2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 84 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 17 Tiguan model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 2 involved a crash.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Other or unspecifiedMay 16, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 18V329000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalAug 4, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 15V483000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineJul 21, 2014
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.
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V441000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
84 reports, newest first.
Engine, Sep 1, 2026
My vehicle stalls and completely stops at red lights, stop signs, and low speeds. Currently my vehicle is stalling and stopping at accelerated speeds at 20 mph.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 5, 2026
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)
Steering, Jun 8, 2026
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.
Engine, Mar 24, 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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 12, 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.
Steering, Dec 6, 2025
My vehicle keeps losing power steering, often during operation.
Steering, Jun 17, 2025
My steering randomly stopped working. The power steering is electronic, so I can’t fix it.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 27, 2025
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 11, 2024
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)
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2024
I own a 2014 VW Tiguan SEL 2.0T 4MOTION. I took my VW to the Dealer (Prestige Imports, 44 Pleasantville Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570 (914-769-51500) With 84196 miles on [XXX], 2023. The complain was “Roof is leaking water from sunroof on the floor on the passenger side and then makes its way to the real passenger” They cleaned the clogged drained -$145. Only to return in mid-February with a flooded on the same left side. With no diagnosis how to fixed - my had a car not driveable in in the rain I am forced to get a new car - and to insult to injury the dealer is only offering $3,500 as a trade in INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Dec 6, 2023
The check Engine light on my car comes up anytime I drive the car. The car has 72350 miles driven. The dealership said it is a known timing belt issue with VW Tiguans . It is going to cost me upto $3000. They also advised me not to drive the car as the engine may stall. When I contacted VW they said they cannot help and there is no recall on this. However there has been court cases for the same issue upto the 2014 model year Tiguans and extended warranty of 100000 miles or 10 years was given. I need VW to help with either the repair or give me exended warranty. VW customer care is not very helpful.
Power train, Nov 9, 2023
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.
Steering, Jul 9, 2023
driving down the highway at speed, power steering fails and cannot control the vehicle. shut the car down and cannot get the issue to go away. got the car home without power steering. issue was gone next day. took car out to see if issue was gone, while making a turn power steering once again fails on the car. had to limp the car home at a very slow rate of speed. there are many reports of this happening to the VW power steering. the dealer wont even look at the car when i called to see if i can bring it in to be looked at.
Steering, May 25, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power of steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that this was a common failure with the year, make, and model. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while parked, the steering wheel seized. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2023
There is mold growing in my vehicle due to there being a sealant issue with my panoramic moon/sun roof, causing a water leak into the vehicle. The moon roof is fully functioning, but a VW dealer has told me that this is a known issue for my model and year, and he recommends trading it in because even if I spend the $6K+ it would take to replace it - there is no guarantee it won’t occur again. I have been inhaling the moldy air in my vehicle and this is 1000% a safety hazard!
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 1, 2023
I was turning into a parking spot and heard a loud “snap” coming from my wheel. The “error: airbag” light came on and all electrical on my wheel stopped working. And the horn does not work. I googled it and my year and model has a recall for the clock spring. It says my airbag will not deploy. I have no way to change the computer screen. So I can’t digitally see my speed and I can’t update my tire pressure amongst other things.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 10, 2023
Vehicle VW Tiguan 2014 VIN:[XXX] Vehicle has been presenting several issues. Carbon Build up causing vehicle to stall and tremble turning off some times. Safety concern as it could cause an accident. Bad heater core as it gets restricted and reheats the vehicle possible outcome a fire, Safety concern due to live threatening condition. Misdiagnosed several times to change spark plugs, might be a computer misdiagnose, safety concern due to possible accident and live threatening condition Leak of oil, bad seals and hoses, vehicle smell like burn oil could catch fire safety concern to live. The 2014 VW Tiguan have a campaign number 18V329000 with NHTSA, yet my VIN number does not shows in the recall. Also many models from VW carry all this different issues and have been recall. Please advice on the proper procedure for me to follow to add my VIN to the recalls as this vehicle does not meet the warranties of merchantability. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Thank you. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Dec 12, 2022
Timing chain “extended” during driving resulting in the car to start to shudder and shake violently during movement. Had to force the vehicle off the side of the road. Car is 66k miles, timing chain is rated at 120k+. Engine block is now totaled. Dealership will not pursue any actions and has charged 7K to fix. Car is only worth 8/9k. VW was contacted and they said there was no action they could do further. There were no warning lamps, check engine lights, or anything. Car was maintained at regular intervals.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 8, 2022
Airbag light came on. At the same time we lost all of our steering wheel controls as well as our horn. Some vehicles are covered by a recall but supposedly this yr and model isn't covered for some reason
Air bags, Nov 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated, and the horn and the buttons on her steering failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that there was a recall on that model vehicle for a similar failure. The contact went to a dealer and was informed that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags) and that the vehicle was not under warranty. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 143,550.
Air bags, Oct 8, 2022
In 2020 we had the clock spring "repaired" by the dealership under a recall. As of 9/6/2022 it is malfunctioning again. My daughter drives this car as a freshman in college 5 hours away with no horn or airbag!
Air bags, Sep 30, 2022
EMISSION TEST FAILED 9/30/2022. i HAVE TRIED TO GET THROUGH TO VOLKSWAGEN AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY SUCCESS. Air bag lights, Engine Light, Tire Pressure Lights, Horn does not work. Indiana State Emissions Vehicle Inspection report attached.
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 28, 2022
Unable to complete vehicle inspection . Horn does not work, some electronics malfunction, airbags light is on. Cannot use dashboard related functions i.e. adjust tire pressure settings, gas tank door lock malfunctions, hands free communication malfunction. This is the 2nd time in a year that the clock spring failed. The manufacturer is not being able to provide the parts due to conflict area manufacturing, perhaps its time to relocate manufacturing. It's been 3 1/2 month and still no ETA on parts. Perhaps it's a poorly designed part. Maybe back to the drawing board. I understand the malfunction can set off airbag without a collision.
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 19, 2022
Turned the steering wheel, heard a popping noise and then an airbag error appeared. The horn no longer works either. Assumed to be the known clock spring issue for this year/make/model.
Engine, Aug 17, 2022
My daughter has a 2014 VW Tiguan which had the Check Engine light come on at the end of July 2022. We took vehicle to the local VW Dealer who informed us that they found Code p0328 knock sensor 1 circuit high. Oil level said to be fine. Timing angle difference of camshafts said to be at a value of -5.76 degrees. Advised replacement of timing chain. Vehicle is 8 years old with 106,000 miles, but timing chain replacement is merely estimated at a least 10years and 125,000. The VW/Audi 2.0 engines have a known and recalled problem with timing chains and tensioners that I believe involved (2007-2013) and extended warranty to 100K miles. Here we are just outside the box and get no help and no assistance and a estimated $2200 repair bill. Have to wonder if these 2014 Tiguans also have an issue but simply weren't extended into the recall or the recall wasn't comprehensive enough? I would love to have an analysis as to when our vehicle was assembled to see if its parts were of the same specification to those recalled. Would ultimately like some assistance in the cost of the repair. Have reached out to VW Customer Care and basically got no help.