VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN · model year

2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

158 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010VOLKSWAGENTIGUAN carries 158 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 5 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 TIGUAN is engine with 50 filings, followed by electrical system (30) and exterior lighting (17). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2010 TIGUAN, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

158
Complaints
7
Crashes
5
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

158 filings

Crashes Reported

7 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE50
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
EXTERIOR LIGHTING17
STEERING13
POWER TRAIN6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
SEATS4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
SERVICE BRAKES3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS2
AIR BAGS2

Recalls (2)

13V56900022/11/2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

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.

14V44100021/07/2014

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Recent Complaints

20250812STEERING

We own a 2010 VW Tiguan and it has many problems, but the biggest one is that the Steering Wheel just randomly will turn off and loose all power steering, I believe these models use electric power steering (EPS) system, which don't use like a traditional power steering hydraulic pump but uses electricity and maybe magnets... to induce the steering. the steering wheel is a big deal and should not just randomly stop working and there is tons of these models and others have have this problems, I seen people on youtube have the same problem with the 2017 models Tiguan and this part is consistently out of stock, because so many of them break.. this should be a nationwide recall and a major safety recall as well.

20240926ENGINE

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.

20240715SUSPENSION

Reversing out drive way and coil rear suspension spring snaped

20230831STEERING

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the forward momentum allowed her to pull off the roadway. The contact stated that the steering wheel started shaking violently. The contact stated an unknown red warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, however the failure had reoccurred several times. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist, and rack and pinion gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,068.

Mileage: 125,068

20230804ENGINE

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.

20230723ENGINE

Timing chain tensioner broke. Loss of power

20230408STEERING

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.

20230408VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

20230405ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 180,000

20210904ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The fusebox that was included in the NHTSA recall #13V569000 for lighting defects was never resolved correctly on this car and many other VW Tiquans like this. I am a 45 year ASE licensed professional automotive technician. I am an ASE Master tech with current L1-L9 licensing. I am also an ex GM mastertech as well. Part time automotive instructor too. I've seen the multiple cases filed with the NHTSA regarding this melting fuse box that causes multiple issues whether they be with lighting, causes the engine & whole electrical system to shut down, same with several computers. I've scanned the system using VAG-COM and have two different sets of scan data to show clearly the issue. The car will load a multitude of erroneous codes because the central electrical, ABS, engine computer & other modules lose power causing a VERY dangerous situation for the operator of the vehicle. Not to mention a fire danger. I have pictures of the before and after repair I did on this vehicle. It s

20210707UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20210607ENGINE

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway at approximately 3 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain failed causing the engine to seize and valves to bend. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the manufacturer had extended the warranty on the vehicle however, the warranty had expired in April 2020. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle extended warranty expired and the vehicle was not eligible for a free repair. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,666.

Mileage: 90,666

20210527STEERING

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.

20200315ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

POWERSTEERING FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, STEERING WHEEL WOBBLES WITHOUT USER INTERVENTION OCCASIONALLY (AT RED LIGHT). ISSUE SEEMS RELEASED TO ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING RACK OR CONTROL BOX, BUT VW DOES NOT SEEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A FREQUENTLY REPORTED PROBLEM. WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN: 1. AFTER PARKING CAR, POWER STEERING IS COMPLETELY OFF, SLOWLY DRIVING FOR 20-30 SEC SO FAR BROUGHT IT BACK. HOWEVER, STEERING IS NOT ACCURATE (SOMETIMES VERY LIGHT AND WOBBLE STARTS). AFTER OVERNIGHT PARKING THINGS SEEM FINE 2. ON HIGHWAY, AFTER 20 MINS DRIVE STEERING BECAME RATHER ERRATIC WITH DIFFICULTIES TO KEEP CAR ON THE LANE, AFTER EXIT AND STOP ENGINE AND RESTART THINGS WERE FINE AGAIN. HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. CAN SEND VIDEO SHOWING WOBBLING OF STEERING WHEEL...

Mileage: 120,000

20200315STEERING

POWERSTEERING FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, STEERING WHEEL WOBBLES WITHOUT USER INTERVENTION OCCASIONALLY (AT RED LIGHT). ISSUE SEEMS RELEASED TO ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING RACK OR CONTROL BOX, BUT VW DOES NOT SEEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A FREQUENTLY REPORTED PROBLEM. WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN: 1. AFTER PARKING CAR, POWER STEERING IS COMPLETELY OFF, SLOWLY DRIVING FOR 20-30 SEC SO FAR BROUGHT IT BACK. HOWEVER, STEERING IS NOT ACCURATE (SOMETIMES VERY LIGHT AND WOBBLE STARTS). AFTER OVERNIGHT PARKING THINGS SEEM FINE 2. ON HIGHWAY, AFTER 20 MINS DRIVE STEERING BECAME RATHER ERRATIC WITH DIFFICULTIES TO KEEP CAR ON THE LANE, AFTER EXIT AND STOP ENGINE AND RESTART THINGS WERE FINE AGAIN. HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. CAN SEND VIDEO SHOWING WOBBLING OF STEERING WHEEL...

