Is the 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN reliable?

The 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN has 127 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (47 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (22 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (20 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): UNKNOWN OR OTHER, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Contact any Volkswagen dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN?

The 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN is approximately $1,449/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN has 127 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 174. The most common issue is air bags problems (37% of all complaints), specifically: takata recall - driver's side air bag stopped working the horn stopped working while i was driving. i found out that the horn wasn't working as i was almost killed by someone moving in to my lane and directly toward my car. luckily, they saw me at the last minute. , all computer communication in the. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports

127

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

47 complaints

37%

• TAKATA RECALL - DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG STOPPED WORKING THE HORN STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I FOUND OUT THAT THE HORN WASN'T WORKING AS I WAS ALMOST KILLED BY SOMEONE MOVING IN TO MY LANE AND DIRECTLY TOWARD MY CAR. LUCKILY, THEY SAW ME AT THE LAST MINUTE. , ALL COMPUTER COMMUNICATION IN THE
• AFTER TAKING CAR TO VW DEALER I RECEIVED THESE REPAIR ESTIMATES: AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED...SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY 655 RECOMMEND REPLACING RIGHT SEAT BELT....CRANKCASE BREATHER HOSE RECOMMEND REPLACING BREATHER VALVE. WAS PARKED AND IDLE WAS FLUCTUATING ABNORMALLY...AIR BAG LIGHT CAM
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TAKATA RECALL - DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG STOPPED WORKING THE HORN STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I FOUND OUT THAT THE HORN WASN'T WORKING AS I WAS ALMOST KILLED BY SOMEONE MOVING IN TO MY LANE AND DIRECTLY TOWARD MY CAR. LUCKILY, THEY SAW ME AT THE LAST MINUTE. , ALL COMPUTER COMMUNICATION IN THE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN

Based on 71 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 50K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Reported earliermedian 46K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 51K mi · 25 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 47K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER16/05/2018

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.

Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,847/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2014 Volkswagen TIGUAN

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,449

Full coverage / month

$121

Liability only / year

$598

vs US avg

-13%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1449

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volkswagen TIGUAN Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

TSI turbo engines require VW-approved 502/504 spec synthetic oil. DSG transmission service (if equipped) every 40K miles.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volkswagen New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Volkswagen. If you're buying a used 2014 TIGUAN, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volkswagen dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 127 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: TAKATA RECALL - DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG STOPPED WORKING THE HORN STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I FOUND OUT THAT THE HORN WASN'T WORKING AS I WAS ALMOST KILLED BY SOMEONE MOVING IN TO MY LANE AND DIRECTLY TOWARD MY CAR. LUCKILY, THEY SAW ME AT THE LAST MINUTE. , ALL COMPUTER COMMUNICATION IN THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: ON APRIL 15, 2014, I WAS AT A GAS STATION WAITING TO PULL INTO AN AVAILABLE PUMP WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE. THE CAR'S ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AND THE BATTERY LIGHT SIGNALED. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION, AND RESTART THE ENGINE. AS SOON AS I RESTARTED TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: I WAS DRIVING HOME ON INTERSTATE, CAR SUDDENLY DISPLAYS STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION INDICATOR AND WHEEL LOCKS. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO PULL OFF INTERSTATE AND SHUT OFF CAR. I TURNED CAR BACK ON AFTER WAITING 5 MINUTES STEERING WHEEL SEEMED TO RETURN TO NORMAL, WITHIN ONE BLOCK OF EXITING INTERSTATE WHEE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: WHEN I GOT INTO MY 2014 TIGUAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. SINCE THE CAR IS ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD I DIDN'T GIVE IT MUCH THOUGHT AND FIGURED IT WAS SOMETHING SIMPLE. ABOUT 10 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE WHILE I WAS SLOWING FOR A RED LIGHT THE CAR COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. I RESTARTED IT AND IT WAS FINE THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Volkswagen dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)