This page covers 2 recalls, 109 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2010 Tiguan complaint picture is dominated by engine and steering issues. On the engine side, owners frequently report check engine lights coming on with warning chimes, sometimes with no stored diagnostic codes, along with timing chain and tensioner failures that can leave the vehicle undrivable and requiring tow service. A smaller group of owners reports sudden power loss and rough running. Steering complaints center on the electric power steering system cutting out without warning, sometimes accompanied by violent steering wheel shaking and a red warning light on the dash, owners describe the loss of assist happening at highway speeds. Exterior lighting rounds out the top three reported systems, with a notable number of owners flagging headlight failures and related illumination problems. The timing chain failure pattern stands out as a recurring engine complaint, with several owners describing the onset as sudden jerking or stalling at idle followed by a no-start condition.
109
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan has 3 recalls, the most serious being two issues that can affect driving safety: a fuse holder for the exterior lights that can melt and cause partial loss of lighting, and a fuel system that can develop air bubbles when winterized fuel is used, causing the engine to stall.
The lighting issue reduces how visible the vehicle is to other drivers at night or in low-visibility conditions. The fuel system stall can happen without warning, leaving the driver without power at an inopportune moment. There is also a third recall covering a broader range of Volkswagen models for unspecified regulatory compliance concerns that may raise the risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
At a glance
What can fail
When winterized fuel is used in certain conditions, air bubbles can form in the fuel system, causing the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase fuel pump pressure at no charge.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuse holder that controls exterior lights may melt, potentially affecting the exterior lighting circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuse at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
