2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 14%of 153 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,800miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan, 14% of the 153 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,800 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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“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 miles“Car was parked in an outside parking lot after returning from a 160 mile trip. After my luggage was unloaded into my apartment, I went back to the car to go park it in the detached garage. Upon starting the car, the steering wheel began to shake vigorously. The shaking stopped after a few seconds and the steering wheel was locked in position and could not be turned. At that point the steering power failure light came on along with a loud warning sound (I have a video of this event that I can provide via email. I am not able to upload it here, though). …”
NHTSA complaint #11268366, filed 2019-10, 35,000 miles“The car engine and power has shut down 5 times while driving. Four times on side streets as well as once on the highway. When this occurs the car must be placed into park to restart vehicle. The car looses all power except radio stays on. Highway incident the brakes had to be pumped. We have taken the car into the dealership to be fixed each time it has happened. First time we were told a computer update was needed. Second time the wiring harness and this third time the fuel pump. There are times it happened before we were able to get the car into the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10579682, filed 2014-04, 19,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10235284Apr 27, 2023This Document was revised. The model year chat was removed for VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension
- 10181413Oct 2, 2020Mandatory fastener.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 26 | 9% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 15 | 5% |
| 2017 | 13 | 17% |
| 2016 | 13 | 13% |
| 2015 | 9 | 15% |
| 2014 | 20 | 24% |
| 2013 | 27 | 19% |
| 2012 | 21 | 14% |
| 2011 | 14 | 9% |
| 2010 | 13 | 12% |
| 2009 | 15 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
50 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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