2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 50 2 crash

“GRADUAL COOLANT LEAK WITH DEALERSHIP KNOWLEDGE UPON SALE OF THE CAR (44,000 MILES). REFILL OVERFLOW EVERY 8 TO 10 MONTHS. LEAK UNKNOWN. HAD TO INCREASE REFILLING GRADUALLY OVER TIME, THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO USE FROM WORK IN 2016. INCREASED TO ONCE EVERY FEW MONTHS 2017. FILL EVERY WEEK OR TWO FROM 2018 TO 2019....DAILY SINCE LATE 2019 TO NOW. ENGINE DOES NOT OVER HEAT. REFILLING OVER FLOW COOLANT TANK EVERY TIME I NEED TO DRIVE THE CAR. I HAVE TO TURN ON THE CAR, POP THE HOOD, AND SEE HOW MUCH IT GOES BELOW THE MINIMUM LINE. THEN FILL TO MAXIMUM. DAILY REFILL STARTED AROUND OCTOBER 2019. REC…”
NHTSA complaint #11330749, 2019 · crash

“ENGINE STALLED APPROACHING STOP-SIGN REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH A STALLING ISSUE NOT ACCIDENT, SEEMS TO BE AT LOWER (UNDER 30MPH) SPEED OFTEN AS YOU START TO SLOW FOR A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. IT NOW HAS HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY EXITING AN AUTOMATED CAR WASH. HAVE TAKEN IT TO VOLKSWAGEN THREE TIMES, ONCE THEY CHANGED THE ELECTRONIC (BRAIN) BOX THEY SAID BUT NO FAILURES OR CODES WERE RECORDED, SO THEY WERE JUST TRYING SOMETHING, AFTER DOING SOME ONLINE RESEARCH IT SEEMS THERE MAY BE SOME ISSUE WITH FUEL PUMPS/ FUEL PRESSURE TO ME. VERY DIS…”
NHTSA complaint #10562493, 2012 · crash

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Defective Primary Engine Water Pump, yes. The original primary engine water pump system for a 2012 VW Tiguan 2.0 was replaced under the VW extended warranty in 2020 by an authorized dealer as a the result of the class action suit---please see Water Pump Class Action and Limited Warranty Extension bulletin issued by NHTSA. The replacement primary engine water pump system installed in 2020 has been found to be defective in March 2025 and the primary engine water pump requires replacement a second…”
NHTSA complaint #11648866, 2025

Air Bags 33 7 crash 6 injury

“IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING REAR HIT, WHICH SENT THE VEHICLE INTO A DITCH APPROX. 8 FEET DEEP, WITH AN IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO HOSPITALIZE THE FRONT SEAT PASENGER WITH FRACTURED STERNUM AN INTERNAL BLEEDING CAUSED BY A SEAT BELT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED . PER THE DOTOR, INJURY COULD BE AVOIDED IF FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED.”
NHTSA complaint #11045451, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.”
NHTSA complaint #11076247, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“DAUGHTER DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 50MPH WHEN INVOLVED IN 8 CAR CHAIN REACTION COLLISION. SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE. DAUGHTER INJURED WHEN SHE STRUCK STEERING WHEEL. DESPITE SPEED AND DEGREE OF DECELERATION, NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS OR SIDE CURTAINS.”
NHTSA complaint #10808523, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 23 2 crash

“I made a report on 11/1/19 about issues with my vehicle due to a manufactures defect that the panoramic roof drains did not drain properly and water leaked throughout the vehicle. Please refer to ODI# 41277589 and Ref.# 238025. This is a known issue with these vehicles and should have been recalled by volkswagon. On September 18, 2023 my daughter got into an accident because the vehicle shut off and couldn't stop. Air bags never went off either. It has officially been determined that there was in fact an electrical short.”
NHTSA complaint #11546885, 2023 · crash

“ENGINE STALLED APPROACHING STOP-SIGN REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH A STALLING ISSUE NOT ACCIDENT, SEEMS TO BE AT LOWER (UNDER 30MPH) SPEED OFTEN AS YOU START TO SLOW FOR A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. IT NOW HAS HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY EXITING AN AUTOMATED CAR WASH. HAVE TAKEN IT TO VOLKSWAGEN THREE TIMES, ONCE THEY CHANGED THE ELECTRONIC (BRAIN) BOX THEY SAID BUT NO FAILURES OR CODES WERE RECORDED, SO THEY WERE JUST TRYING SOMETHING, AFTER DOING SOME ONLINE RESEARCH IT SEEMS THERE MAY BE SOME ISSUE WITH FUEL PUMPS/ FUEL PRESSURE TO ME. VERY DIS…”
NHTSA complaint #10562493, 2012 · crash

“While making a uturn my neighborhood with steering wheel turned to the left I started to hear and feel a "clicking and grinding" noise in steering wheel. Moments later, the airbag error light illuminated on dash and has not turned off. Front driver airbag error, airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision. Horn no longer works. Steering wheel controls do not work. Airbag error warning light displayed on dash and alarms during vehicle ignition. Clock spring seems to be defective and complete power steering failure has happened on multiple occasions, in very dangerous and inconvenient sit…”
NHTSA complaint #11521270, 2023

Steering 20

“Steering wheel gets locked up while driving; power steering fails. The red steering light turns on. This is a problem that happens to several Tiguans. There were no prior symptoms prior to failure. This is extremely dangerous and difficult to deal with while driving, especially on the freeway. please help.”
NHTSA complaint #11697066, 2025

“I was driving the car and the steering wheel locked out of nowhere A red steering light came on the dashboard. I’ve never seen before”
NHTSA complaint #11683568, 2025

“While making a uturn my neighborhood with steering wheel turned to the left I started to hear and feel a "clicking and grinding" noise in steering wheel. Moments later, the airbag error light illuminated on dash and has not turned off. Front driver airbag error, airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision. Horn no longer works. Steering wheel controls do not work. Airbag error warning light displayed on dash and alarms during vehicle ignition. Clock spring seems to be defective and complete power steering failure has happened on multiple occasions, in very dangerous and inconvenient sit…”
NHTSA complaint #11521270, 2023

Unknown Or Other 20

“The front headlight does not work on one side but the high beam and running lights still work on both sides. Might be an issue with the ballast or electrical system. A few days later my car would not start in the morning. The engine would crank but never start. There were no warning lights or signs of anything not working correctly. Seems like it might be because of the timing system either the belt/chain or the tensioner. Have to get cared towed to shop to have inspected and prices for repairs are very high. I've owned this vehicle for only 3 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11493359, 2022

“Our daughter's veh. has mold in the rt front & rt rear seat flooring. The inside of the windshield has water to the point that it is very hard to see out of it at night and the pano. glass roof also has water inside of the suv as well. We have taken the veh. to (2) glass shops & a body shop & they are saying this is a safety & defect issue with this model. We researched on this & there are thousand of consumers who have the same complaints & concerns about the mold that this has caused & also many cases electrical issues inside this model suv. no matter what year same issues. We also know…”
NHTSA complaint #11437321, 2021

“I'VE ONLY OWNED THE VW TIGUAN 2012 FOR 6 MONTHS, JANUARY 2020 AND THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, ALL POWER LOST AND HAS TO BE RESTARTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN 8 TIMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS, 2 TIMES IN THE PAST WEEK, IT SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND YESTERDAY JULY 20,2020 WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION.”
NHTSA complaint #11340620, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 12

“Water pump melted and needed to be replaced, car won't start, airbag light is on and clock spring needed to be replaced, heated seat gets extremely hot on driver's side when turned on.”
NHTSA complaint #11516227, 2023

