2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems [Service Data + Consumer Experience]

The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan encounters frequent issues like excessive oil consumption and slow gear shifts, affecting engine reliability and driving comfort. Electrical failures often cause ignition coil malfunctions, leading to misfires and potential engine damage. HVAC system problems, such as AC compressor failures, compromise cabin cooling. Brake systems show early wear, causing safety concerns with vibrations and noises during braking. This model has undergone recalls for fuel system leaks and faulty airbags, emphasizing timely maintenance. Though praised for its design and performance, the Tiguan's reliability ranks lower than rivals, impacting resale value and long-term ownership costs. Discover more intricacies and owner experiences.

Overview of the 2014 Tiguan

The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV with a mix of features to consider. It has a sleek European look that gives it a classy feel for a small SUV. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine provides 200 horsepower, balancing performance and gas mileage for city and highway driving.

However, it gets 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is less than some rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.

Inside, the Tiguan offers high-quality materials and a simple, user-friendly design, similar to the larger Volkswagen Touareg. It has 23.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 56.1 cubic feet when they're folded down, which is less roomy compared to some competitors.

The Tiguan handles well with responsive steering and a smooth ride, feeling more like a sporty car than a typical SUV. It starts at a higher price point than many others in its category, which might be a concern for those watching their budget.

The 2014 Tiguan is a good option for those who care about driving experience and a nice interior.

Common problems reported for the 2014 Tiguan

Problems with the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan

Engine

Issue: Uses too much oil.
How Often: Many owners notice it.
Change Over Time: More complaints as cars get older.
Symptoms: Need for regular oil fill-ups and lower fuel efficiency.
Effect: Can harm engine performance.

Transmission

Issue: Shifts gears slowly.
How Often: Very common complaint.
Change Over Time: Happens in many model years.
Symptoms: Delay or lag when accelerating.
Effect: Makes driving less comfortable.

Electrical System

Issue: Ignition coils fail, causing engine problems.
How Often: Reported a lot.
Change Over Time: Fewer issues after 2016.
Symptoms: Engine misfires and rough idling.
Effect: Could damage the engine if ignored.

HVAC System

Issue: AC compressor stops working.
How Often: Somewhat common.
Change Over Time: No big changes noticed.
Symptoms: AC stops cooling, makes odd noises.
Effect: Less comfortable cabin.

Braking System

Issue: Brake rotors wear out too soon.
How Often: Noticed by many.
Change Over Time: More people are talking about it.
Symptoms: Feel vibrations or hear noises when braking.
Effect: Brakes don't work as well, safety concern.

Suspension

Issue: Makes squeaking noises, especially in cold.
How Often: Quite a few reports, more in cold areas.
Change Over Time: More complaints from colder regions.
Symptoms: Noise when driving over bumps.
Effect: Less comfortable ride.

Fuel System

Issue: Fuel pump sometimes fails.
How Often: Not reported often.
Change Over Time: Rare cases, no big pattern.
Symptoms: Engine stalls or hard to start.
Effect: Problems with engine running smoothly.

These issues impact the reliability and comfort of the 2014 Tiguan, according to users and experts who share experiences on forums and reports.

Recall information specific to the 2014 Tiguan

In 2014, Volkswagen had a few recalls for the Tiguan model to fix some safety and mechanical problems.

Fuel System: There was a problem with the fuel system. A leak could happen, which might cause a fire. Volkswagen checked and replaced the parts that were not working right.
Airbags: The airbags had a problem too. Some inflators might break, which could hurt people if the airbags were used. Volkswagen changed these inflators to make sure they worked safely.
Exterior Lights: The lights on the outside of the car were also an issue. If they didn't work correctly, the car might not be seen well by others, which could lead to accidents. The solution was to fix or replace the bulbs and check the wiring.

These recalls show how keeping up with car check-ups and listening to manufacturer updates can help keep the car safe to drive.

Owner reviews and satisfaction rates for the 2014 model

Many people who own the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan have shared what they think about it. Some like the comfortable ride and the nice-looking inside, which they feel is typical of Volkswagen. They also like how the car handles and the turbo engine, which is good for everyday driving.

