2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
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.
- Complaints
- 110
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2010
Opened by NHTSA
45% of complaints
Complaints per year
2010: 110 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 110 |
| 2011 | 162 |
| 2012 | 153 |
| 2013 | 140 |
| 2014 | 84 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2016 | 97 |
| 2017 | 76 |
| 2018 | 287 |
| 2019 | 195 |
| 2020 | 140 |
| 2021 | 144 |
| 2022 | 274 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 36 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
45% · 50 reportsShow 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, 2024-09-26
Electrical system
28% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
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, 2014-04-18
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, 2013-12-13
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Exterior lighting
17% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Steering
12% · 13 reportsShow 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, 2025-08-12
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, 2010-07-09
Power train
5% · 6 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2013-11-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-02-28 Partial Loss of Exterior Lights
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R
2014-01-03Electrical system, exterior lighting13V569000 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…
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.
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R
2014-08-19Fuel system, gasoline14V441000 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.
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I
2018-04-18Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Buy-smart checklist
2010 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 50 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 31 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 19 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V569000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
- Recall 14V441000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
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 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.