“AFTER I TURN THE CAR OFF, THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTED TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS DOESN'T POPS OFF AND GASOLINE LEAKS ALL OVER MY ENGINE. THIS STARTED HAPPENS REPEATEDLY NOW. WHEN I GET INTO MY CAR, IT IS FILLED WITH THE SMELL OF THE GASOLINE THAT IS LEAKING BECAUSE THE HOSE DOESN'T STAY ON THE FUEL PUMP. I HAVE TO POP OPEN MY HOOD AND SLIDE THE HOSE ONTO THE FUEL PUMP BEFORE I START DRIVING. I'VE TRIED USING DIFFERENT BRACKETS TO KEEP THE HOSE TIGHT ON THE FUEL PUMP, HOWEVER, THE HOSE KEEPS ON FALLING OFF. I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE I CAN DO, AND I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW DANGEROUS IT IS THAT THERE…”
NHTSA complaint #11396125, 2021

“VEHICLE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN IDLING ROUGHLY WHILE STOPPED AT CITY STREET INTERSECTION. WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE STILL FELT ROUGH AND WOULD OCCASIONALLY STOP RUNNING. AFTER GETTING IT TO A VW SERVICE MECHANIC IT RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING DIAGNOSTIC - "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT: FOUND CAMSHAFT SPOOL VALVE HAS COME APART. FOUND CAM SHAFT BEARING BRACKET OIL SCREEN DAMAGED." AT 81,000 MILES THIS CAR SHOULD NOT EXHIBIT SUCH PROBLEMS. THERE APPEARS TO BE A RECALL ON 2015 VW TIGUAN ENGINES RELATED TO THE SAME PART, CAM SHAFT. I REACHED OUT TO VW FOR ANY INFO ABOUT THIS, AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RESPON…”
NHTSA complaint #11218449, 2019

Service Brakes 11 2 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED INTO AN INTERSECTION AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, INJURIES ON THE LEFT LEG, AND NECK PAIN, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10652459, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I made a report on 11/1/19 about issues with my vehicle due to a manufactures defect that the panoramic roof drains did not drain properly and water leaked throughout the vehicle. Please refer to ODI# 41277589 and Ref.# 238025. This is a known issue with these vehicles and should have been recalled by volkswagon. On September 18, 2023 my daughter got into an accident because the vehicle shut off and couldn't stop. Air bags never went off either. It has officially been determined that there was in fact an electrical short.”
NHTSA complaint #11546885, 2023 · crash

“INTERMITTENTLY POWER STEERING WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED. TURNED THE CAR OFF AFTER GETTING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK AND POWER STEERING CAME BACK.. LATER NOTICED THE STEERING WAS LOOSE AND WOULD THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD OSCILLATE RAPIDLY. PROBLEM BECAME MORE FREQUENT OVER TWO WEEKS. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIAGNOSED AS STEERING MODULE NEEDED REPROGRAMMING. PROBLEM RETURNED THE NEXT DAY AFTER BRAKE VACUUM PUMP WAS REPLACED FOR ~$500. REPAIR NOW DIAGNOSED AS REPLACE STEERING RACK AND WIRING MODULE. CAR HAS 112K MILES MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVING. NO OFF ROAD DRIVING. VW SAY…”
NHTSA complaint #11254455, 2019

Power Train 7 2 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS POWERED OFF BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND HAD NOT BEEN SECURED IN PARK. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT HAVE A REMEDY AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE TURNED OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 6,000. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10526198, 2013 · crash

“ENGINE STALLED APPROACHING STOP-SIGN REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH A STALLING ISSUE NOT ACCIDENT, SEEMS TO BE AT LOWER (UNDER 30MPH) SPEED OFTEN AS YOU START TO SLOW FOR A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. IT NOW HAS HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY EXITING AN AUTOMATED CAR WASH. HAVE TAKEN IT TO VOLKSWAGEN THREE TIMES, ONCE THEY CHANGED THE ELECTRONIC (BRAIN) BOX THEY SAID BUT NO FAILURES OR CODES WERE RECORDED, SO THEY WERE JUST TRYING SOMETHING, AFTER DOING SOME ONLINE RESEARCH IT SEEMS THERE MAY BE SOME ISSUE WITH FUEL PUMPS/ FUEL PRESSURE TO ME. VERY DIS…”
NHTSA complaint #10562493, 2012 · crash

