2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 46

“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 complaint #11645361, 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 t…”
NHTSA complaint #11593682, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11514949, 2023

Electrical System 22

“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 complaint #11645361, 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 t…”
NHTSA complaint #11593682, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11514949, 2023

Steering 20

“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 complaint #11742689, 2026

“My vehicle keeps losing power steering, often during operation.”
NHTSA complaint #11703432, 2025

“My steering randomly stopped working. The power steering is electronic, so I can’t fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #11667453, 2025

Engine 9

“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 complaint #11726729, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11558782, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11497105, 2022

Unknown Or Other 8

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11590439, 2024

“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11515048, 2023

“This is the second time my Volkswagen Tiguan's spring clock has broken. As a result I have lost access to my airbags and horn. I also can't contact my driver electrical from the steering wheel. I am being told there is no way of knowing when the dealership may be able to get the part. I will be driving in an extremely unsafe care with my one-year old son. This is terrifying.”
NHTSA complaint #11476918, 2022

Service Brakes 4 2 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11244635, 2019 · crash

“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 complaint #10955145, 2016 · crash

“i Was Driving my Vehicle and suddenly the Air Bag and ABS lights went on my dashboard”
NHTSA complaint #11436030, 2021

Suspension 3

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11452700, 2022

“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 complaint #11456660, 2021

“THE SWAY BAR LINKS ON THIS VEHICLE WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEM SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LIFE OF THE CAR. ALL WERE REPAIRED AT THE DEALER AND WITH OEM REPLACEMENTS. THE FIRST ONE WAS AROUND 18,540 MILES AND THEN ABOUT EVERY 25K MILES AFTER THAT.”
NHTSA complaint #11394612, 2016

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2 1 crash

“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 complaint #10955145, 2016 · crash

“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 DAYCAR…”
NHTSA complaint #11013415, 2017

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“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 20…”
NHTSA complaint #11500964, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V441000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE PRIOR TO THE REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE RPMS INCREASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000. UPDATED 2/25/15*CN UPDATED 9/7/2017*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10661637, 2014

Seat Belts 2

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11084032, 2017

“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 complaint #10956732, 2017

Back Over Prevention 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED INTO REVERSE, THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA WAS VERY DARK AND LIMITED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA WAS OPERATING NORMALLY AND THAT A NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS LODGED THE SAME COMPLAINT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10807982, 2015

Fuel System 1

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11717540, 2026

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“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 CONT…”
NHTSA complaint #11315717, 2019

Power Train 1

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11554305, 2023

Structure 1

“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 complaint #11060954, 2017

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION WITH CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVE, PRESSING THE "SET/-" SWITCH IS SUPPOSED TO DECREASE THE VEHICLE SPEED IN 1 MPH INCREMENTS FOR EACH PRESS OF THE SWITCH. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DECREASE SPEED GRADUALLY FOR UPCOMING SPEED LIMIT CHANGES, OR WHEN VEHICLES PULL-IN A BIT TOO SOON AFTER PASSING, MY TIGUAN WILL OFTEN QUICKLY INCREASE THE "SET" SPEED BY BY 2-4 MPH WHEN THE "SET/-" SWITCH IS PRESSED. AN INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THAT OTHER VW OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PHENOMENA AND THE DEALERS TELL THEM IT IS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN! I DISAGREE WITH THAT STATEMENT. IT'S TRUE…”
NHTSA complaint #10893482, 2016

Visibility 1

“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 complaint #11164211, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 1

“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 F…”
NHTSA complaint #11163756, 2018