2010 Volkswagen Tiguan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 110 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan, 5% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Timing chain tensioner failure, causing catastrophic engine failure at 77,000 miles. A newer model of timing belt tensioner has been used since december 2011. Est. $5000 repair bill.”
NHTSA complaint #11055787, filed 2017-12, 77,000 miles“From mechanic at vw roseville. Chain tensioner failed causing slack in timing chains, which caused chains to jump time and caused upper cylinder head damage. Car has 87,702 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11000215, filed 2017-06, 87,000 miles“Background: 2015 (70,733 mi), engine light went on & I brought it to vwhartford. They found fault for system to lean found rear main sela is leaking oil which is causing fuel trim faults. Oil cap is leaking oil & the upper time chain cover is leaking oil but the main oil leak is coming from the rear seal. They removed the trans & replaced the main seal & oil cap ($877). In 2016 (94,999 mi), car failed emissions due to intake manifold. Vw replaced this and it was covered under warranty. Suggestion - to get a carbon cleaning for the valves due to build up ($290). …”
NHTSA complaint #11258827, filed 2019-09, 1 miles“2010 vw Tiguan, with repeated engine failures associated with power steering module, boost solenoid / engine coils, wiring harness, fuse re-call, loss of power / thrust / electrical panel instability, beginning in july 2013 upon the limited wolfsburg platform. Service was provided by a vw dealership, 16 days prior to the august 2013 accident. The car was not returned to me until october 1, 2013. (almost 8 weeks) a rental car was applied, but there was significant out of pocket expense for taxes / fee's for a 2 month rental. …”
NHTSA complaint #10583565, filed 2014-04, 89,151 miles“The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the engine stalled and transmission failed. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle to side of road. The battery and cdc-edc warning indicators were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired with a replacement engine, fly wheels that assisted the crank signal and new battery. …”
NHTSA complaint #10643133, filed 2014-10, 79,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11023836Sep 15, 2025This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW…
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10238310Jun 21, 2023Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
- 10214473Jun 14, 2022Auto Trans fluid requirements.
- 10188558Mar 3, 2021Transmission Fluid requirements updated to include additional model year applicability.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 16% |
| 2025 | 9 | 16% |
| 2024 | 5 | 6% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 42 | 15% |
| 2021 | 11 | 8% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 | 49 | 17% |
| 2017 | 5 | 7% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 3% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 6 | 4% |
| 2012 | 7 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 20 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
50 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsExterior lighting
19 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology