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2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
83
Latest Aug 5, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags4638.3%
  • Electrical2218.3%
  • Steering2016.7%
  • Engine108.3%
  • Fuel system43.3%
  • Brakes43.3%
  • Driver assistance43.3%
  • Suspension32.5%
  • Seat belts21.7%
  • Visibility21.7%
  • Interior & seats10.8%
  • Powertrain (other)10.8%
  • Body & structure10.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

46
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Clock spring broken when my wife turned her steering wheel leaving a parking lot. Airbags no longer work, along with anything electronic within steering wheel.

NHTSA ID 11645361 · filed Feb 27, 2025

Clock Spring in steering wheel is broken. Driver Airbag is non-functional, as are the controls on the steering wheel. No Driver air bag is a huge safety issue! We immediately "scheduled" an appointment to have this issue repaired. At the appointment, a VW dealer (VW Castle Downers Grove IL) confirmed the issue and noted that this was the subject of a recall (15V483000) with an ongoing & perpetual duty to repair. Despite the recall, the dealer does not have the parts, nor can they provide a date when they might be available (they are "backordered"). We checked with another dealer, and this seems to be a common problem. Also, we did a thorough search online to assess the situation with other drivers/vehicles - this is a common issue! Someone (either the dealer or VW) is dragging their feet on this mandatory, potentially life-threatening issue & repair. When will the NHTSA kick VW (or the dealer) in the [XXX]? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11593682 · filed Jun 11, 2024
All 46 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Clock spring broken when my wife turned her steering wheel leaving a parking lot. Airbags no longer work, along with anything electronic within steering wheel.

NHTSA ID 11645361 · filed Feb 27, 2025

Clock Spring in steering wheel is broken. Driver Airbag is non-functional, as are the controls on the steering wheel. No Driver air bag is a huge safety issue! We immediately "scheduled" an appointment to have this issue repaired. At the appointment, a VW dealer (VW Castle Downers Grove IL) confirmed the issue and noted that this was the subject of a recall (15V483000) with an ongoing & perpetual duty to repair. Despite the recall, the dealer does not have the parts, nor can they provide a date when they might be available (they are "backordered"). We checked with another dealer, and this seems to be a common problem. Also, we did a thorough search online to assess the situation with other drivers/vehicles - this is a common issue! Someone (either the dealer or VW) is dragging their feet on this mandatory, potentially life-threatening issue & repair. When will the NHTSA kick VW (or the dealer) in the [XXX]? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11593682 · filed Jun 11, 2024
All 22 reports naming electrical

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel became locked and failed to steer in the left or right direction. No warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact managed to temporarily unlock the steering wheel; however, after driving at approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remained for further investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.

NHTSA ID 11742689 · filed Jun 8, 2026

My vehicle keeps losing power steering, often during operation.

NHTSA ID 11703432 · filed Dec 6, 2025
All 20 reports naming steering

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2014 Tiguan, VIN [XXX], has been serviced at an authorized VW dealer since I purchased it. From 2014 to December 2025, the vehicle was serviced at a VW dealer and March 2026 to present at a service facility that only works on VWs and is owned and operated by a prior VW certified technician who only works on VWs. My vehicle has been serviced at all the VW recommended maintenance mileage. Looking back at the maintenance records, I can see that in March and August 2025, my vehicle experienced a check engine light issue that resulted in EVAP system small leak fault and vibration at start up caused by misfire cylinder. In April 2026, June 2026 and July 2026, I had to take my Tiguan in because I felt the engine shake, check engine light came on and power decrease. The VW technican replaced some components related to the turbocharger system in April and the check engine light turned off. The check engine light turned back on in June in June and July 2026. The technician stated the issue was likely a airflow flap within the turbocharger causing the issue and the entire turbocharger would have to be replaced to remedy the issue. I discovered the recent class action settlement on this same issue and shared it with my mechanic. His professional opinion was that the issues I was having were exactly what was covered in the settlement covering my vehicle but i had 94k miles and had to have less than 85k miles. So, I was not covered because of the mileage. But I believe the issues the vehicle had going back to March 2025, were all turbocharger issues. In any case, my mechanic reached out to VW to get assistance because of the mounting repair costs for me and for all of his other VW owners experiencing turbocharger defects. It is my hope that others have shared similar complaints in search of relief from NHTSA investigating the defective VW turbocharges. VW has a negative track record on it's turbochargers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11755013 · filed Aug 5, 2026

Check engine light came on, related to the thermostat and faulty water pump. My car’s make and model was part of a settlement for this issue but VW corporate will not cover costs to repair.

