Problems · NHTSA complaints
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan problems
Owners filed 84 complaints about the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan with NHTSA between Apr 2014 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (46).
Complaints
84
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags46
- Electrical system22
- Steering20
- Engine11
- Service brakes4
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Suspension3
- Seat belts2
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Power train1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
- Visibility1
- Visibility/wiper1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
2
2
7
23
4
1
4
20
7
2
3
5
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Air bags
46 reports1 related recall
“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]?”
Electrical system
22 reports
“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.”
Steering
20 reports
“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.”
Engine
11 reports
“My vehicle stalls and completely stops at red lights, stop signs, and low speeds. Currently my vehicle is stalling and stopping at accelerated speeds at 20 mph.”
Service brakes
4 reports2 crashes
“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 A VOLVO AND WAS FOLLOWING AT SAFE DISTANCE. IF A TRACTOR TRAILER HAD BEEN BEHIND US WE WOULD BE DEAD.”
Fuel/propulsion system
3 reports
“My 2014 Tiguan, VIN [XXX], has been serviced at an authorized VW dealer since I purchased it. From 2014 to December 2025, the vehicle was serviced at a VW dealer and March 2026 to present at a service facility that only works on VWs and is owned and operated by a prior VW certified technician who only works on VWs. My vehicle has been serviced at all the VW recommended maintenance mileage. Looking back at the maintenance records, I can see that in March and August 2025, my vehicle experienced a check engine light issue that resulted in EVAP system small leak fault and vibration at start up caused by misfire cylinder. In April 2026, June 2026 and July 2026, I had to take my Tiguan in because I felt the engine shake, check engine light came on and power decrease. The VW technican replaced some components related to the turbocharger system in April and the check engine light turned off. The check engine light turned back on in June in June and July 2026. The technician stated the issue was likely a airflow flap within the turbocharger causing the issue and the entire turbocharger would have to be replaced to remedy the issue. I discovered the recent class action…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.