2014 Volkswagen Tiguan: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). Known weak spot on this generation: 2.0T (EA888 Gen1/2) — timing-chain tensioner & oil use. 3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer.
A rattle on cold start or on shutdown, oil level and consumption, a low-oil-pressure light. Confirm whether the updated tensioner was fitted.
Known problems on the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
2.0T (EA888 Gen1/2) — timing-chain tensioner & oil use $900–$4,000 to fix
If equipped with the 2.0T, this generation can spin a failed timing-chain tensioner (a rattle, then a jumped chain and bent valves) and tends to consume oil. VW extended coverage on the tensioner for many.
Check for: A rattle on cold start or on shutdown, oil level and consumption, a low-oil-pressure light. Confirm whether the updated tensioner was fitted.
Basis: VW timing-chain-tensioner extended coverage; NHTSA complaints; class action
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- RecallFire risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Details 18V329000
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 were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
- Airbags
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Details 15V483000
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 contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
- Fuel system
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Details 14V441000
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 vehicle stalling.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase the fuel pump pressure, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Air bag clockspring failure since Apr 2018
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Turbocharger: This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement.
- Steering: The model year chat was removed for VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension
- Engine: This Document informs dealers on the new Intake Manifold Warranty Extension for 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2017 Model Year with Engine Codes CBFA and CCTA
- Cooling: This Document informs dealers on the the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extension: This technical bulletin was updated per powertain team and warranty team.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
84 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Volkswagen Tiguan years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator