2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
- 84
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2014
Opened by NHTSA
56% of complaints
Complaints per year
2014: 84 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.
Air bags
56% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.
Show complaint excerpts
The clock spring in the steering column deteriorated and became nonfunctional in a car that is only 3 years old and with only 17000 miles on it. This is not an old car, to spend about $800 to repair a part that is still this new is ridiculous.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-23
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
26% · 22 reportsSteering
24% · 20 reportsEngine
13% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My 2014 Tiguan, VIN [XXX], has been serviced at an authorized VW dealer since I purchased it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-05
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-06
When I got into my 2014 Tiguan the check engine light was on. Since the car is only 5 months old I didn't give it much thought and figured it was something simple.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-21
Service brakes
5% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-08-17
Driving in cold weather and slow enough speed, the electronic stabilization control light went on, indicating ESC failure. The steering and brakes alternately and simultaneously failed. Stepping on the brakes produced no response at all.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-02-16
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Safety 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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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
2015-03-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-09-28 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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R
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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I
2017-11-13Recall queryClosed 2018-05-04 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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I
2018-04-18Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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R
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
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 20 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 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2014 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.