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: engine
11 reports, newest first. Show all
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Engine, Mar 11, 2022
Took to dealer 11/16/2021 For Service Engine Light. Found Faulty Turbo. The exhaust Manifold and Turbo come as one part. A valve inside seizes open or closed and cause a code to set. Open code is low boost. If it is seized Closed it is a over boost Code. This effects emissions! This car low mileage and turbo failed at 11/16/2021 at 40,000 Miles. This is common issue in 2.0 TSI engine.
Engine, Nov 20, 2018
MY VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE TENSION ON THE TIMING CHAIN IS OUTSIDE SAFE PARAMETERS AND CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL. MY TIGUAN IS ONLY A 2014 AND ONLY HAS ABOUT 80,000 MILES. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT TIMING CHAINS ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE AND IT'S ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 21, 2014
ON APRIL 15, 2014, I WAS AT A GAS STATION WAITING TO PULL INTO AN AVAILABLE PUMP WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE. THE CAR'S ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AND THE BATTERY LIGHT SIGNALED. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION, AND RESTART THE ENGINE. AS SOON AS I RESTARTED THE ENGINE, THE CHECK ENGINE SYMBOL WAS ILLUMINATED. I DROVE HOME AFTER FILLING UP ON GAS. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, APRIL 16, 2014, I CALLED OPEN ROAD VOLKSWAGEN OF MANHATTAN AND SCHEDULED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT FOR MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2014. FOR THE REMAINDER OF THAT WEEK, UNTIL SUNDAY, THE CAR DID NOT SHUT OFF AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME. THERE WERE TIMES WHEN I WOULD DRIVE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD NOT BE ILLUMINATED. ON SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2014, I WAS DRIVING ON THE RAMP TO GET ON THE FDR DRIVE FROM THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE, GOING APPROXIMATELY 20-40 MPH, AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, I WAS FORCED TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK, TURN ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS, TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION, AND RESTART THE ENGINE. DURING THE COURSE OF DRIVING TO AN EMERGENCY SHOULDER, AS THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION, THE CAR'S ENGINE ONCE AGAIN TURNED OFF COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. AFTER MAKING IT TO AN EMERGENCY SHOULDER AREA, I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THE CAR WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED. TODAY, APRIL 21, 2014, I SPOKE WITH A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT OPEN ROAD VOLKSWAGEN OF MANHATTAN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CHECK ENGINE SYMBOL OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT ON (AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, SOMETIMES IT WAS ON FOR ME AND SOMETIMES NOT) AND THAT THE CAR DID NOT HAVE AN ISSUE WHEN DRIVEN AROUND THE BLOCK. THEREFORE, THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE IS GOING TO TAKE THE CAR FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD TO SEE IF THE ISSUE REPRODUCES. OF COURSE, THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND SHOULD BE FIXED. *TR
Engine, Apr 21, 2014
WHEN I GOT INTO MY 2014 TIGUAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. SINCE THE CAR IS ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD I DIDN'T GIVE IT MUCH THOUGHT AND FIGURED IT WAS SOMETHING SIMPLE. ABOUT 10 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE WHILE I WAS SLOWING FOR A RED LIGHT THE CAR COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. I RESTARTED IT AND IT WAS FINE THE REST OF THE DRIVE. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY AND WAS GIVEN A LOANER. I WAS TOLD THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE HARNESS. I HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT BACK YET SO NOT SURE IF THAT FIXED THE ISSUE. *TR