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2010 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Verdict

72 Solid Pick

The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan has 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (54 complaints) and electrical (30 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 72/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Volkswagen Tiguan, consider the 2025 model year which has 65% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 65% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan dashboard →

72

Klunk Score: Solid Pick

Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200922734949
201017630542
201114469684
201239737635
201324667393
201419447111
20151343492
201627348161
201716331194
20189717439918
20196121474212
2020551134283
202151216535
20227134211116
20232037243
202423111190
2025173783

By Category

Engine
54
Electrical
30
Body
17
Brakes
6
Transmission
2

By Severity

1
46
2
53
3
1
4
9

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 1

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 traditional power steering hydraulic pump but uses electricity and maybe magnets... to induce the steering. the steering wheel is a big deal and should not just randomly stop working and there is tons of these models and others have have this problems, I seen people on youtube have the same problem with the 2017 models Tiguan and this part is consistently out of stock, because so many of them break.. this should be a nationwide recall and a major safety recall as well.

11mo ago
Engine 2

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. Mechanic changed oil pressure sensor, replaced oil, checked oil pan. There is no leaking. But the check engine light still comes on with alarm. It does not seem to be related to miles driven, speed driven, road conditions, or external temperature. Consumer is afraid to drive the car, or sell car. Mileage is 61,000, one owner.

22mo ago
Body 1

Reversing out drive way and coil rear suspension spring snaped

24mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the forward momentum allowed her to pull off the roadway. The contact stated that the steering wheel started shaking violently. The contact stated an unknown red warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, however the failure had reoccurred several times. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist, and rack and pinion gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,068.

35mo ago
Engine 2

Timing chain/extensioner broke My car suddenly started jerking or jumping when I was idling. I pulled into a parking lot and ended up having to have it towed. It does not run now and I was told it needed a new engine. I was told that there was a known issue and class action lawsuit with the timing chain but that I had passed the extended warranty. My care only has 50,000 miles on it so a timing chain should not fail so soon. I am sure that there extended warranty left a lot of engine failures out.

35mo ago
Engine 1

Timing chain tensioner broke. Loss of power

36mo ago
Body 1

While driving down the road the steering wheel began to wobble and shake really bad and the power steering light came on and then power steering locked up, I was barely able to get out of the way of oncoming traffic which was very difficult for me because I have Lupus and not very much strength in my arms. Had to turn car off and restart several times before getting the light to stay off long enough to get home but it was still wobbling, this was a very scary situation for me.

39mo ago
Engine 2

The contact's mother owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle made a loud popping sound coming from the passenger’s side engine compartment. Additionally, the service engine warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle had exceeded the recall remedy timeframe. The failure mileage was 180,000.

40mo ago
Electrical 2

The fusebox that was included in the NHTSA recall #13V569000 for lighting defects was never resolved correctly on this car and many other VW Tiquans like this. I am a 45 year ASE licensed professional automotive technician. I am an ASE Master tech with current L1-L9 licensing. I am also an ex GM mastertech as well. Part time automotive instructor too. I've seen the multiple cases filed with the NHTSA regarding this melting fuse box that causes multiple issues whether they be with lighting, causes the engine & whole electrical system to shut down, same with several computers. I've scanned the system using VAG-COM and have two different sets of scan data to show clearly the issue. The car will load a multitude of erroneous codes because the central electrical, ABS, engine computer & other modules lose power causing a VERY dangerous situation for the operator of the vehicle. Not to mention a fire danger. I have pictures of the before and after repair I did on this vehicle. It still needs the fuse box replaced. I replaced the melted #6 wire that attaches to the fuse box (VW part# 1K0 937 125D) which was included in the original NHTSA recall I mentioned at the beginning of this essay. The vehicle & component is available for inspection at any time. This vehicle stalled & left my wife & kids stranded several times making it incredibly unsafe to drive. The car has been ok now for 2 weeks after my temporary repair. Prior NHTSA complaints from other owners with similar issues were 10551509, 10552308, 10553122, 10553811, & 10776567.

59mo ago
Body 1

Terrible odor in the vehicle , when I checked on vehicle forums it seems like it’s happens in Volkswagen vehicles where an animal can get caught in the engine and dies and causes an odor . This is something that happens in Volkswagen vehicles only

61mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway at approximately 3 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain failed causing the engine to seize and valves to bend. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the manufacturer had extended the warranty on the vehicle however, the warranty had expired in April 2020. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle extended warranty expired and the vehicle was not eligible for a free repair. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,666.

62mo ago
Body 1

the power steering light has gone on several times, and I then would turn off the car, which would make the light go off. Last night, however, it went on along w the entire wheel violently shaking from side to side. I had to drive the short distance back home to my house w no power steering and the emergency lights on.

62mo ago
Electrical 2

POWERSTEERING FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, STEERING WHEEL WOBBLES WITHOUT USER INTERVENTION OCCASIONALLY (AT RED LIGHT). ISSUE SEEMS RELEASED TO ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING RACK OR CONTROL BOX, BUT VW DOES NOT SEEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A FREQUENTLY REPORTED PROBLEM. WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN: 1. AFTER PARKING CAR, POWER STEERING IS COMPLETELY OFF, SLOWLY DRIVING FOR 20-30 SEC SO FAR BROUGHT IT BACK. HOWEVER, STEERING IS NOT ACCURATE (SOMETIMES VERY LIGHT AND WOBBLE STARTS). AFTER OVERNIGHT PARKING THINGS SEEM FINE 2. ON HIGHWAY, AFTER 20 MINS DRIVE STEERING BECAME RATHER ERRATIC WITH DIFFICULTIES TO KEEP CAR ON THE LANE, AFTER EXIT AND STOP ENGINE AND RESTART THINGS WERE FINE AGAIN. HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. CAN SEND VIDEO SHOWING WOBBLING OF STEERING WHEEL...

77mo ago
Engine 2

BACKGROUND: 2015 (70,733 MI), ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON & I BROUGHT IT TO VWHARTFORD. THEY FOUND FAULT FOR SYSTEM TO LEAN FOUND REAR MAIN SELA IS LEAKING OIL WHICH IS CAUSING FUEL TRIM FAULTS. OIL CAP IS LEAKING OIL & THE UPPER TIME CHAIN COVER IS LEAKING OIL BUT THE MAIN OIL LEAK IS COMING FROM THE REAR SEAL. THEY REMOVED THE TRANS & REPLACED THE MAIN SEAL & OIL CAP ($877). IN 2016 (94,999 MI), CAR FAILED EMISSIONS DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD. VW REPLACED THIS AND IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SUGGESTION - TO GET A CARBON CLEANING FOR THE VALVES DUE TO BUILD UP ($290). JUNE '18 (118,239 MI): MY COOLANT LIGHT WENT ON. VW SAID MY COOLANT WAS NOT LOW - WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. THEY RESEALED VALVE COVER & UPPER TIMING CHAIN DUE TO OIL LEAKS. THEY R AND R VALVE COVER CLEANING & RESEALED, INSTALLED UPPER TIMING CHAIN SEALS AND SIDE OF ENGINE BLOCK OF OIL & INSTALLED NEW WATER PUMP. I ASKED IF THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY OR PREVIOUS WORK & WAS TOLD NO. I ASKED IF THIS WOULD PROLONG THE LONGEVITY & WAS TOLD YES ($1800). 8/19/19 (133,449 MI): ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON - COULD NOT LOOK AT FOR A COUPLE DAYS, BUT OK TO DRIVE AS LONG AS THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT BLINKING. RESULT: SYSTEM LEAN AT IDLE, BREATHER IS LEAKING AIR CAUSING HESITATION. THEY INSTALLED NEW BREATHER. ASKED IF IT WAS COVERED THEY SAID NO. ASKED IF IT WOULD IMPROVE THE LONGEVITY OF MY CAR, I WAS TOLD YES ($480). ISSUE 9/4/19: ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THIS WAS AFTER TRAVELING FOR LABOR DAY (360 MILES). ON MAIN ST. IN WHART, THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE & BOUNCE AT 2 STOP LIGHTS. WENT 2 BLOCKS HOME. TOWED IT - WAS TOLD TIMING CHAIN WENT & IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER THE TC RECALL. QUOTE - USED ENGINE $6500+. TOLD IT WAS WORTHLESS & NOT WORTH FIXING ($125 FOR DIAG) TOWED THE CAR TO ANOTHER PLACE - THEY FIXED IT FOR LESS THAN $3400. I HAVE TOLD VW AND VWHART THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL, BUT I AM IGNORED.

82mo ago
Engine 2

WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY THE CAR DIED THANKFULLY I WASN'T GOING MORE THAN 25 MPH. ICOASTED TO THE SHOULDER AND HAD THE TIGUAN TOWED TO THE VOLKESWAGEN DEALERSHIP. THE TIMING GOING CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE HEADS AND VALVES ON THE MOTOR. VOLKESWAGEN DEALSHIP REDID THE MOTOR. AT THE COST OF $5700.00

