED.

Engine
Filed Feb 14, 201892,000 milesLA

WHEN DRIVING CAR ENGINE SHUT DOWN, HAD TO COAST TO A STOP BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO DEALER FOUND OUT MOTOR WAS BLOW DUE TO TIMING BELT ISSUE

Engine
Filed Jan 26, 201875,000 milesGA

ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON

Engine
Filed Jan 10, 2018107,057 milesPA

ON DECEMBER 7 2017 THE ENGINE STARTED MISS-FIRING, ON NEXT RESTART THE ENGINE DESTROYED ITSELF, CAUSED BY 'JUMPED TIMING' DO TOO A DEFECTIVE CHAIN TENSIONER.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 3, 2018CA

HEADLIGHTS GO OUT ABOUT EVERY MONTH AND NEED REPLACING. ONE GOES OUT, IS REPLACED AND THEN THE OTHER. I'VE HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 TIMES.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 26, 2017102,000 milesMD

TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGON RUATUAN ----VEHICLE DOES HAVE RECALL BUT CONTACT STATED VOLKSWAGON STATED VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL... CONTACT CALLED DEALERSHIP AND DEALERSHIP STATED EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE HAS SAME PROBLEMS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ... ENGINE TURNS OFF WITH KEY IN IGNITION AND IGNITION BECOMES LOOSE KEY TURNS TO OFF POSITION AND CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING..CONTACT GIVEN NUMBER TO VOLKSWAGON. CB .0RECALLSASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN

Engine
Filed Dec 20, 201777,000 milesCO

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE, CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AT 77,000 MILES. A NEWER MODEL OF TIMING BELT TENSIONER HAS BEEN USED SINCE DECEMBER 2011. EST. $5000 REPAIR BILL.

Engine
Filed Oct 16, 201798,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING TO THE DEALER (MOLLE VOLKSWAGEN, 808 W 103RD ST, KANSAS CITY, MO 64114, (816) 941-9500) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING BELT FRACTURED, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE AND TURBO CHARGER TO BE DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS IRREPARABLY DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 23, 2017130,000 milesPA

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE WELL KNOWN, WELL DOCUMENTED, AND PRONE TO FAILURE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER

Engine
Filed Aug 16, 201776,000 milesPA

I PURCHASED MY 2010 VW TIGUAN A YEAR AGO. AT 10K MILES AS REQUESTED I DID THE OIL CHANGE. A MONTH LATER OR SO OIL STARTED TO LEAK. ONE DAY I DROVE MY CAR TO A STORE AND LEFT THE ENGINE RUNNING BECAUSE I WAS ONLY THERE FOR A FEW MINS. CAME BACK AND MY ENGINE DIED. MY MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AND STATED IT WAS THE TIMING BELT THAT WENT. A LOT OF OF PEOPLE HAS BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT OIL LEAK IN GENERAL WITH THIS VEHICLE. WISH I KNEW SOONER I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THIS CAR.

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2017105,000 milesAZ

TIMING BELT TENSIONER FAILURE WITHOUT NOTICE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING FROM PARKING LOT CHAIN SKIPPED BECAUSE OF CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING CHAIN TO SKIP A TOOTH MAKING THE TIMING ISSUES. TOWED TO MECHANIC

Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2017KS

OUR TIGUAN STARTED SHAKING AND MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE WHEN OUR 20 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO START DRIVING. SHE NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A CITY ROAD- PRESENTING A DANGER TO HER AS SHE COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR AND WAS NOT IN A SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD. SHE HAD TO WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK. AT THE REPAIR SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER WERE BAD SO THEY WERE REPLACED. AFTER THIS REPAIR THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT RUN SO IT WAS TOWED TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. THEY TORE DOWN THE ENGINE AND DETERMINED THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE COST AT THE FIRST REPAIR SHOP WAS NEARLY $1600 AND THE COST TO REPLACE THE ENGINE IS NEARLY $9000.

Engine
Filed Jul 7, 201790,000 milesNH

CAR HAD 90,000 MILES AND STARTED HAVING TICKING ENGINE NOISES. VW DEALERSHIP SERVICE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS A TURBO WASTE GATE NOISE ("NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT AT THIS TIME"). TWO DAYS LATER THE ENGINE STARTS TO ACT LIKE IT'S MISFIRING ALMOST BUCKING THEN WITHIN MINUTES THE ENGINE GOES(WON'T START, TRYING TO START ENGINE JUST 'SPINS'). TOWED BACK TO SERVICE. INTERNAL INSPECTION FROM THEIR TECHNICIANS CONFIRMED BENT PARTS, ETC - $8,000 TO REPLACE ENGINE. MY RESEARCH INDICATES THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE 2.0T TSI TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA SERVICE BULLETIN #TB-15-12-01 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10045560. CERTAINLY THE RESULTS INDICATE THAT WAS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE TSB IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ACROSS MANY VW MODELS/YEARS. WHY OWNERS ARE NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS POTENTIAL ISSUE AND GIVEN A CHANCE TO TAKE ACTION TO FIX IT BEFORE SOMETHING CATASTROPHIC HAPPENS IS DISHEARTENING.

Engine
Filed Jun 28, 201764,000 milesMA

TIMING CHAIN FAILED CAUSING COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER WHEN DRIVING HOME. TIGUAN WOULD NOT RESTART ONCE PARKED AND TURNED OFF.

Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2017112,000 milesMI

THE TIMING CHAIN SKIPPED OR BROKE WHICH CAUSED A FAILURE. IT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED IF THE TIMING CHAIN WAS THE FIRST TO FAIL OR IF SOMETHING ELSE (TENSIONER FAILURE) CAUSED THE TIMING CHAIN TO BREAK AS A RESULT. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED TO THE DEALER SINCE IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS LUCKY THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN A TURN LANE. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING RATHER VIOLENTLY FORE/AFT. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE.

Engine
Filed Jun 20, 201787,000 milesCA

FROM MECHANIC AT VW ROSEVILLE. CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING SLACK IN TIMING CHAINS, WHICH CAUSED CHAINS TO JUMP TIME AND CAUSED UPPER CYLINDER HEAD DAMAGE. CAR HAS 87,702 MILES

Complaints 1-50 of 110, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202638010Routine
202557300Routine
202477240Routine
202372100Routine
2022274510Above average
2021144500Routine
2020141300Routine
2019196510Routine
20182881430Do not drive
201776401Fatalities reported
201697220Routine
201562410Routine
201484300Routine
2013140310Routine
2012153300Routine
2011162320Routine
2010 — this page110240Routine
2009168360Routine

Compare every Tiguan year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 21, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.