2014 Volkswagen Tiguan problems
Owners have filed 131 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. Air bags is the most reported problem area, at 36% of complaints. After that come electrical system (17%) and steering (15%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 131 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Air bags 36% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 3 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 50,000 miles 71 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 11 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 14 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 21 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 11 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 5 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 4 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 71 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 50,000 miles. For air bags specifically, the median reported mileage is about 51,000 miles (25 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 3 complaints mention a crash. Its complaints are less severe on average than those of 94% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2014 ranks 15th most-complained-about out of 18 model years of the Volkswagen Tiguan with enough data (72 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
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. Car was out of control.
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.
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. About 10 minutes into my drive while I was slowing for a red light the car completely turned off. I restarted it and it was fine the rest of the drive. I brought it to the dealership the next day and was given a loaner. I was told they are going to replace the engine harness. I haven't gotten it back yet so not sure if that fixed the issue.
While driving and making a left turn on a city street, I heard a clicking in the steering wheel and the airbag error light came o. Then none of the buttons on the steering wheel worked. Dealer investigated and determined it was the clock spring. The mileage was 66,000. About the same as all the other complaints I have read. Luckily I only had to pay the 50 charge because I had a used car warranty.