“I HAVE VW TIGUAN, 2012 MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IT APPEARS THAT WHEN THE CAR IS COLD, ESPECIALLY DURING COLD WEATHER, THE ACCELERATION OF THE CAR IS INCONSISTENT. TOOK TO DEALER TO TAKE A LOOK BUT THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. THE ISSUE APPEARS TO AFFECT MULTIPLE OWNERS AND MULTIPLE TIGUAN MODELS, AS SEEN HERE IN THIS FORUM DISCUSSION: HTTPS://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?9237567-VERY-DELAYED-ACCELERATION-NO-FIX”
NHTSA complaint #11299503, 2019

Seat Belts 7

“THERE WAS NO CRASH OR PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE, AIRBAG SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING. FOR ABOUT A WEEK NOW, "ERROR: AIRBAG" MESSAGE IS SHOWN UP ON DASHBOARD AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS TURNED ON. IN ADDITION TO THAT, EVEN I BUCKLED UP, WHEN I MAKE A RIGHT TURN SEAT BELT ALARM IS BEEPING AND SEAT BELT LIGHT HAS TURNED ON WHILE I AM DRIVING. I AM CONCERNING ABOUT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I AM DRIVING MY CAR EVERYDAY WITH POTENTIAL THREAT OF ACCIDENT WITHOUT AIRBAGS BEING DEPLOYED.”
NHTSA complaint #11096810, 2018

“IN OUR 2012 VW TIGUAN SEL, THE DRIVER SIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT WOULD REMAIN AND/OR ENGAGE IN A LOCKED POSITION INCORRECTLY. THIS WOULD CREATE A VERY DANGEROUS AND STRESSFUL SITUATION FOR US. IT WOULD PREVENT US FROM BEING ABLE TO STRAP IN (WHICH IS ALSO A LAW IN OUR STATE). WE WOULD PULL ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT AND IT WOULD LOCK'MAYBE GETTING A FEW INCHES OF SLACK AND CLEARLY NOT ENOUGH TO STRAP YOURSELF IN. THE VEHICLE COULD EITHER BE ON OR OFF WHEN THIS OCCURS. IN ADDITION, IF YOU WERE ABLE TO FINAGLE THE SEAT BELT OUT, SLOWLY AND PATIENTLY WHILE IT CONTINUALLY LOCKS AND GAININ…”
NHTSA complaint #10995530, 2017

“WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, AND THE AMBIENT AIR IS APPROXIMATELY 65F, OR HIGHER THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE/EXTEND NOT ALLOWING THE DRIVER TO FASTEN THE SEAT BELT. I HAVE TRIED WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, WITH AND WITHOUT THE E BREAK ON, AND MOVING FORWARD BUT THE BELT WILL NOT EXTEND, AFTER EXTENSIVE TRIES IT WILL EXTEND A SHORT DISTANCE AT A TIME UNTIL I CAN FINALLY FASTEN IT. THIS CONDITION HAPPENS WITH MUCH LESS SEVERITY AND FREQUENCY WHEN THE AIR IS COOLER.”
NHTSA complaint #10979183, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4

“THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYS FAULT: ABS/STABILIZATION CONTROL. TIRE PRESSURE ERROR AND AIRBAG ERROR WHEN DRIVING AND CAR BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11323898, 2020

“WHILE RIDING ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH MY WIFE DRIVING, EVERYTHING ON THE DASHBOARD AS WELL AS THE RADIO STARTED FLICKERING ON AND OFF THEN WE LOST POWER STEERING. JUST ABOUT EVERY CODE LITE UP FROM THE ENGINE LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT AND GOT A MESSAGE SAYING EPC & ABS FAILURE.”
NHTSA complaint #11258339, 2019

“SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING MY SUV MANY FAILURE INDICATOR LIGHTS INDICATING EPC FAILURE, TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILURE, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT NOT WORKING, LEFT TURN SIGNAL NOT WORKING, BRAKES LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP, ESC NOT FUNCTIONING. TRUNK ALSO WILL NOT UNLOCK. IT SEEMED LIKE EVERY SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT THIS CAR HAS CAME ON SHOWING SYSTEM FAILURES. EVERYTIME THIS HAS HAPPENED MY CAR LOSES POWER AND BARELY WANTS TO MOVE OR STALLS ALL TOGETHER HAVING THE AUTOMOBILES BEHIND ME ALMOST REAR END MY SUV. THIS SUV WITH THESE PROBLEMS IS A ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN & SOMEONE IF NOT ME DRIVING THESE S…”
NHTSA complaint #10497900, 2013

Fuel System 3

“The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and had occurred at various speeds. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V441000 (Fuel System, Gas…”
NHTSA complaint #11608994, 2024

“THE CAR CAN NOT ACCELERATE PAST 45MPH, STUTTERS GOING UP HILL, HAD TO BE ABANDONED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROUND ON A 10 HOUR TRIP. THE CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON IT. VW SAYS THAT IT IS THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, WHICH THEY INCONSISTENTLY COVER WITH THEIR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY DEPENDING HOW SKETCH THE DEALERSHIP IS. VW HAS HAD MANY ISSUES WITH THEIR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, YOU NEED TO INVESTIGATE THEM! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10611094, 2014

“THE BRAKES FIRST APPEARED TO BE SLUGGISH AS I WAS STOPPING FOR A LIGHT. ONCE THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH AND THE ENGINE DIED. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, AND PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE. THE ENGINE STARTED, BUT THE CAR SHUDDERED. IT DROVE LESS THAN A MILE BEFORE THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN. I WENT THROUGH THE SAME SEQUENCE IN ORDER TO RESTART THE CAR, BUT THE ENGINE KEPT DYING. IN ALL, IT DIED FIVE TIMES IN FIVE MILES, DYING FASTER AND SHUDDERING HARDER UPON RESTART. NOW, THIS CAR IS LIKE NEW. IT WAS BOUGHT BRAN…”
NHTSA complaint #10606563, 2014

Structure 3

“Sunroof lets water in and floods in car causing electrical problems, mold, rust, ruining roof interior and carpets. The air bag and horn stopped working and clock spring needs to be replaced. I had no prior warning of that these problems would occur. I have spent thousands of dollars in repairs for electrical trying to figure out why the car stopped working and also how water was getting into car when there is no leaks around the sunroof. This puts the safety of my family as well as others on the road when my car breaks down. I wasn't able to drive my car for months during the winter because…”
NHTSA complaint #11576555, 2022

“THERE WAS WATER LEAKING AND I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO A VW DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR. THEY INVESTIGATED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND OUT THAT WATER LEAKS FROM THE SUNROOF FRAME. THEY STATED THAT THE LEAK IS IN A LOCATION THAT CANNOT BE FOUND AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED. THUS I HAD TO REPLACE THE FRAME. THE SUNROOF FRAME IS FAULT EVEN I HAD NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE OR ACCIDENT ON MY VEHICLE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE SERIOUSLY INVESTIGATED SINCE WATER LEAKING FROM THE SUNROOF MAY CAUSE MANY OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11102873, 2018

“THE REAR DOOR (TAILGATE) DOES NOT LATCH NOR LOCK. WHEN IT IS CLOSED, THE CATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THERE IS NO NOISE FROM THE LOCKING MOTOR. SO THE DOOR REMAINS OPEN WHEN DRIVING OR PARKING. THIS IS THE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I ALSO FOUND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS AND FAULT REPORTS FROM OTHER VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS OVER THE INTERNET. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10938953, 2016

