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KLUNK

2014 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Verdict

78 Solid Pick

The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan has 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (47 complaints) and body (19 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 78/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Volkswagen Tiguan, consider the 2025 model year which has 53% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 53% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan dashboard →

78

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

Electrical
47
Body
19
Engine
11
Brakes
4
Transmission
1

By Severity

1
38
2
42
4
2

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 2

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel became locked and failed to steer in the left or right direction. No warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact managed to temporarily unlock the steering wheel; however, after driving at approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remained for further investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.

1mo ago
Engine 1

Check engine light came on, related to the thermostat and faulty water pump. My car’s make and model was part of a settlement for this issue but VW corporate will not cover costs to repair.

3mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving and while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle unexpectedly vibrated with the EPC warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was idling roughly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

5mo ago
Body 2

My vehicle keeps losing power steering, often during operation.

7mo ago
Body 2

My steering randomly stopped working. The power steering is electronic, so I can’t fix it.

13mo ago
Electrical 1

Clock spring broken when my wife turned her steering wheel leaving a parking lot. Airbags no longer work, along with anything electronic within steering wheel.

16mo ago
Electrical 1

Clock Spring in steering wheel is broken. Driver Airbag is non-functional, as are the controls on the steering wheel. No Driver air bag is a huge safety issue! We immediately "scheduled" an appointment to have this issue repaired. At the appointment, a VW dealer (VW Castle Downers Grove IL) confirmed the issue and noted that this was the subject of a recall (15V483000) with an ongoing & perpetual duty to repair. Despite the recall, the dealer does not have the parts, nor can they provide a date when they might be available (they are "backordered"). We checked with another dealer, and this seems to be a common problem. Also, we did a thorough search online to assess the situation with other drivers/vehicles - this is a common issue! Someone (either the dealer or VW) is dragging their feet on this mandatory, potentially life-threatening issue & repair. When will the NHTSA kick VW (or the dealer) in the [XXX]? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

25mo ago
Body 1

I own a 2014 VW Tiguan SEL 2.0T 4MOTION. I took my VW to the Dealer (Prestige Imports, 44 Pleasantville Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570 (914-769-51500) With 84196 miles on [XXX], 2023. The complain was “Roof is leaking water from sunroof on the floor on the passenger side and then makes its way to the real passenger” They cleaned the clogged drained -$145. Only to return in mid-February with a flooded on the same left side. With no diagnosis how to fixed - my had a car not driveable in in the rain I am forced to get a new car - and to insult to injury the dealer is only offering $3,500 as a trade in INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

26mo ago
Engine 2

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. They also advised me not to drive the car as the engine may stall. When I contacted VW they said they cannot help and there is no recall on this. However there has been court cases for the same issue upto the 2014 model year Tiguans and extended warranty of 100000 miles or 10 years was given. I need VW to help with either the repair or give me exended warranty. VW customer care is not very helpful.

31mo ago
Transmission 2

A few years ago the turbo went at 88000 miles, a mechanic felt there should be a recall. Now the transmission needs to be replaced at 109000 miles. The transmission was on backorder because the appears to be many cars needing a rebuilt transmission. There is a recall for othewr VW models with the same transmission. I feel that my car should be included in this recall. It is a VW 2014 Tiguan with an automatic transmission. This car wasd purchased as a certified preowned vehicle from Mohegan Lake Motors in NY in 2017. The transmission was ordered from VW in June and I am still waiting for it to arrive at the repair shop. Klaus Garage in Fishkill NY. The turbo was replaced at the dealer as was most maintenence.

32mo ago
Body 2

driving down the highway at speed, power steering fails and cannot control the vehicle. shut the car down and cannot get the issue to go away. got the car home without power steering. issue was gone next day. took car out to see if issue was gone, while making a turn power steering once again fails on the car. had to limp the car home at a very slow rate of speed. there are many reports of this happening to the VW power steering. the dealer wont even look at the car when i called to see if i can bring it in to be looked at.

36mo ago
Body 1

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power of steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that this was a common failure with the year, make, and model. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while parked, the steering wheel seized. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

38mo ago
Body 1

There is mold growing in my vehicle due to there being a sealant issue with my panoramic moon/sun roof, causing a water leak into the vehicle. The moon roof is fully functioning, but a VW dealer has told me that this is a known issue for my model and year, and he recommends trading it in because even if I spend the $6K+ it would take to replace it - there is no guarantee it won’t occur again. I have been inhaling the moldy air in my vehicle and this is 1000% a safety hazard!

40mo ago
Electrical 1

I was turning into a parking spot and heard a loud “snap” coming from my wheel. The “error: airbag” light came on and all electrical on my wheel stopped working. And the horn does not work. I googled it and my year and model has a recall for the clock spring. It says my airbag will not deploy. I have no way to change the computer screen. So I can’t digitally see my speed and I can’t update my tire pressure amongst other things.

40mo ago
Engine 1

Vehicle VW Tiguan 2014 VIN:[XXX] Vehicle has been presenting several issues. Carbon Build up causing vehicle to stall and tremble turning off some times. Safety concern as it could cause an accident. Bad heater core as it gets restricted and reheats the vehicle possible outcome a fire, Safety concern due to live threatening condition. Misdiagnosed several times to change spark plugs, might be a computer misdiagnose, safety concern due to possible accident and live threatening condition Leak of oil, bad seals and hoses, vehicle smell like burn oil could catch fire safety concern to live. The 2014 VW Tiguan have a campaign number 18V329000 with NHTSA, yet my VIN number does not shows in the recall. Also many models from VW carry all this different issues and have been recall. Please advice on the proper procedure for me to follow to add my VIN to the recalls as this vehicle does not meet the warranties of merchantability. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Thank you. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

42mo ago
Engine 1

Timing chain “extended” during driving resulting in the car to start to shudder and shake violently during movement. Had to force the vehicle off the side of the road. Car is 66k miles, timing chain is rated at 120k+. Engine block is now totaled. Dealership will not pursue any actions and has charged 7K to fix. Car is only worth 8/9k. VW was contacted and they said there was no action they could do further. There were no warning lamps, check engine lights, or anything. Car was maintained at regular intervals.

43mo ago
Electrical 1

Airbag light came on. At the same time we lost all of our steering wheel controls as well as our horn. Some vehicles are covered by a recall but supposedly this yr and model isn't covered for some reason

43mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated, and the horn and the buttons on her steering failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that there was a recall on that model vehicle for a similar failure. The contact went to a dealer and was informed that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags) and that the vehicle was not under warranty. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 143,550.

45mo ago
Electrical 1

In 2020 we had the clock spring "repaired" by the dealership under a recall. As of 9/6/2022 it is malfunctioning again. My daughter drives this car as a freshman in college 5 hours away with no horn or airbag!

45mo ago
Electrical 2

EMISSION TEST FAILED 9/30/2022. i HAVE TRIED TO GET THROUGH TO VOLKSWAGEN AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY SUCCESS. Air bag lights, Engine Light, Tire Pressure Lights, Horn does not work. Indiana State Emissions Vehicle Inspection report attached.

46mo ago

82 total

1/ 5
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