2013 Volkswagen Tiguan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan, 4% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 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.
“Vehicle sporadically unresponsive in traffic while in any forward drive selection of automatic transmission. Particularly hazardous while changing lanes in freeway traffic. I push on the accelerator to change lanes and nothing happens...the car just coasts...meanwhile traffic is coming at me at 70mph. I have keep flooring the accelerator a bunch of times for the car to regain response, but the turbo kicks in at full speed and I have to brake to re-regulate my speed. This is a great car, but it would be a deathtrap for most people and I am not alone with this complaint. …”
NHTSA complaint #10936062, filed 2016-12, 24,000 miles“My first issue with a check engine light came on 1 month into my 3+ year lease with under 1,000 miles on the car. I was told it was fine to drive, as they couldn't fit me in for service with a loaner for 2 wks!! The light eventually went off in 2 days without an issue. However, it happened again at 5k miles. The check engine light came on and I proceeded to drive around the corner from my home. I stopped at a stop sign, accelerated slightly and the car died. The car had a check engine (yellow light on) and a red light. I had little to no control over the steering either. …”
NHTSA complaint #10549968, filed 2013-10, 5,838 miles“3 years ago the vehicle has problems with sensors, this year the engine light is on, the auto repair shop worker checked the car and described that turbocharger is leaking air, they offer me to it replace for $3000. The car was in motion in city street when the light pump up. Except of the light the car is driving as usually.”
NHTSA complaint #11351437, filed 2020-08, 67,000 miles“There are 2 separate incidents. First incident approx. Nov. 26. Proceeding up a steep hill when the car suddenly decelerated. Pressing on gas pedal did not result in increased speed. Needed to shift to manual transmission mode to regain control of the car. Second incident on dec. 27. Proceeding down a steep hill at approx. 45 MPH. Posted speed limit is 45mph. Pavement is dry, visibility is miles. Sky is overcast. While driving down the hill the vehicle suddenly went into deceleration from 45 to ~ 30mph. Pressing on the gas pedal did not result in speed increase. …”
NHTSA complaint #10491854, filed 2013-01, 1,500 miles“When driving vehicle it will get up to 40 speed and not above and stall out to 0 MPH. The vehicle will not move and stall for duration of time, then it will driving at a low speed under 10-20mph. At the time of purchase, I made it known to the brandon Volkswagen dealership, fidelity bank and Volkswagen america. I had two warranties and the problem were told me in 2012 and 2013, by brandon Volkswagen the problem were resolved. In july 2015 through august 2015 the brandon Volkswagen informed that a part does not existed to correct my problems for several recalls. …”
NHTSA complaint #10818841, filed 2016-01Related service bulletins
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11025439Oct 9, 2025Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
- 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
- 11008860Sep 11, 2024Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 10238310Jun 21, 2023Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
- 10238309Jun 15, 2023Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.
- 10218953Aug 25, 2022Manual transmission noise diagnostic assistance
- 10214473Jun 14, 2022Auto Trans fluid requirements.
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 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
63 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsSteering
27 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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