But not everyone is happy. Some say the car doesn't get great gas mileage compared to other small SUVs. Others have had problems with the car's electronics, like the infotainment system or warning lights on the dashboard, which can be annoying and cost money to fix.

Another issue is the limited cargo space. Some find it too small for family trips, even though the cabin feels roomy.

Experts and surveys often rate the 2014 Tiguan as less reliable than other cars, which makes some people unsure about it. While its driving and interior are praised, the technical problems and fuel use make some owners less satisfied.

Comparison to previous and subsequent Tiguan model years

Looking at the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan, it's a mix of old and new. This model sits in the middle of the first generation, which started in 2007.

Earlier Tiguans, like the 2009 version, had issues. People said there wasn't enough cargo space, and the fuel economy wasn't great, about 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. By 2014, Volkswagen made some tweaks to improve this, bumping it up to roughly 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Still, it wasn't as good as some rivals, like the Honda CR-V, which offered better fuel efficiency and more room inside.

In 2018, Volkswagen kicked off the second generation of the Tiguan with big changes. They stretched the wheelbase, which made more room for cargo and even added an optional third row of seats.

This made the 2018 Tiguan more practical for families or people who needed more space. Some fans of the 2014 model missed its turbocharged engine since it offered more punch than the newer models, which focused more on being efficient.

The 2014 Tiguan was a blend of sporty performance and gradual steps toward being more practical.

Tips for buying a used 2014 Tiguan

When you're thinking about buying a used 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan, it's smart to do some research and look it over carefully.

This small SUV is comfy and performs well, but checking it out properly can make it a good buy.

Here are three things you should focus on:

1. Check the Vehicle History: Get a full report on the car's history. This report tells you about any past accidents, the car's title, and its maintenance records.

Look out for any problems that keep coming up or big repairs that could mean there are bigger issues.

2. Get a Mechanical Check: Have a certified mechanic look at the car before you buy it. The 2014 Tiguan sometimes had problems with the timing chain tensioner and water pump.

A mechanic can check these parts to help you avoid expensive repairs later.

3. Take It for a Test Drive and Check Warranty: Drive the car to see if it runs well.

Listen for any strange noises from the engine or transmission. Also, see if there's any manufacturer's warranty or extra coverage left, which can make you feel more secure.

Maintenance recommendations for the 2014 Tiguan

To keep your 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan running smoothly, focus on a few key areas:

Oil Changes: Use synthetic oil and change it every 10,000 miles or once a year. This helps your turbocharged engine stay efficient and avoids sludge.
Spark Plugs: Swap out spark plugs every 40,000 miles to prevent misfires and keep fuel use in check.
Brake Fluid: Change the brake fluid every two years to stop rust in the braking system.
Timing Chain: Check the timing chain for wear and tension every 60,000 miles.
Tire Rotation: Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles for even wear and steady driving.
Coolant: Check coolant levels often and do a full flush every 40,000 miles to avoid overheating.

Maintenance Task	How Often
Oil Change	Every 10,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement	Every 40,000 miles
Brake Fluid Change	Every 2 years
Timing Chain Inspection	Every 60,000 miles
Tire Rotation	Every 5,000-7,000 miles

These steps help keep your Tiguan reliable and performing well.

Resale value and long-term ownership costs

Taking a look at the resale value and long-term costs for the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan is helpful for both buyers and current owners. The Tiguan has an average resale value because of its decent reliability and brand name. It loses about 58% of its value in five years, which is typical for small SUVs. The yearly maintenance cost is around $730, which is a bit more than what you might expect for similar cars.

Here's a simple breakdown of its depreciation and maintenance costs:

Year	Depreciation	Maintenance Cost
1	20%	$450
2	32%	$540
3	44%	$650
4	51%	$700
5	58%	$730

These numbers suggest that owning a Tiguan for a long time might cost more. Other options like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 could be worth checking out. They might hold their value better and cost less in maintenance.