NHTSA ID 11726729 · filed Mar 24, 2026
All 10 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2014 Tiguan, VIN [XXX], has been serviced at an authorized VW dealer since I purchased it. From 2014 to December 2025, the vehicle was serviced at a VW dealer and March 2026 to present at a service facility that only works on VWs and is owned and operated by a prior VW certified technician who only works on VWs. My vehicle has been serviced at all the VW recommended maintenance mileage. Looking back at the maintenance records, I can see that in March and August 2025, my vehicle experienced a check engine light issue that resulted in EVAP system small leak fault and vibration at start up caused by misfire cylinder. In April 2026, June 2026 and July 2026, I had to take my Tiguan in because I felt the engine shake, check engine light came on and power decrease. The VW technican replaced some components related to the turbocharger system in April and the check engine light turned off. The check engine light turned back on in June in June and July 2026. The technician stated the issue was likely a airflow flap within the turbocharger causing the issue and the entire turbocharger would have to be replaced to remedy the issue. I discovered the recent class action settlement on this same issue and shared it with my mechanic. His professional opinion was that the issues I was having were exactly what was covered in the settlement covering my vehicle but i had 94k miles and had to have less than 85k miles. So, I was not covered because of the mileage. But I believe the issues the vehicle had going back to March 2025, were all turbocharger issues. In any case, my mechanic reached out to VW to get assistance because of the mounting repair costs for me and for all of his other VW owners experiencing turbocharger defects. It is my hope that others have shared similar complaints in search of relief from NHTSA investigating the defective VW turbocharges. VW has a negative track record on it's turbochargers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11755013 · filed Aug 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving and while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle unexpectedly vibrated with the EPC warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was idling roughly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID 11717540 · filed Feb 12, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

i Was Driving my Vehicle and suddenly the Air Bag and ABS lights went on my dashboard

NHTSA ID 11436030 · filed Oct 8, 2021

THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH IN TRAFFIC, BRINGING THE CAR TO A FULL STOP. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUTTON IS LOCATED NEXT THE TO CUP HOLDER IN THE CENTER CONSOLE BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS. THE DRIVER PUT A COFFEE MUG WITH AN OPEN HANDLE IN THE CUP HOLDER WHILE DRIVING. THE MUG HANDLE PRESSED ON THE BUTTON WHEN IT WAS PLACED IN THE CUP HOLDER (WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH) AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO A FULL STOP IN THE CENTER LANE OF INTERSTATE 91. THE ONLY REASON WE SURVIVED IS THAT THE PERSON BEHIND US WAS DRIVING A VOLVO AND WAS FOLLOWING AT SAFE DISTANCE. IF A TRACTOR TRAILER HAD BEEN BEHIND US WE WOULD BE DEAD.

NHTSA ID 11244635 · filed Aug 17, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA RECALL I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON 2015,USED WITH 35,000 MILES,AND I GOT WARRANTY. WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TO TAKE MY LITTLE KIDS -18 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER,AND 2 MONTHS OLD BOY,ON THE DAYCARE,I HEARD NOISE,LIKE CLICKING ,AND LIKE A BROKEN THING.I TRIED TO USE THE HORN.IT DIDN'T WORK.AND ON MY DASHBOARD I SAW THE WARNING LIGHT OF AIRBAGS.AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL WAS NOT WORKING.I STOPPED IN ONESIDE OF HIGHWAY AND CALLED MY HUSBAND.IT WAS REALLY SCARY SITUATION. THE STEERING WHEELS IS TO HARD TO TURN LEFT AND RIGHT. I PANIC ABOUT THIS, BECAUSE I HAVE LITTLE KIDS THAT I HAVE TO TAKE AT DAYCARE EVERYDAY. I START SEARCHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHEN I SAW THE RECALLS. FOR VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN ,2014. I CALLED RECALLS CUSTOMER SERVICE. THE PERSON WHO ANSWERED HIS NAME IS [XXX] AND HE TOLD ME I HAD TO GO ,TO DO AN DIAGNOSTIC SCREENING FOR MY VEHICLE. SO I WENT IN A VW DEALER HERE IN AUSTIN. AND THERE THEY FIGURED OUT. THE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING WAS BROKEN. AFTER HIM A LADY NAMED [XXX] CALLED ME TO ASK ALSO FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC SCREENING,TO FIX THE PROBLEM. AFTER I SENT TO HER THE PAPER I GOT FROM VW. SHE CALLED ME AND SAID WE WILL NOT DO THAT. IT IS NOT OUR PROBLEM. I AM REALLY ANXIOUS ABOUT THIS. I DON'T HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO MOVE. EVERYDAY I AM FACING VERY DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE SITUATIONS. I CAN'T USE THE HORN, WHILE I AM DRIVING AND I FEEL UNSAFE USING THE VOLKSWAGEN. I AM EUROPEAN AND WHILE I WAS LIVING IN EUROPE. I WAS USING ALWAYS VOLKSWAGEN AND FOR ME WAS ON TOP. RIGHT KNOW I CANT BELIEVE HOW UNSAFE IS FOR ME AND MY LITTLE KIDS. I NEED A SOLUTION FOR MY SITUATION. URGENT SOLUTION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 11013415 · filed Aug 7, 2017

DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER AND SLOW ENOUGH SPEED, THE ELECTRONIC STABILIZATION CONTROL LIGHT WENT ON, INDICATING ESC FAILURE. THE STEERING AND BRAKES ALTERNATELY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY FAILED. STEPPING ON THE BRAKES PRODUCED NO RESPONSE AT ALL. CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL.

