2010 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and problems

The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan has 2 safety recalls and 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
110
Crashes / fires
5 / 4
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls

Recall 14V-441: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 21, 2014 · 151,389 vehicles affected · Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.

Recall 13V-569: Exterior Lighting, Electrical System

Reported Nov 22, 2013 · 62,155 vehicles affected · Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the holder melts, there may be a partial loss of exterior lighting. Reduced vehicle illumination diminishes the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2010 Volkswagen Tiguan problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine50
Electrical System31
Exterior Lighting19
Steering13
Power Train6
Engine and Engine Cooling5
Seats5
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Air Bags3
Fuel System, Gasoline3

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 73,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Seats · reported Aug 21, 2026
Right seat heater has burned through the synthetic leather and burned my pants. No fuse went off, no warning issued by vehicle nor heater stopped itself.
Steering · reported Aug 12, 2025
We own a 2010 VW Tiguan and it has many problems, but the biggest one is that the Steering Wheel just randomly will turn off and loose all power steering, I believe these models use electric power steering (EPS) system, which don't use like a traditional power steering hydraulic pump but uses electricity and maybe magnets... to induce the steering. the steering wheel is a big deal and should not just randomly stop working and there is tons of these models and others have have this problems, I seen people on youtube have the same problem with the 2017 models Tiguan and this part is consistently…
Engine · reported Sep 26, 2024
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.
Steering · at 125,068 miles · reported Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the forward momentum allowed her to pull off the roadway. The contact stated that the steering wheel started shaking violently. The contact stated an unknown red warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, however the failure had reoccurred several times. The contact had taken the vehicle to an…
Engine · reported Aug 4, 2023
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.

Other Volkswagen Tiguan years

Compare all Volkswagen Tiguan years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan: 14V-441 (fuel system, gasoline), 13V-569 (exterior lighting, electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Owners report engine problems most often (50 reports), followed by electrical system (31). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 73,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.