2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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
- 153
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 153 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
33% · 50 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Gradual coolant leak with dealership knowledge upon sale of the car (44,000 miles). Refill overflow every 8 to 10 months. Leak unknown. Had to increase refilling gradually over time, thought it was due to use from work in 2016.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-25
Engine stalled approaching stop-sign rear ended vehicle in front of us. This was the third time this has happened with a stalling issue not accident, seems to be at lower (Under 30MPH) speed often as you start to slow for a stop sign or stop light.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-01
Air bags
22% · 34 reportsMost commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
I made a report on 11/1/19 about issues with my vehicle due to a manufactures defect that the panoramic roof drains did not drain properly and water leaked throughout the vehicle. Please refer to ODI# 41277589 and Ref.# 238025.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-27
Also filed under Electrical system and service brakes
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact's vehicle was struck on the driver's side by another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-05
In an accident involving rear hit, which sent the vehicle into a ditch approx. 8 feet deep, with an impact severe enough to hospitalize the front seat pasenger with fractured sternum an internal bleeding caused by a seat belt.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-12
Electrical system
15% · 23 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-01-24
Steering
14% · 21 reportsShow complaint excerpts
A couple of weeks now my steering wheel has been locking while Iâm driving, sadly I thought it was because I needed to get my car serviced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-27
Fuel/propulsion system
8% · 12 reportsSafety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012Complaint volume 153 complaints filed for this model year.
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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
2015-03-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-09-28 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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2016-01-15Air bags15V483000 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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off.
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2017-11-13Recall queryClosed 2018-05-04 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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2018-04-18Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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2018-11-29Unknown or other18V329000 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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 50 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 34 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V441000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 15V483000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V329000 · Unknown or other
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
- 3 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.