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“THE CRUISE CONTROL ON MY TIGUAN JUMPS TO HIGHER SPEEDS WHEN YOU PUSH THE BUTTON TO LOWER THE SPEED. IT OCCURS RANDOMLY AND IS DANGEROUS I.E WHEN FOLLOWING SOMEONE AND THEY SLOW, ATTEMPTS TO SLOW MY CAR APPROPRIATELY USING THE SPEED CONTROL RESULTS IF THE CAR SPEEDING UP 3 TO 4 MPH THREATENING COLLISION WITH THE CAR IN FRONT. THE ONLY WAY TO SLOW RELIABLY IS TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE CAR WAS DELIVERED AS A NEW CAR TO ME AND AT LEAST THREE ATTEMPTS TO GET THE DEALER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM HAVE FAILED. THE LATEST EXCUSE WAS THAT THE SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10566119, 2014

“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ANY FURTHER. CARS WERE SPEEDING BY AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. EPC LIGHT CAME ON. HAD TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. CAR HAS DONE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR THAT I HAVE OWNED IT. EPC LIGHT RESETS AFTER CAR SITS OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND PROBLEM GOES AWAY. DEALER SAYS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE THE LIGHT GOES OFF BEFORE IT GETS TO THE DEALER. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY, IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU CANT ACCELERATE AND MOVE TO A SAFE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10552234, 2013

“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH IN A MERGING LANE, CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ANY FURTHER. CARS WERE SPEEDING BY AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. EPC LIGHT CAME ON. HAD TO GET OFF HIGHWAY AND HAVE CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10549659, 2013

Visibility 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANORAMIC SUN ROOF WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED WATER TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, CERTAIN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE AFFECTED, SUCH AS THE GEAR LIGHTS AND VANITY LIGHTS. ALSO, THE PUSH START ENGINE BUTTON WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUSH THE BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD START. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 50,000. *DT *TR CONSUMER STATED CAR IS DEVELOPING MOLD INSIDE WHERE I…”
NHTSA complaint #11277589, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT NOTICED PUDDLES OF WATER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS LEAKING WATER ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND FRONT AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION DUE TO WIRE RUST. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THE SUN ROOF'S HOSE DRAINAGE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11257616, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOMENTUM VOLKSWAGEN (2405 RICHMOND AVE, HOUSTON, TX 77098, (844) 894-5462) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF DRAIN WAS CLOSED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FILL WITH WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.”
NHTSA complaint #11245542, 2019

Visibility/Wiper 3

“FAULTY AND FAILING DRAINS IN ALL 4 CORNERS OF PANORAMIC SUN ROOF HAVE CAUSED EXTENSIVE WATER DAMAGE ON PILLARS, HEADLINER, CARPET, PAD AND SEATS IN FRONT AND BACK SEAT, PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE OF CAR. MOISTURE INSIDE OF CABIN CREATES FOGGED WINDSHIELD AND UNKNOWN POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL DAMAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11353913, 2020

“AFTER RAIN DRIVERS SIDE FRONT & REAR CARPET IS SOAKED”
NHTSA complaint #11281310, 2019

“WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED MOVING. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE J519 POWER CONTROL UNIT IN ORDER TO FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10938954, 2015

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“I WAS PULLING OUT ONTO A MAJOR ROAD. THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR AT LEAST 30+ MINUTES. I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO THE MIDDLE LANE. THE CAR DIED AND I WAS HALFWAY INTO THE LANE. I WAS UNABLE TO GET IT RESTARTED FOR A FEW MINS. IT EVENTUALLY STARTED AGAIN. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNS. THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING AND CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OAKLAND CA VW SERVICE AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL FILTER WAS CHANGED. "SORRY, WE DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT, THERE ARE NO FAULTS SHOWING BUT IF IT KEEPS HAPPENING BRING IT BACK." AGAIN, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AT A…”
NHTSA complaint #10561497, 2014

“WHILE SLOWLY ROLLING TO A STOP THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND DID NOT ENGAGE. I HAD TO APPLY SEVERE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I APPLIED THE FORCE THE BRAKE PEDAL RESISTED AND POPPED BACK TWICE BEFORE THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT I HAVE REPORTED TO VW AND TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE SHAKING. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. THE TWO MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10458932, 2012

Suspension 2

“2012 VW TIGUAN WAS SENT INTO THE DEALER FOR BRAKES. DEALER STATED THE SPRING WAS RUSTED AND CRACKED AT AROUND 70K MILES ONLY. UPON QUESTIONING REGARDING THE PREMATURE DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION THE DEALER STATED "IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM." THE DEALER CHARGED AROUND $700 FOR THE REPAIR. SOUNDS LIKE A NECESSARY SAFETY RECALL TO ME.”
NHTSA complaint #11142541, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND GOING OVER DEBRIS ON THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10808285, 2015

Exterior Lighting 1

“FOR NO APPARENT REASON MANY INDICATOR LIGHTS SIGNAL AT THE SAME TIME INDICATING TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM NOT AVAILABLE, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT NOT WORKING, LEFT TURN SIGNAL NOT WORKING, BRAKES LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP, ESC NOT FUNCTIONING. TRUNK ALSO WILL NOT UNLOCK. IT CAN BE RESET (I THINK, IT WORKED ON ONE EPISODE) BY MULTIPLE (10-15 TIMES STARTING AND RESTARTING CAR) AS THIS DEFAULT HAS ONLY HAPPENED A FEW TIMES AND I HAVE BEEN AWAY FROM HOME I AM UNSURE EXACTLY WHAT RESETS IT. STARTING AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THIS MANY TIMES CAN NOT BE GOOD FOR THE VEHICLE ENGINE ETC. THE VEHICLE SYSTEM DID…”
NHTSA complaint #10482412, 2012

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“THE REAR DOOR (TAILGATE) DOES NOT LATCH NOR LOCK. WHEN IT IS CLOSED, THE CATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THERE IS NO NOISE FROM THE LOCKING MOTOR. SO THE DOOR REMAINS OPEN WHEN DRIVING OR PARKING. THIS IS THE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I ALSO FOUND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS AND FAULT REPORTS FROM OTHER VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS OVER THE INTERNET. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10938953, 2016

Seats 1

“Water pump melted and needed to be replaced, car won't start, airbag light is on and clock spring needed to be replaced, heated seat gets extremely hot on driver's side when turned on.”
NHTSA complaint #11516227, 2023

Tires 1

“Tires had 17,000 miles on them. Tire pressure was checked 6 days prior to tire failure. Tire failure occurred on 3/11/23. My 19 year old daughter and two friends were driving on I-26 just east of Columbia, SC, when the tire sidewalls spontaneously failed. The TPMS is functional and never alerted the driver to low tire pressure. I contacted Continental Tire and provided them photos, and they have brushed it off saying that the tire was driven with low tire pressure. Continental Tire recalled 94,000 tires during the same time frame that these tires were manufactured due to sidewall failur…”
NHTSA complaint #11513244, 2023

Wheels 1

“ON 5/3/12 @ 12,000 MILES, I WAS SLOWING @ A YIELD (10MPH) AND MY TRANSFER CASE FELL ON MY DRIVE SHAFT BREAKING IT AND THE HEAT SHIELD. VW FIXED IT AND SAID IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED AT FACTORY BECAUSE A PIECE WAS MISSING THAT CAUSED THE TRANSFER BOLTS TO BACK OUT OF THE CASE. I COMPLAINED I WANTED A NEW CAR AND JILL, THE REGIONAL CASE MGR FOR VW CUSTOMER RELATIONS WOULDN'T APPROVE OF IT. ONCE THAT WAS FIXED, 5/30/12 MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW. WENT TO CHANGE THE TIRE AND THE PIECE TO TAKE THE HUBCAP OFF WASN'T IN THE CAR. VW REPLACED THE TIRE FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE…”
NHTSA complaint #10460986, 2010