We have had the power steering cut out multiple times in the vehicle. It has not happened while driving, the red power steering light seems to be on when we start it the second time for the day and doesn't always reset when restarting the car. We have yet to bring it to get fixed as the nearest dealer is 1200kms away. *tr
2010 Volkswagen Tiguan steering problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 13 steering complaints filed for the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2010 Tiguan has a documented steering system problem—either complete power steering loss or intermittent dropout with violent wheel shaking—that can occur at any mileage and poses real safety risk. VW has not widely acknowledged the problem, denied warranty claims, and repair costs run $2,000+.
The 2010 Tiguan has a serious power steering defect that shows up as either total failure or violent intermittent dropout. Complete loss means the steering wheel locks or becomes impossible to turn manually—one driver at 73,000 miles got no help from VW because she was past 70,000 miles, despite learning that the same problem hit owners at 1,800 miles. Another owner at 101,000 miles was told the steering gear needed replacement. The intermittent mode is worse in some ways: the steering wheel shakes violently, assist cuts out, and you lose control momentarily. One owner on a freeway had to hold the wheel with both hands just to stay straight. Another managed a quick swerve around a concrete wall only because she forced the wheel through.
The failures happen at startup, after parking, or randomly on the highway. Power steering warning light comes on—a red steering wheel symbol. Restarting sometimes helps temporarily, but the problem recurs. One owner brought the car to a dealer 16 days before a collision; the shop kept it 8 weeks and it failed again two days after returning it, then seized a second time. Owners report the steering feels jerky, produces odd metallic noises, or goes from too-light to too-stiff. The part appears to be electrical—power steering rack, control module, or wiring harness—and it's consistently out of stock, suggesting the failure rate is high. Repair estimates cited are around $2,000.
Same Volkswagen Tiguan steering reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Complete Power Steering Loss
Total loss of power steering assist, leaving only manual steering. Occurs suddenly during driving or at startup. Steering wheel may lock or become extremely difficult to turn. Dashboard warning light (red steering wheel symbol) illuminates.
When: Variable: 73,000 miles (complaint #1); 125,068 miles (complaint #3); 101,000 miles (complaint #13); as early as 2 months of ownership (complaint #8); intermittent across various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel does not move or becomes unresponsive; power steering failure/warning light on dashboard; manual steering extremely difficult; steering wheel locks up
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite $2,045 estimate (complaint #1); power steering assist and rack and pinion gear replacement needed (complaint #3); steering gear replacement recommended (complaint #13); part consistently out of stock due to high failure rate (complaint #5)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW denied warranty coverage citing mileage over 70,000 miles despite claims that problem occurs at lower mileage in other vehicles (complaint #1); VW stated some VINs not included in recall even when vehicle has same problems (complaint #9)
Intermittent Power Steering Dropout with Violent Steering Wheel Shake
Power steering assist cuts out intermittently, often accompanied by violent shaking or wobbling of the steering wheel. May happen at idle, during acceleration, or on the highway. Restarting the engine sometimes restores function temporarily.
When: Complaint #4: after parking, after 20 minutes highway driving; complaint #3: intermittent reoccurrence; complaint #7: during freeway driving; complaint #12: during driving
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel shakes or wobbles violently; power steering assist cuts in and out; steering becomes erratic or inaccurate; difficulty keeping vehicle in lane; power steering light on and off intermittently; steering feels very light then suddenly heavy
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #4 notes issue related to electrical power steering rack or control box but acknowledges VW does not acknowledge problem frequency; complaint #6 mentions louder than normal brushing friction noise and metallic ping during first turn after startup
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW dealers claimed not to hear the noises or acknowledge the problems despite multiple visits (complaint #6); complaints suggest manufacturer not acknowledging this as frequently reported problem (complaint #4)
Steering Control Loss During Maneuvers
Loss of steering control or jerking of steering wheel during emergency maneuvers or highway driving, making the vehicle difficult to steer. Steering wheel may jerk out of driver's hands or become unresponsive at critical moments.
When: Complaint #8: 2-month-old vehicle during emergency swerve; complaint #10: while merging and taking highway turn; complaint #7: during freeway driving
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel jerks back and forth violently; steering becomes unresponsive during avoidance maneuvers; difficulty controlling vehicle direction; power steering light illuminates
Electronic Control Module/Wiring Harness Electrical Failures
Failures related to power steering electrical system, including power steering module, wiring harness, and associated electrical components. Often accompanied by engine failures, boost solenoid issues, and fuse problems. Multiple service attempts required.
When: Complaint #2: beginning July 2013 (within 3 years of ownership); subsequent failures in October 2013 and March 2014
Symptoms owners cite: electrical panel instability; loss of power and thrust; engine failures coinciding with steering issues; airbag error light illuminated (complaint #6); ignition switch becoming loose (complaint #9)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #2: repeated service at VW dealership, 8-week repair period; complaint #2 mentions second front-end collision resulting from electrical/mechanical failure; complaint #6 mentions brushing friction noise and metallic ping noise
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #2: VW provided loaner car after second failure but no mention of permanent fix; complaint #9: VW stated unable to help despite vehicle having recall and same problems
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl-contact owns a 2010 volkswagon ruatuan ----vehicle does have recall but contact stated volkswagon stated VIN number is not included in recall... Contact called dealership and dealership stated even though vehicle has same problems there is nothing they can do ... Engine turns off with key in ignition and ignition becomes loose key turns to off position and car shuts off while driving..contact…
Had steering trouble with your 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 50,000 and 102,000 miles, with the median around 97,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 102,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Volkswagen/Tiguan.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.