The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan has 152 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and air bags. Owners most often flag high cost of repairs and parts: parts noted as being "a fortune" and more expensive than some luxury brands; expensive dealer labor. frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 15 Tiguan model years we track, complaint volume runs from 37 (2025) to 535 (2018). With 152 complaints, the 2012 Tiguan sits abovethe model's median of 126.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
unknown or other
Campaign 18V329000Volkswagen 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.…
air bags:frontal
Campaign 15V483000Volkswagen 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 a…
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 14V441000Volkswagen 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…
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Owners of newer models (approximately 2018+) frequently praise the vehicle for its spacious and comfortable interior, excellent highway manners, smooth ride, and competitive technology and…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tiguan. See the full Tiguan owner picture and every model year.
Used Tiguan listings typically run $27,221–$31,616 across 2015 to 2026 model years.
Compare every Tiguan year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.