85mo ago
Engine 1

07/05/19, WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 3:30 PM WEST ON I-90 AT THE 68 MILE MARKER WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING DIED. THE NEXT DAY I WAS INFORMED BY A AAA MECHANIC THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD MOST LIKELY BEEN THE CULPRIT AND ACCORDINGLY TO SAME, DESTROYED THE ENGINE REQUIRING A NEW ENGINE. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT THERE HAD BEEN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST SAME THAT HAD BEEN SETTLED BETWEEN VW AND THE CLAIMANTS THOUGH I HAD TRAVELED 100,020 MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND WAS ENTITLED TO "0". I BELIEVE THAT THIS OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUSLY, AND LIKE MYSELF, MANY WOULD NOT BE APPRISED OF THE POTENTIAL ISSUE SINCE MOST WOULD NOT HAVE ANY REASON TO THINK OTHERWISE. HOWEVER, I WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH AND IN THE MIDDLE OF A FOUR OR FIVE LANE FEDERAL INTERSTATE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC - AND IN THE CHICAGO VICINITY - HAD I HAD LESS FORETHOUGHT A TERRIBLE CALAMITY COULD HAVE OCCURRED. I BELIEVE THAT VW SHOULD RECALL EVERY ENGINE WITH THIS MALADY - AND SHOULD DO SO DESPITE SETTLING WITH A BUNCH OF LAWYERS. [SEE HTTPS://TIMINGCHAINLITIGATION.COM/]. I AM OUT THE ENTIRETY OF MY INVESTMENT AND STILL WITH 6K LEFT TO PAY ON THE CAR [I BOUGHT IT USED] OVER THE NEXT 2.5 YEARS. SAYING THAT, I AM WRITING TO YOU TO URGE YOU TO CONSIDER TAKING ACTION AGAINST THIS ENGINE FAULT AND PRODUCED BY VW. MY CAR IS NOW A BIG DOORSTOP IN A GARAGE IN SHAUMBERG ILL. I HAD TO POP FOR TWO ONE WAY TICKETS FOR ME AND MY WIFE TO GET BACK HOME TO KANSAS CITY. YES, PRECIOUS CARGO [MY WIFE] WAS ALSO IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT STOPPED DEAD GOING 70 MPH ON A FEDERAL INTERSTATE! THANKS YOU - [XXX]

85mo ago
Engine 4

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, WHILE MAKING THE RIGHT TURN, FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND WITHIN MINUTES THE HOOD OPENED RAPIDLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LOST OF POWER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE FIRE REACHED THE BATTERY WAS WHEN SHE WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH IT WAS STILL IN MOTION. WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE FIRE BURNED ALL OF THE TIRES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE LOT AND THEN TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

86mo ago
Electrical 1

I DROVE TO A FRIENDS HOUSE AND ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER GOT IN THE CAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE THEN 10 OF MY EXTERIOR LIGHTS ALL WENT OUT THE SAME TIME. MY FOOTWELL LIGHTS I CANNOT DIM OR BRIGHTEN THROUGH THE CONTROLS AND BACK UP SENSOR STOPPED WORKING. I HAD NO HEADLIGHTS WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AT AROUND 11PM. ALL THIS HAPPENED AT ONCE AT THE SAME TIME. ALL OF THE BULBS WERE FINE. I REPLACED THEM. THEY WEREN'T EVEN BLOWN. FUSES WERE FINE. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD AND CAN LEAD TO CRASH IF NOT LOOKED INTO.

87mo ago
Engine 1

I WAS DRIVING MY 2010 TIGUAN ON A MINNEAPOLIS CITY STREET AT AROUND 25 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STARTING RUNNING ROUGH AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT THEN PROCEEDED TO START BLINKING. AT THIS POINT BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE LIGHT AND PERFORMANCE ISSUE, I LOOKED FOR A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT IT OFF. AFTER I SAFELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE, APPROXIMATELY AFTER 1/3 OF A MILE FROM THE INITIAL WARNING LIGHTS & VEHICLE FAILURE STARTED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AT THIS POINT AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND MY SITUATION. WESTSIDE VOLKSWAGEN, THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, TOLD ME NOT TO TRY AND DRIVE THE CAR BUT GET IS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED AND FOUND THE TIMING HAD JUMPED AND CYLINDERS WERE DAMAGED- RECOMMENDATION WAS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP OR VW WOULD CLAIM ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH IT'S A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. SINCE THIS WAS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM, I BELIEVE VW/WESTSIDE VW SHOULD COMPENSATE ME FOR THIS REPAIR.

87mo ago
Brakes 2

THIS MODEL HAS A PUSH TO ACTIVATE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL ENGAGE WITHOUT TOUCHING IT WHENEVER IT WANTS. IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHILE I WAS GOING IN REVERSE WITH NO NOTICE NOR DOES THE LIGHT INDICATOR GO ON. I HAVE TOOK IT TO MOHEGAN VW DEALER AND THEY DID FIND ANY PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE . I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT IT ENGAGES AT ANY GIVEN TIME BUT THEY INFORMED ME THAT WITHOUT A BRAKE INDICATOR ON THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I NEED HELP WITH THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT ENGAGES WHILE I'M DRIVING AND KILLS ME OR ANYONE ON THE ROAD.

87mo ago

109 total

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