Recalls · problems · safety

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan: recalls and problems

3 recalls and 153 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

3recalls
153complaints
10crashes reported
0fires reported
6injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine50 · 33%
  • Air Bags25 · 16%
  • Unknown Or Other20 · 13%
  • Steering19 · 12%
  • Electrical System17 · 11%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System12 · 8%
  • Service Brakes10 · 7%
  • Power Train7 · 5%
  • Seat Belts7 · 5%
  • Electrical System (Air) Bags6 · 4%

What owners report

Steering

A couple of weeks now my steering wheel has been locking while i’m driving, sadly i thought it was because i needed to get my car serviced. this morning my steering wheel locked out of nowhere as i was turning and i almost ended up in a head on collision with another car while my kids were in the car. then my brother did some research and sent me nhtsa link talking about the recalls. this is absolutely dangerous and

Steering

Steering wheel gets locked up while driving; power steering fails. the red steering light turns on. this is a problem that happens to several tiguans. there were no prior symptoms prior to failure. this is extremely dangerous and difficult to deal with while driving, especially on the freeway. please help.

Steering

I was driving the car and the steering wheel locked out of nowhere a red steering light came on the dashboard. i’ve never seen before

Engine

The contact owns a 2012 volkswagen tiguan. the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. additionally, while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle stalled. the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. the vehicle was able to restart. the check engine, epc, and tpms warning lights were illuminated. the contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. the vehicl

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated★★★★★
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Tiguan. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.