Worst 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Airbags
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 50 | 2 | — | 57,345 mi | |
| Airbags | 30 | 7 | — | 53,779 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 23 | 2 | — | 63,468 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 20 | — | — | 69,000 mi | |
| Fuel System | 12 | — | — | 54,255 mi | |
| Brakes | 10 | 2 | — | 23,993 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | 2 | — | 22,479 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | — | — | 62,000 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Sidewall | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~567,466 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
Other Volkswagen Tiguan Years
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan?
How safe is the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Volkswagen Tiguan reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
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