This page covers 4 recalls, 81 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan.
21–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.2 L/100km
Small 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.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2014 Tiguan draws the bulk of its complaints across three systems: airbags, steering, and the electrical system. The steering complaints center on electric power steering failures, with owners describing sudden and repeated loss of power assist while driving, sometimes coming back on its own, sometimes not. A notable cluster ties steering wheel clock spring failures to broader consequences: when the clock spring breaks, owners report losing not just airbag function but also horn, audio controls, and other steering wheel electronics all at once. On the electrical side, owners frequently describe check engine and EPC warning lights appearing alongside rough idling and engine hesitation, sometimes pointing to cooling system components like the thermostat and water pump. Several owners note the EPC light triggers unexpected vibration both while driving and at a standstill.
81
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
By System
The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's frontal airbag, which may fail to deploy in a crash due to debris contaminating the clock spring, the coiled cable that keeps the airbag powered while the steering wheel turns.
A separate airbag concern also affects the driver's side: on certain vehicles, the front airbag module may not deploy properly in a crash, meaning the bag can fail to unfold correctly and provide full protection to the driver. There is also a fuel system issue where winterized fuel can develop air bubbles under certain conditions, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving and raising the risk of a crash. The fourth recall relates to vehicles that were part of an internal evaluation period during which modifications may have been made that leave the vehicle out of compliance with applicable safety regulations, which can increase the risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
At a glance
What can fail
Modifications made during an internal evaluation period may have left these vehicles not fully compliant with applicable regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair vehicles to restore full compliance or Volkswagen will repurchase them at no cost to you.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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
Debris may contaminate and tear the air bag clock spring—a spiral cable that powers the driver's front air bag during steering wheel turns—causing the air bag to lose electrical connection.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover over the clock spring if the air bag light is off, or replace the clock spring if the light is on. Repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver front airbag module may have an incomplete weld from manufacturing. During a crash, the airbag might not deploy properly, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace your driver side airbag module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
