2010 Volkswagen Tiguan: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 109 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (41% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Vehicle sometimes displays red check engine light on dash with alarm sounding. Check engine light goes away after the vehicle is stopped briefly and restarted. Oil level is normal. Mechanic found no diagnostic codes when scanned with OBD scanner. Mechanic changed oil pressure sensor, replaced oil, checked oil pan. There is no leaking. But the check engine light still comes on with alarm. It does not seem to be related to miles driven, speed driven, road conditions, or external temperature. Consumer is afraid to drive the car, or sell car. Mileage is 61,000, one owner.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2024
“Timing chain/extensioner broke My car suddenly started jerking or jumping when I was idling. I pulled into a parking lot and ended up having to have it towed. It does not run now and I was told it needed a new engine. I was told that there was a known issue and class action lawsuit with the timing chain but that I had passed the extended warranty. My care only has 50,000 miles on it so a timing chain should not fail so soon. I am sure that there extended warranty left a lot of engine failures out.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2023
“While driving down the road the steering wheel began to wobble and shake really bad and the power steering light came on and then power steering locked up, I was barely able to get out of the way of oncoming traffic which was very difficult for me because I have Lupus and not very much strength in my arms. Had to turn car off and restart several times before getting the light to stay off long enough to get home but it was still wobbling, this was a very scary situation for me.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact's mother owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle made a loud popping sound coming from the passenger's side engine compartment. Additionally, the service engine warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle had exceeded the recall remedy timeframe. The failure mileage was 180,000.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2022
“Terrible odor in the vehicle , when I checked on vehicle forums it seems like it's happens in Volkswagen vehicles where an animal can get caught in the engine and dies and causes an odor . This is something that happens in Volkswagen vehicles only”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2021
“the power steering light has gone on several times, and I then would turn off the car, which would make the light go off. Last night, however, it went on along w the entire wheel violently shaking from side to side. I had to drive the short distance back home to my house w no power steering and the emergency lights on.”Owner report · Steering · May 2021
“While driving in the city the car died thankfully I wasn't going more than 25 mph. Icoasted to the shoulder and had the tiguan towed to the volkeswagen dealership. The timing going caused damage to the heads and valves on the motor. Volkeswagen dealship redid the motor. At the cost of $5700.00”Owner report · Engine · May 2019
“I drove to a friends house and about two hours later got in the car and started to drive then 10 of my exterior lights all went out the same time. My footwell lights I cannot dim or brighten through the controls and back up sensor stopped working. I had no headlights while I was driving at night at around 11pm. All this happened at once at the same time. All of the bulbs were fine. I replaced them. They weren't even blown. Fuses were fine. This is a real safety hazard and can lead to crash if not looked into.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2019
“This model has a push to activate emergency brake. The emergency brake will engage without touching it whenever it wants. It has happened a few times while I was going in reverse with no notice nor does the light indicator go on. I have took it to mohegan vw dealer and they did find any problem with the vehicle . I tried to explain to them that it engages at any given time but they informed me that without a brake indicator on there was nothing they can do. I need help with this issue before it engages while I'm driving and kills me or anyone on the road.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen tiguan. While driving, the power steering failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 through June 2011. Due to a problem with the fuse for the exterior lights, the holder for the fuse that controls the vehicle's exterior lights circuit may melt.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 97Z9/2V.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2010 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Tiguan by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
NHTSA has 109 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The most complained-about area is engine (41% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,000 miles or less.
Does the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.