Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. …
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 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. …
Emailed to to vw customer care on 9/26/15, one could argue these are safety related, the fuse box was melted. The engine timing chain slipped & caused engine damage that would have been more expensive to repair than the cost of a new engine. To customer care: we've had significant problems with our 2010 Tiguan - does vw offer any financial help with these (factory defects?) - replace fuse box: $550, 8/16/2013 parts & labor, odometer was not stated on invoice - new engine: $6,866.16, 05/13/2015 parts and labor, odometer 66,539 miles the dealer offered no warranty coverage & their price was high so we went elesewhere - do not plan to buy or recommend vw in the future considering these large issues I have the receipts, will scan & e-mail if that helps - service location: volks & rings, 13669 warwick blvd, newport news, va 23602 - volks & rings phone: [phone] [redacted] yorktown, va 23693 …
Car had 90,000 miles and started having ticking engine noises. Vw dealership service technicians diagnosed the issue as a turbo waste gate noise ("nothing to worry about at this time"). Two days later the engine starts to act like it's misfiring almost bucking then within minutes the engine goes(won't start, trying to start engine just 'spins'). Towed back to service. Internal inspection from their technicians confirmed bent parts, etc - $8,000 to replace engine. My research indicates the problem was with the 2.0t tsi timing chain tensioner failure as listed in NHTSA service bulletin #tb-15-12-01 NHTSA item number 10045560. Certainly the results indicate that was the actual problem. According to the TSB it seems like this is a known issue across many vw models/years. …
Engine complaints in other Tiguan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan, 49% of the model year's 110 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.