Mileage: 120,000

20190929ENGINE

BACKGROUND: 2015 (70,733 MI), ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON & I BROUGHT IT TO VWHARTFORD. THEY FOUND FAULT FOR SYSTEM TO LEAN FOUND REAR MAIN SELA IS LEAKING OIL WHICH IS CAUSING FUEL TRIM FAULTS. OIL CAP IS LEAKING OIL & THE UPPER TIME CHAIN COVER IS LEAKING OIL BUT THE MAIN OIL LEAK IS COMING FROM THE REAR SEAL. THEY REMOVED THE TRANS & REPLACED THE MAIN SEAL & OIL CAP ($877). IN 2016 (94,999 MI), CAR FAILED EMISSIONS DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD. VW REPLACED THIS AND IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SUGGESTION - TO GET A CARBON CLEANING FOR THE VALVES DUE TO BUILD UP ($290). JUNE '18 (118,239 MI): MY COOLANT LIGHT WENT ON. VW SAID MY COOLANT WAS NOT LOW - WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. THEY RESEALED VALVE COVER & UPPER TIMING CHAIN DUE TO OIL LEAKS. THEY R AND R VALVE COVER CLEANING & RESEALED, INSTALLED UPPER TIMING CHAIN SEALS AND SIDE OF ENGINE BLOCK OF OIL & INSTALLED NEW WATER PUMP. I ASKED IF THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY OR PREVIOUS WORK & WAS TOLD NO. I ASKED IF THIS WOULD PROLONG THE LONGEV

Mileage: 1

20190929POWER TRAIN

BACKGROUND: 2015 (70,733 MI), ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON & I BROUGHT IT TO VWHARTFORD. THEY FOUND FAULT FOR SYSTEM TO LEAN FOUND REAR MAIN SELA IS LEAKING OIL WHICH IS CAUSING FUEL TRIM FAULTS. OIL CAP IS LEAKING OIL & THE UPPER TIME CHAIN COVER IS LEAKING OIL BUT THE MAIN OIL LEAK IS COMING FROM THE REAR SEAL. THEY REMOVED THE TRANS & REPLACED THE MAIN SEAL & OIL CAP ($877). IN 2016 (94,999 MI), CAR FAILED EMISSIONS DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD. VW REPLACED THIS AND IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SUGGESTION - TO GET A CARBON CLEANING FOR THE VALVES DUE TO BUILD UP ($290). JUNE '18 (118,239 MI): MY COOLANT LIGHT WENT ON. VW SAID MY COOLANT WAS NOT LOW - WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. THEY RESEALED VALVE COVER & UPPER TIMING CHAIN DUE TO OIL LEAKS. THEY R AND R VALVE COVER CLEANING & RESEALED, INSTALLED UPPER TIMING CHAIN SEALS AND SIDE OF ENGINE BLOCK OF OIL & INSTALLED NEW WATER PUMP. I ASKED IF THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY OR PREVIOUS WORK & WAS TOLD NO. I ASKED IF THIS WOULD PROLONG THE LONGEV

Mileage: 1

20190723ENGINE

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

Mileage: 101,000

20190710ENGINE

07/05/19, WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 3:30 PM WEST ON I-90 AT THE 68 MILE MARKER WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING DIED. THE NEXT DAY I WAS INFORMED BY A AAA MECHANIC THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD MOST LIKELY BEEN THE CULPRIT AND ACCORDINGLY TO SAME, DESTROYED THE ENGINE REQUIRING A NEW ENGINE. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT THERE HAD BEEN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST SAME THAT HAD BEEN SETTLED BETWEEN VW AND THE CLAIMANTS THOUGH I HAD TRAVELED 100,020 MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND WAS ENTITLED TO "0". I BELIEVE THAT THIS OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUSLY, AND LIKE MYSELF, MANY WOULD NOT BE APPRISED OF THE POTENTIAL ISSUE SINCE MOST WOULD NOT HAVE ANY REASON TO THINK OTHERWISE. HOWEVER, I WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH AND IN THE MIDDLE OF A FOUR OR FIVE LANE FEDERAL INTERSTATE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC - AND IN THE CHICAGO VICINITY - HAD I HAD LESS FORETHOUGHT A TERRIBLE CALAMITY COULD HAVE OCCURRED. I BELIEVE THAT VW SHOULD RECALL EVERY ENGINE WITH THIS MALADY - AND SHOULD DO SO DESPITE SETTLING

Mileage: 100,020

20190618FireENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, WHILE MAKING THE RIGHT TURN, FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND WITHIN MINUTES THE HOOD OPENED RAPIDLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LOST OF POWER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE FIRE REACHED THE BATTERY WAS WHEN SHE WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH IT WAS STILL IN MOTION. WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE FIRE BURNED ALL OF THE TIRES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE LOT AND THEN TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

Compare 2010VOLKSWAGENTIGUAN to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN have?
The 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN has 158 NHTSA complaints, 7 crashes, 5 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
Yes, the 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
The most-complained component for the 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN is ENGINE with 50 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Is the 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.