Most common 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan problems
Share of the 110 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volkswagen Tiguan complaints by model year
Best Tiguan years: 2015, 2014, 2017. Years to avoid: 2022, 2018, 2025, 2024, 2019. Compare all years →
2010 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014. When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase the fuel pump pressure, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2014.
Exterior lighting
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 through June 2011. Due to a problem with the fuse for the exterior lights, the holder for the fuse that controls the vehicle's exterior lights circuit may melt.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 97Z9/2V.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan:
Partial Loss of Exterior Lights
Volkswagen Group of America (VW) is conducting a safety recall of approximately 62,155 model year (MY) 2009-2011 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles to address a partial loss of the exterior lighting (see NHTSA recall 13V-569 for more information).These vehicles' exterior lighting system is protected by two separate fuses contained in a fuse box located in the engine compartment.According to VW, high thermal cycling and…
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta…
What 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan owners say
Engine & cooling all 54 →
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.
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.
Electrical system all 31 →
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. …
On 6/3/17. Out of the blue while driving in the neighborhood, the car seemed to " hesitate" - wanting to turn off - lasted about 20 seconds then it was fine until I arrived to my destination, parked the car.. 4 hrs later ready to go back home, the car didn't start. Called aaa, checked battery- fine, possibly alternator. Although aaa guy said the "craking "noise when trying 2 start the car; didn't think was alternator either. He was prepping up the car 2 b towed; the lights on dashboard starting flashing, started with brake light; later all the lights were flashing for seconds & car went completely dead. Today, 6/5/17 the mechanic told me didn't find any compresion in engine. Would have 2 tear down 2 see what exactly failed. Said timing chain could have jumped time . This is a car with only 88.000 miles. I bought it last year- may2016- exactly 3 mo. …
Lights
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the exterior lighting failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the a fuse for the exterior lighting overheated and caused the fuse panel to become damaged. The fuse panel needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the repair for NHTSA campaign number: 13V569000 (electrical system) was previously performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the passenger's side headlights, turn signals and brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the fuse box had overheated. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 13V569000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) however the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
2010 Volkswagen Tiguan engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan a good car?
Based on 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Tiguan rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Tiguan at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The engine & cooling — 54 complaints, 49% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe. Next are the electrical system (31) and lights (19).
How many recalls does the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan, the most recent from July 21, 2014 (fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volkswagen Tiguan?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2014 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2018, 2025, 2024 and 2019. See the full Volkswagen Tiguan years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 73,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.