VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN · model year

2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

125 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014VOLKSWAGENTIGUAN carries 125 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 3/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 TIGUAN is air bags with 43 filings, followed by electrical system (22) and steering (19). 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 3 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 2014 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.

125
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 3.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

125 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 3/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS43
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
STEERING19
ENGINE8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
SERVICE BRAKES4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE4
SUSPENSION3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
SEAT BELTS2
BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1

Recalls (3)

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.

18V32900016/05/2018

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 ma

15V48300004/08/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 wou

Recent Complaints

20260212FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

20251206STEERING

My vehicle keeps losing power steering, often during operation.

20250617STEERING

My steering randomly stopped working. The power steering is electronic, so I can’t fix it.

20250227AIR BAGS

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.

20250227ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20250227STEERING

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.

20240611AIR BAGS

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 this seems to be a common problem. Also, we did a thorough search online to assess the situation with other drivers/vehicles - this is a common issue! Someone (either the dealer or VW) is dragging their feet on this mandatory, potentially life-threatening issue & repair. When will the NHTSA kick VW (or the dealer) in the [XXX]? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI

20240611ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 this seems to be a common problem. Also, we did a thorough search online to assess the situation with other drivers/vehicles - this is a common issue! Someone (either the dealer or VW) is dragging their feet on this mandatory, potentially life-threatening issue & repair. When will the NHTSA kick VW (or the dealer) in the [XXX]? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI

20240523UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 a trade in INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20231206ENGINE

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.

20231109POWER TRAIN

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 arrive at the repair shop. Klaus Garage in Fishkill NY. The turbo was replaced at the dealer as was most maintenence.

20230709STEERING

driving down the highway at speed, power steering fails and cannot control the vehicle. shut the car down and cannot get the issue to go away. got the car home without power steering. issue was gone next day. took car out to see if issue was gone, while making a turn power steering once again fails on the car. had to limp the car home at a very slow rate of speed. there are many reports of this happening to the VW power steering. the dealer wont even look at the car when i called to see if i can bring it in to be looked at.

20230525STEERING

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power of steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that this was a common failure with the year, make, and model. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while parked, the steering wheel seized. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20230402UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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!

20230401AIR BAGS

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.

20230401ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20230110ENGINE

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. INFO

20230110FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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. INFO

20230110UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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. INFO

20221212ENGINE

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.

Compare 2014VOLKSWAGENTIGUAN to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN have?
The 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN has 125 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
The 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 3/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
Yes, the 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
The most-complained component for the 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN is AIR BAGS with 43 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING.
Is the 2014 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. The 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. 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.