2010 Volkswagen Tiguan

● Typical for this model

2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:56:57.011Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2010: 109 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	167
2010	109
2011	160
2012	152
2013	139
2014	82
2015	62
2016	95
2017	73
2018	274
2019	183
2020	132
2021	126
2022	243
2023	57
2024	54
2025	38
2026	20

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 46%

46% of complaints: engine — 50 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240926

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 28%

28% of complaints: electrical system — 30 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

2010 VW TIGUAN, WITH REPEATED ENGINE FAILURES ASSOCIATED WITH POWER STEERING MODULE, BOOST SOLENOID / ENGINE COILS, WIRING HARNESS, FUSE RE-CALL, LOSS OF POWER / THRUST / ELECTRICAL PANEL INSTABILITY, BEGINNING IN JULY 2013 UPON THE LIMITED...

NHTSA ODI report, 20140418

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20131213

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 16%

16% of complaints: exterior lighting — 17 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20131213

STEERING 12%

12% of complaints: steering — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 20250812

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY IN MY 2 MONTH OLD 2010 TIGUAN WHEN A CAR IN THE LEFT LANE CAME OVER INTO MY LANE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100709

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20131104 — PE (closed 20140228)

Partial Loss of Exterior Lights

R 20140103 — electrical system, exterior lighting

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 ligh

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.

Campaign 13V569000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140819 — fuel system, gasoline

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014.

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.

Campaign 14V441000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20180418 — EA (open)

Air Bag Clockspring Failure

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2010 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine issues (50 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (30 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (17 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 13V569000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
Verify recall 14V441000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2025 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2018 ■ 2022 ◆ 2019

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.