NHTSA ID 10955145 · filed Feb 16, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

We were driving on a highway and all of a sudden felt/heard a loud bang causing the car to swerve. We slowed down and there was a continuous loud rattling sound. We brought the car to the dealership and they told us the coil springs were fractured. Had to pay for the replacement- $2,825.73. Then we learned that the later models were recalled, but not this one. Then I heard that there was a recall from 2019 onwards, but nothing for our model year. We asked them to talk to Volkswagen and they said it was not worth it as they would not do anything about it. Something is not right.

NHTSA ID 11456660 · filed Mar 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that upon servicing his vehicle at an independent mechanic, he was informed that both rear springs had developed severe corrosion that needed replacement. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that rain and snow had collected inside the springs causing the corrosion. The contact had the driver’s side lower control arm and both rear springs replaced by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure online but offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID 11452700 · filed Feb 18, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CONTROLS LOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, BLUETOOTH, AND HORN FAILED TO OPERATE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO EXTEND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.

NHTSA ID 11084032 · filed Apr 9, 2018

AFTER TAKING CAR TO VW DEALER I RECEIVED THESE REPAIR ESTIMATES: AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED...SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY 655 RECOMMEND REPLACING RIGHT SEAT BELT....CRANKCASE BREATHER HOSE RECOMMEND REPLACING BREATHER VALVE. WAS PARKED AND IDLE WAS FLUCTUATING ABNORMALLY...AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND SEATBELT WORKS FINE.

NHTSA ID 10956732 · filed Feb 24, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE MOON ROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED AND GLASS FELL INTO THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EMICH VOLKSWAGEN (1260 S. COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO) AND THE MOON ROOF WAS REPLACED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 11164211 · filed Dec 31, 2018

ON DECEMBER 7TH, 2018 I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH WHEN I HEARD AN EXPLOSION LOAD ENOUGH TO MAKE MY EARS RING. I LOOKED UP AND DISCOVERED THAT THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED AND FINE PARTICLES OF GLASS WERE RAINING DOWN ON ME THROUGH THE SUNROOF SUNSHADE. NOTHING HIT THE SUNROOF TO CAUSE THIS AS THERE WAS NO OTHER TRAFFIC, OVERPASSES OR CONSTRUCTION ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME. THE ATTACHED PHOTOS SHOW THAT THE SUNROOF EXPLODED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS GOING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 65 MPH. WE ARE PUTTING THE REPAIR THROUGH OUR INSURANCE WITH A $500 DEDUCTABLE AND AS YET WE DO NOT KNOW THE FINAL COST OF REPAIR AS IT IS STILL BEING WORKED ON. DAMAGE BEING REPAIRED IS THE SUNROOF GLASS, SUNSHADE AND THE ROOF HAD TO BE REPAINTED BECAUSE IT WAS SCRATCHED BY BROKEN GLASS.

NHTSA ID 11163756 · filed Dec 27, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF SEVERAL ITEMS OF BELONGINGS ON THE GROUND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO LOCK THE VEHICLE USING THE KEYFOB HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR REMAINED UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT USED THE INTERNAL DOOR LOCK FUNCTION TO LOCK THE DOORS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES TO THE DOOR BEING AJAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DICK HANNAH VOLKSWAGEN OF PORTLAND LOCATED AT (12345 E BURNSIDE ST, PORTLAND, OR 97233) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ID 11315717 · filed Mar 2, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

A few years ago the turbo went at 88000 miles, a mechanic felt there should be a recall. Now the transmission needs to be replaced at 109000 miles. The transmission was on backorder because the appears to be many cars needing a rebuilt transmission. There is a recall for othewr VW models with the same transmission. I feel that my car should be included in this recall. It is a VW 2014 Tiguan with an automatic transmission. This car wasd purchased as a certified preowned vehicle from Mohegan Lake Motors in NY in 2017. The transmission was ordered from VW in June and I am still waiting for it to arrive at the repair shop. Klaus Garage in Fishkill NY. The turbo was replaced at the dealer as was most maintenence.

NHTSA ID 11554305 · filed Nov 9, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FRONT DRIVER'S OUTER DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT OPEN DOOR. INTERIOR HANDLE STILL WORKS. THEN, IF YOU TRY TO OPEN THE FRONT OUTER HANDLE THE FRONT DOOR THEN WON'T SHUT, OR DOOR WON'T LATCH KEEP THE DOOR SHUT.

NHTSA ID 11060954 · filed Jan 6, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .