2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems
Compared with other Volkswagen Tiguan years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Volkswagen Tiguan year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 32 of its 153 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Stalling or sudden loss of power while driving (32 complaints, median 32,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 153filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles, 116 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Tiguan most often describe stalling or loss of power while driving — sometimes at speed on the highway, sometimes at low speed — often accompanied by the check engine or EPC light, and several report dealers could not reproduce the fault. Engine-related complaints also cover timing chain failure, heavy oil consumption, coolant loss from the water pump, and ignition coil failures. A separate cluster involves water entering the cabin through sunroof drains and steering or clock spring faults.
- Engine
Stalling or sudden loss of power while driving
- 32 complaints (21%)
- median 32,000 mi at 2.3 yrs old (29 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2025
Owners describe the engine quitting without warning at highway speeds, at stop signs, in intersections, or shortly after a warm restart, and having to shift to park and restart. Some say the EPC or check engine light appears before or during the event, and that the warning clears before a dealer can see it. Complaints describe dealers replacing a computer, wiring harness, or fuel pump without resolving the problem, or reporting that no fault codes were stored. Reported from as little as a few thousand miles up to roughly 135,000 miles, at both low and highway speeds and sometimes after a short warm-soak restart.
Recall 14V4410004 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the stalling recall (14V441000) was performed and whether the fuel pump or module has been replaced. On a test drive, note any hesitation or rough running after a warm restart and check for stored fault codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car completely stalled multiple times while driving. Luckily this happened mostly while driving at low speeds, but happened once while pulling out in a busy intersection. I was told by the vw dealer that I would need a new fuel pump and fuel pump module. Being such a dangerous problem, I had these parts fixed for an out of pocket cost of $889.95. …”
NHTSA complaint #10632784, filed 2014-09, 39,963 miles“I was making a right turn on a red light and the vehicle turned off almost mid turn, forcing an incoming car to swerve quickly to the next lane. This stalling has occurred about 4-5 times in a 6 month time lapse. Mainly it has happened when I've been moving slow in traffic, going through speed bumps and local parking lots, but the most serious was the one I mentioned earlier. …”
NHTSA complaint #10494975, filed 2013-01, 8,748 miles - Engine
Timing chain tensioner failure and engine damage
- 17 complaints (11%)
- median 89,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2025
Owners report a rattle or noise on startup, a no-start condition, or a flashing check engine light that a shop traces to a failed timing chain tensioner or slipped chain. Complaints describe quotes for major engine repair or replacement, and some mention being asked about oil change history despite having service records. Others describe heavy oil consumption alongside the chain problem. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 90,000 miles, with a few at higher mileage.
What to check: Listen for a rattle at cold start and ask for records of timing chain tensioner work or engine replacement. Check the oil level and ask how much oil the car uses between changes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have faithfully taken my volkswagon Tiguan 2012 to a vw dealership every 10,000 miles, as recommended, so I would save the life of my engine, it would be considered a certified preowned vehicle and last me 10-15 years. My car wouldn't start saturday morning 12/16/18 in my garage, I had just driven it the night before and parked in it my garage about 8pm. I had to have it towed to the vw dealership that has been servicing my vehicle.. …”
NHTSA complaint #11179900, filed 2019-02, 133,000 miles“Timing chain failed and resulted in engine failure at 80,000 miles. Volkswagen refuses to help me. I've had problems with this car since I purchased it. I see there are many vw owners with this very same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11015024, filed 2017-08, 80,000 miles - Steering
Power steering loss or steering that feels loose
- 14 complaints (9%)
- median 76,800 mi at 7.8 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2013–2025
Owners describe the steering suddenly becoming very heavy or locking, with the red steering warning light on, or intermittent looseness while driving in rain. Complaints say dealers found no fault on a scan, while independent shops diagnosed the electric power steering control unit and replaced the rack and pinion or control module without a lasting fix. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 96,000 miles, sometimes after parking in wet or rainy conditions.
What to check: Drive at low speed with the wheel turned fully both ways and listen for noise or binding, and confirm no steering warning light appears. Ask whether the steering rack, control module, or clock spring has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While riding on the expressway with my wife driving, everything on the dashboard as well as the radio started flickering on and off then we lost power steering. Just about every code lite up from the engine light, brake light and got a message saying epc & ABS failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11258339, filed 2019-09, 89,000 miles“The car pulled twice to the left then seconds later I lost complete control to steer the car. Approximately 200+ feet of skid marks were left on the hwy. While waiting on a tow truck multiple emergency lights came on. The interior lights flickered multiple times. When the air bag light went off I decided it was time to get out of the car with my two children. The vw dealer said it was only the battery. I contacted vw corporate and was given a case number, was told to leave the vehicle at the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10605983, filed 2014-06, 38,000 miles - Electrical system
Water leaks from sunroof drains into cabin and electronics
- 22 complaints (14%)
- median 61,400 mi at 7.9 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2025
Owners report water soaking the headliner, pillars, carpet, and footwells, and fogged windows, traced to blocked or faulty sunroof drains and frame seals. Some say the water affected interior and exterior lights, door indicators, the starter button, and infotainment, and that the dealer either could not locate the leak or replaced the sunroof frame. Reported from about 40,000 miles upward, often after rain and with no accident or damage to the roof.
What to check: Look for water stains on the headliner and pillars, damp carpet or a musty smell, and mold around the footwells. Ask whether the sunroof drains have been cleaned or the frame replaced, and test that the interior lights and door indicators work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I woke up and there was water on the on the right passengers' side floor. Yet it hasn't rained in almost a month. I don't know how it was there but made the discovery after carrying a passenger at the front and back seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11322966, filed 2020-05, 84,000 miles“Water is leaking from the sunroom on the passenger front side when it rains. I am concerned because it is soaking the area around the electronics, and has flooded the footwells of the front and rear passenger side of the vehicle. In addition, now the right side of the HVAC system is not functioning properly and I cannot de-fog the entire right side of the windshield while driving. There is also significant mold build up from the damp areas, and it doesn't seem like a good idea to breathe that in. …”
NHTSA complaint #11377561, filed 2020-12, 190,000 miles - Engine
Coolant loss from water pump or thermostat housing
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the coolant warning light coming on and the reservoir needing repeated top-ups, sometimes weekly or daily, with no visible puddle. Complaints say dealers diagnosed a cracked or leaking water pump, often with the serpentine belt and tensioner replaced at the same time, and some report the repair was not covered once the powertrain warranty period ended. Commonly reported from roughly 47,000 to 62,000 miles, with some earlier and later cases.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for dried coolant residue or crust around the water pump and thermostat area. Ask whether the water pump, belt, and tensioner have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In jan 2018 with less then 58k miles on it my 2012 Tiguan started losing coolant. I was driving and the thermostat sensor went off, I pulled over and found the coolant level was very low. The problem was diagnosed as a leaking water pump which had to be replaced, at the same time the serpentine belt and tensioner also needed to be replaced. I called vw and they said because my car was actually bought in 2011 that the 5 year / 60k powertrain warranty which would have covered this no longer applied (e.g. …”
NHTSA complaint #11062507, filed 2018-01, 57,000 miles“Gradual coolant leak with dealership knowledge upon sale of the car (44,000 miles). Refill overflow every 8 to 10 months. Leak unknown. Had to increase refilling gradually over time, thought it was due to use from work in 2016. Increased to once every few months 2017. Fill every week or two from 2018 to 2019....daily since late 2019 to now. Engine does not over heat. Refilling over flow coolant tank every time I need to drive the car. I have to turn on the car, pop the hood, and see how much it goes below the minimum line. Then fill to maximum. …”
NHTSA complaint #11330749, filed 2020-06, 47,000 miles
Buying note. The 2012 Tiguan is most worth a careful mechanical inspection rather than a quick test drive: check for stalling and fault codes, timing chain noise, oil and coolant consumption, and water intrusion around the sunroof. Ask for service records and confirm whether the fuel-pump and clock spring recalls were completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 153 consumer complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. 116 of the complaints include a mileage, and 48% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,003 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Volkswagen Tiguan model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine50 33%
- Air bags33 22%
- Electrical system23 15%
- Steering21 14%
- Other or unknown20 13%
- Fuel system15 9.8%
- Brakes11 7.2%
- Seat belts7 4.6%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (4), Body and structure (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Engine cooling (2), Suspension (2), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “While driving on a highway at approximately 35mph the vehicle shut down. I tried to re-start the engine and it did not start. The vehicle came to full stop. It took a while to re-start the engine. The first incident was repaired by a vw dealer, but I never got a clear explanation of what happened. The second incident happened last sunday on a high traffic local road at about 45 MPH. The vehicle shut down and again came to a full stop. It will not re-start.”
NHTSA complaint #10776567, filed 2015-09, 20,000 milesAir bags: “When backing out of a parking spot, I heard a crack from the steering wheel. An error: airbag warning light came on, and the horn and steering wheel controls stopped working. This appears to be a clock spring failure. I believe this vehicle was subject to a previous recall for this part, and it was probably replaced under previous ownership. Will be taking it to the dealer asap.”
NHTSA complaint #11063961, filed 2018-01, 93,600 milesElectrical system: “On this july 4th holiday, the engine of our 2012 Tiguan (less than 52k miles, first owner) began to stutter on the freeway and the check engine light started to flash. This occurred at 70 MPH in the fast lane of a 6-lane freeway at a merge (I-85 at the merge with ga-400 southbound). Even as the vehicle dramatically lost speed, we were fortunate enough to be able to pull over into the slower lanes safely. Traffic was light and fast that afternoon. I promptly scheduled an appointment with the vw dealership (nalley vw of roswell) for the following morning, anxious to fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11122353, filed 2018-08, 52,000 milesSteering: “Came to a stop, turned car off, decided to move it up a bit. No power steering, solid red warning light. Turned car off, tried again, same result, no power steering, solid light. Turned car off, waiting 30 seconds, restarted power steering back, no light. Very concerned that I am in effect, rebooting the system to get my electro power steering back..what if I were driving at the time? What if it were my wife?”
NHTSA complaint #10515119, filed 2013-06, 24,900 milesMileage when problems were reported
48% of the 116 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 28,700 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan · SUV AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 17.4% risk |
| Tiguan · SUV FWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 26 | 24 | $3,400 |
| Tiguan FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Tiguan 4motion AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V329000May 16, 2018Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen Tiguan 2012–2015, 2017, Golf 2011–2016, CC 2012–2016 +5 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles…
- 15V483000Aug 4, 2015Air bags › FrontalCovers: Volkswagen Tiguan 2011–2014, CC 2010–2014, Passat 2010, 2012–2014 +4 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may…
- 14V441000Jul 21, 2014Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Volkswagen Tiguan 2009–2014
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…
Recall details for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,003 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Engine. Suggested fuel additive
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Other or unknown. Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Other or unknown. Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026Electrical system. This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019…
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Engine. Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Engine. Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Engine. Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034621Jun 11, 2026Air bags. Inquiries
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Engine. Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Other model years of the Volkswagen Tiguan
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 38 | 1,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 57 | 4,810 | 3 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 77 | 7,650 | 2 | 4 | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 72 | 14,171 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 40 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 273 | 30,000 | 5 | — | 26 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 144 | 26,000 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 78 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 141 | 30,400 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 70 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 196 | 2,946 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 94 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 288 | 6,900 | 14 | 4–5 | 24 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 76 | 26,000 | 4 | 4 | 22 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 97 | 45,000 | 2 | 4 | 23 | 12 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 62 | 49,262 | 4 | 4 | 23 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 84 | 50,000 | 3 | 4 | 23 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 140 | 53,500 | 3 | 4 | 23 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 153 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 162 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 22 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 110 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 18 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2009 | 168 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 21 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
All Volkswagen Tiguan model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Owners of the 2012 Tiguan most often describe stalling or loss of power while driving — sometimes at speed on the highway, sometimes at low speed — often accompanied by the check engine or EPC light, and several report dealers could not reproduce the fault. The issues reported most often: Stalling or sudden loss of power while driving; Timing chain tensioner failure and engine damage; Power steering loss or steering that feels loose.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
NHTSA recorded 153 consumer complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 50 complaints (33% of the total), followed by air bags with 33.
Has the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (Tiguan, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 22 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan reported?
Among the 116 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 28,700 and 80,000 miles; 48% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.