2013 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 63 1 injury

“ON JULY 13,2020 I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN CITY STREET THE AIR BAGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING NOR WAS I HIT.”
NHTSA complaint #11342971, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

“Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information.”
NHTSA complaint #11716086, 2026

“Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) Also , as of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. And the overheat light comes on now, off and on.. sometimes clea…”
NHTSA complaint #11716090, 2026

Electrical System 35

“Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information.”
NHTSA complaint #11716086, 2026

“Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) Also , as of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. And the overheat light comes on ,off and on.. sometimes clears u…”
NHTSA complaint #11716085, 2025

“My engine shut off my battery as I was driving. This forced my car to stop in the middle of the road. There wasn’t a battery sign or engine light on until after the event. This could’ve caused a wreck, especially if it would’ve happened on the highway. I also have a problem with my gas not registering. It doesn’t show how much gas I have left in my tank. I have had other electrical issues, and problems when starting my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11682706, 2025

Engine 29

“As of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. Now the overheat light comes on ,off and on.. sometimes clears up once the car is shut off and then turned back on.. some times has to sit for a while, then clears up”
NHTSA complaint #11716088, 2025

“My engine shut off my battery as I was driving. This forced my car to stop in the middle of the road. There wasn’t a battery sign or engine light on until after the event. This could’ve caused a wreck, especially if it would’ve happened on the highway. I also have a problem with my gas not registering. It doesn’t show how much gas I have left in my tank. I have had other electrical issues, and problems when starting my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11682706, 2025

“After filling up one day I was heading home and started to smell gas from my ac vents when I turned it on I didn’t pay much attention until I got nauseous and a huge headache. Later that day my boyfriend tried to get to work and the car said “engine off” and turned off on the side of the highway if wouldn’t start. We figured maybe a battery l got it towed home afterwards and just let it sit for a day bought a new battery it didn’t start then noticed there was no gas in it suddenly I just had a full tank the day prior. When I cranked it up the next morning after going to get more gasoline it al…”
NHTSA complaint #11599951, 2024

Steering 27 1 crash

“WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE IT WILL GET UP TO 40 SPEED AND NOT ABOVE AND STALL OUT TO 0 MPH. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE AND STALL FOR DURATION OF TIME, THEN IT WILL DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED UNDER 10-20MPH. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, I MADE IT KNOWN TO THE BRANDON VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP, FIDELITY BANK AND VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA. I HAD TWO WARRANTIES AND THE PROBLEM WERE TOLD ME IN 2012 AND 2013, BY BRANDON VOLKSWAGEN THE PROBLEM WERE RESOLVED. IN JULY 2015 THROUGH AUGUST 2015 THE BRANDON VOLKSWAGEN INFORMED THAT A PART DOES NOT EXISTED TO CORRECT MY PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NON-OPERABLE ON…”
NHTSA complaint #10818841, 2015 · crash

“When driving down the highway, my power steering went out with zero warning or indicators leading up to it going out. Upon researching, this is a problem that many people have experienced with this make and model of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11736239, 2026

“Steering of the vehicle, gets stiff and looses the ability to drive smoothly, this happened after driving the car a couple of minutes, this put other people at risk because it happens when you start the vehicle and makes the steering hard to steer, also when the steering light goes off the steering wheel feels very loose. it appeared on my dashboard about 2 months ago and took it to the shop and the mechanic told me that he couldnt find anything on it. re calibrate the steering and got the car back but the problem still continues, upon investigating this a very common problem among VW's and to…”
NHTSA complaint #11622444, 2024

Unknown Or Other 16

“Front sunroof drains have shrunk over time disconnecting from drainage port causing massive amounts of water to pool in floor boards. This location is where electrical connections for the airbags are located causing failure for airbags and more. Rear drains were also disconnected due to shrinkage and crimped causing water to pool in trunk. Mold has appeared causing health issues as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11656064, 2024

“Fuel door actuator intermittently jams prevents access to the fuel nozzle. Yes, the car was off and locks disengaged. I had to spend $304.00 have the part replaced so that I can fuel my car. I researched this issue online VW drivers across models have experienced this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11484069, 2022

“The clock-spring in our VW Tiguan broke/snapped disabling the electronics on the steering wheel - including the vehicles horn and airbag which are both safety features. There are numerous other people having a similar experience on Twitter. We are being told by VW that the vehicle is still safe to drive which is frankly, insulting. The VW dealership/Indigo Auto Group in San Rafael, CA has verified this as an issue and there is a clock-spring shortage with no ETA on resolution.”
NHTSA complaint #11462978, 2022

Fuel/Propulsion System 14 1 crash 1 fire

“FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS... REPLACED REAR FUEL PUMP 8/15/2017. CAR BLEW OUT FUEL LINE WITHIN TWO WEEKS.. SPILLED GAS ALL UNDER CAR.. CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GOUND. VW TECHNICAL PROS DID WORK... @ AUDI PENSACOLA (SONIC AUTO GROUP) . CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD RECALL ON FUEL SYSTEM FIXED IN 2016. STILL FAILED. GOT INTO CAR IN AM AND IT WOULD RUN FOR 2 SECONDS AND QUIT. CALLED SERVICE TECH FOR GUIDANCE.. SAID GET TOW TRUCK TO BRING IT IN TO AUDI PENSACOLA FOR EXAM. CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN DRIVEWAY THANKFULLY OUT FROM UNDER CARPORT. FIRE DEPT ARRIVED JUST IN TIME TO SAVE MY HOUSE FROM BEING TOTALLY INVO…”
NHTSA complaint #11078929, 2017 · fire

“WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE IT WILL GET UP TO 40 SPEED AND NOT ABOVE AND STALL OUT TO 0 MPH. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE AND STALL FOR DURATION OF TIME, THEN IT WILL DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED UNDER 10-20MPH. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, I MADE IT KNOWN TO THE BRANDON VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP, FIDELITY BANK AND VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA. I HAD TWO WARRANTIES AND THE PROBLEM WERE TOLD ME IN 2012 AND 2013, BY BRANDON VOLKSWAGEN THE PROBLEM WERE RESOLVED. IN JULY 2015 THROUGH AUGUST 2015 THE BRANDON VOLKSWAGEN INFORMED THAT A PART DOES NOT EXISTED TO CORRECT MY PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NON-OPERABLE ON…”
NHTSA complaint #10818841, 2015 · crash

“Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) Also , as of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. And the overheat light comes on now, off and on.. sometimes clea…”
NHTSA complaint #11716090, 2026

Power Train 6 1 crash

“WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE IT WILL GET UP TO 40 SPEED AND NOT ABOVE AND STALL OUT TO 0 MPH. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE AND STALL FOR DURATION OF TIME, THEN IT WILL DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED UNDER 10-20MPH. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, I MADE IT KNOWN TO THE BRANDON VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP, FIDELITY BANK AND VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA. I HAD TWO WARRANTIES AND THE PROBLEM WERE TOLD ME IN 2012 AND 2013, BY BRANDON VOLKSWAGEN THE PROBLEM WERE RESOLVED. IN JULY 2015 THROUGH AUGUST 2015 THE BRANDON VOLKSWAGEN INFORMED THAT A PART DOES NOT EXISTED TO CORRECT MY PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NON-OPERABLE ON…”
NHTSA complaint #10818841, 2015 · crash

“3 YEARS AGO THE VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS, THIS YEAR THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP WORKER CHECKED THE CAR AND DESCRIBED THAT TURBOCHARGER IS LEAKING AIR, THEY OFFER ME TO IT REPLACE FOR $3000. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION IN CITY STREET WHEN THE LIGHT PUMP UP. EXCEPT OF THE LIGHT THE CAR IS DRIVING AS USUALLY.”
NHTSA complaint #11351437, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE MOMENTUM THEY WERE GOING THEY WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF INVER GROVE (1325 50TH ST E, INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN 55077, (651) 552-9100) WHO STATED THAT THE MEGA TRONIC UNIT WAS REPLACED AT 53,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT 72,000 MILES THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER, VOLKSWAGEN OF ALAMO HEIGHTS (1402 NE LOOP 410 EXPRESSWA…”
NHTSA complaint #11360304, 2019

Service Brakes 6

“NORMALLY VW IS EXTREMELY INTELLIGENTLY DESIGNED BUT THEIR DESIGN OF THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE MODULE LEAVES MUCH TO BE DESIRED. THE MODULE CONSISTS OF A RECESSED ELONGATED TOGGLE SWITCH THAT ALLOWS ONE TO SET THE PARKING BRAKE AT THE FLICK OF A FINGER AS OPPOSED TO THE OLD HANDBRAKE/FOOTBRAKE PEDAL (EFFECTIVE MODEL YEAR 2013). UNFORTUNATELY, IT IS SUPER EASY TO ACTIVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE/PARKING BRAKE BY CAUSING YOUR COFFEE CUP TO PULL UP ONE THE TOGGLE SWITCH (IF MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT, THERE HAVE BEEN 8 ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATIONS WHILE ON THE FREEWAY.) MY PROBLEM DE JOUR WAS THE OPPOSITE. I WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11408458, 2021

“PROBLEM WITH ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE: THIS IS A MAJOR DESIGN PROBLEM WITH AN INEXPENSIVE FIX. THE WAY THE TIGUAN HAS BEEN DESIGNED, IT PARKING LEVEL IS FLUSH TO THE CUP HOLDER. LAST WEEK, I SPILT MY COFFEE ON MY CHARGING CLUSTER (IN FIRST CUP HOLDER) AND ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOYED THE PARK BRAKE AT 70MPH AND IT LOCKED UP THE WHEELS...ON THE FREEWAY 🛣!!! THIS DEFECT COVERS MODEL YEARS 2009-2017 1ST GEN TIGUANS. THE FIX IS CHEAP & EASY. ALTHOUGH I HAVE TAPES A BUSINESS CARD OVER IT, I PLAN TO CRAFT A ROCKER PIECE TO EASILY SECURE THE PARKING BRAKE NEEDS TO BE DEP…”
NHTSA complaint #11222772, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT HEARD A CHIME SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500. UPDATED 10/29/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TRADED IN. THE CONSUMER FELT THE REPAIRS WERE TAKING TOO LONG TO BE COMPLETED. UPDATED 04/23/2015 *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10638446, 2014

Structure 5

“Fuel door actuator intermittently jams prevents access to the fuel nozzle. Yes, the car was off and locks disengaged. I had to spend $304.00 have the part replaced so that I can fuel my car. I researched this issue online VW drivers across models have experienced this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11484069, 2022

“The issue involves ongoing water intrusion through the panoramic sunroof, front power windows, and windshield seals. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This recurring leak has caused extensive interior water damage, including visible mold growth in the carpet on multiple occasions. This mold presents serious health risks to both me and my passengers, especially my sister, who is undergoing cancer treatment and has a severely compromised immune system. Water pooling beneath the carpet also threatens critical electrical systems located in the floor area, including the Vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11679738, 2019

“THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF COMPLETELY (BOTH PIECES) WHEN I WAS TRYING TO GET IN THE BACK SEAT (SIMPLY OPENING THE DOOR BY PULLING ON THE HANDLE). APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR YEARS (PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT IT SINCE 2011 ACROSS MULTIPLE VW MODELS). ONE PERSON'S FORUM POST SAID THERE WAS A FREE RETROFIT KIT (TURNS OUT THEY ARE FROM THE UK) BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. HOWEVER, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I'VE UPLOADED A FEW OF THE DOZEN'S OF FORUM ENTRIES OF PEOPLE SAYING THIS HAPPENED TO THEM, AND A PHOTO OF MY DOOR HANDLE…”
NHTSA complaint #10850321, 2016

Vehicle Speed Control 5

“THE ELECTRONICS IN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED GOING OUT, FINALLY NOTHING ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO DO WITH ELECTRONICS WILL WORK, NO AIRBAG NO HORN NO CRUISE CONTROL NO STEREO BUTTONS NO OTHER CONTROLS THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THE CLOCK SPRING, AND SO I TOOK IT TO A DEALER . THE DEALER SAID IT HAD ALREADY HAD THE RECALL DONE , THEY PUT A COVER OVER THE ELECTRONIC CLOCK SPRING, THEY SAID BACK WHEN THAT THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM , WELL IT DOESN'T FIX THE PROBLEM , IT MAY DELAY IT , UNTIL THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY . MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR, WITHOUT AN AIRBAG NOW BECAUSE VW…”
NHTSA complaint #11082106, 2018

“NO ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO STEERING WHEEL, AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON... ALL SIMILAR PROBLEMS TO TAKATA RECALL BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TRYING TO CHARGE ME $800 TO FIX IT. WHEN VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND SWITCHED ON, THERE WAS A TEARING SOUND FROM THE STEERING WHEEL - THEN NOTHING WORKED IN THE STEERING WHEEL, NOT THE HORN OR THE CRUISE CONTROL OR ANYTHING. AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11043653, 2017

“WHEN OPERATING AT 65MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL I NOTICED A TRUCK AHEAD OF ME SLOWING AT A HILL, SO I PRESSED THE "DOWN" BUTTON TO REDUCE THE SPEED TO 64, THEN AGAIN TO 63 MPH. WHEN I CLICKED AGAIN FOR 62 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SPED UP BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD JUMPED BACK TO 65 MPH. BY THAT POINT I WAS QUITE CLOSE TO THE TRUCK AND HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID A COLLISION. THIS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE BEFORE I FIGURED OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. MY DEALER HAS VERIFIED THIS ISSUE IN MY VEHICLE AND HAS DETERMINED THAT ALL NEW 2014 TIGUANS ON THEIR LOT HAVE THIS DEFECT, AS WELL AS AT LEAST ONE…”
NHTSA complaint #10638400, 2014

Fuel System 4

“THE LOCKING MECHANISM FOR THE GAS DOOR STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY AND THE DOOR REMAINS UNLOCKED WITH THE DOOR POPPED OPEN THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME. IF THE DOOR ISN'T POPPED OPEN THEN IT'S LOCKED SHUT AND CAN'T BE OPENED NORMALLY AND MUST BE PRIED OPEN. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10668928, 2014

“I WONDER WHY I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE RE: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V441000. MY 2013 VW TIGUAN DIED WHILE TRAVERSING A SLIGHT INCLINE IN AN INTERSECTION. FORTUNATELY NO OTHER CARS WERE PRESENT. VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO VW DEALERSHIP. WORK ORDER FAILED TO MENTION THAT AUTO DIED, INSTEAD SERVICE ADVISOR WROTE THE FOLLOWING: "CK ENGINE LIGHT ON. TECH(S): 8563 WARRANTY. CUSTOMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. SCANNED FOR TROUBLE CODES. RAN GFFAULT P0192 FUEL RAIL PRESSURE INTERMITTENT. PERFORMED TEST PLAN, CHECKED FUEL PRESSURES, ALL WITHIN SPECS. CLEARED CODES, RETESTED IN AM OPERAT…”
NHTSA complaint #10629589, 2014

“AFTER TURNING MOTOR ON, AND BACKING UP, THE CAR IS UNRESPONSIVE WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE,. ON 4 OCCASIONS NOW I HAVE HAD TO RESTART THE CAR AND TRY AGAIN. THE ACCELERATOR SEEMS PROGRESSIVELY UNRESPONSIVE. YESTERDAY, THE CAR STAYED IN GEAR, AND ON LONG ENOUGH FOR ME TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC AND THEN DIED. I HAD TO RESTART WHILE VEHICLES DROVE AROUND ME. THANKFULLY IT WAS A RESIDENTIAL STREET. I'M VERY WORRIED NOW TO DRIVE THE CAR AS IT COULD HAPPEN IN A BUSIER ENVIRONMENT AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. CHECKING ONLINE, THIS SEEMS TO HAVE OCCURRED TO OTHER VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN OWNERS OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS,…”
NHTSA complaint #10568738, 2014

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“3 YEARS AGO THE VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS, THIS YEAR THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP WORKER CHECKED THE CAR AND DESCRIBED THAT TURBOCHARGER IS LEAKING AIR, THEY OFFER ME TO IT REPLACE FOR $3000. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION IN CITY STREET WHEN THE LIGHT PUMP UP. EXCEPT OF THE LIGHT THE CAR IS DRIVING AS USUALLY.”
NHTSA complaint #11351437, 2020

“I WAS ONE THE HIGH WAY 1, AND I DROVE ABOUT 10 MINUTES. ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR DIED. THE WHEEL WAS EVEN LOCKED. BASICALLY, I WAS STOCKED ON THE HIGHWAY! THEN, I RESTARTED MY CAR ON THE HIGH WAY 1, AND IT WORKED AGAIN. THE DEALER CAN NOT FIND ANY ISSUE, AND THE SAME ISSUES HAPPENED TO ME TWICE WITH TWO MONTHS. NOW, I HAVE TO REPORT THIS IN ORDER TO PROTECT MYSELF.”
NHTSA complaint #10865373, 2016

“THERE ARE 2 SEPARATE INCIDENTS. FIRST INCIDENT APPROX. NOV. 26. PROCEEDING UP A STEEP HILL WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED. PRESSING ON GAS PEDAL DID NOT RESULT IN INCREASED SPEED. NEEDED TO SHIFT TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. SECOND INCIDENT ON DEC. 27. PROCEEDING DOWN A STEEP HILL AT APPROX. 45 MPH. POSTED SPEED LIMIT IS 45MPH. PAVEMENT IS DRY, VISIBILITY IS MILES. SKY IS OVERCAST. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HILL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO DECELERATION FROM 45 TO ~ 30MPH. PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT RESULT IN SPEED INCREASE. NEEDED TO SHIFT CAR I…”
NHTSA complaint #10491854, 2013

Exterior Lighting 2

“My 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan has had an airbag light on the instruments display since early March of 2022. At the same time lights on the steering wheel no longer illuminate and the horn does not function. I had earlier received a recall notice and took the car to my dealer for analysis on March 14. The service technician determined that the clock spring was defective and on and ordered the part which he said may be a week or two. I have checked with my dealer's part's department every month since then, and no part has arrived. I have been told that it is a supply issue. I am especially c…”
NHTSA complaint #11469739, 2022

“WHEN YOU SWITCH ON THE IGNITION TO GO. DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF ON MY 2013 VW TIGUAN”
NHTSA complaint #11132418, 2018

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the door locks failed to function as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,709.”
NHTSA complaint #11418917, 2021

“THE LOCKING MECHANISM FOR THE GAS DOOR STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY AND THE DOOR REMAINS UNLOCKED WITH THE DOOR POPPED OPEN THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME. IF THE DOOR ISN'T POPPED OPEN THEN IT'S LOCKED SHUT AND CAN'T BE OPENED NORMALLY AND MUST BE PRIED OPEN. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10668928, 2014

Seat Belts 2

“Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) Also , as of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. And the overheat light comes on now, off and on.. sometimes clea…”
NHTSA complaint #11716090, 2026

“Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now)”
NHTSA complaint #11716089, 2025

Wheels 2

“1 of the 2 water pumps has been repaired twice. On this 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan between the years of 2022-2024. Upon the last repair of water pumps the vehicle just cut off while driving. No overheating indication notice was alarmed or visual indication of smoke / overheating from radiator. The vehicle failed to restart after putting approximate solution /liquid in the radiator/ engine coolant resvior. The vehicle has been out of commission and mobility of the vehicle to inspect or have repaired is impossible due to being locked up will not even go into neutral. The immediate loss of power and…”
NHTSA complaint #11691712, 2023

“ONE WHEEL SHOW CRACK , NO ACCIDENT, WHEEL LOOK LIKE NEW, BUT WITH ONE CRACK CLOSE TO BOLTING AREA. (JUST FOUND RECENTLY). MOST LIKELY WILL CRACK DOWN WHOLE WHEEL DURING DRIVING, VERY DANGEROUS. I AM GOING TO REPLACE IT WITH A NEW WHEEL, BUT WOULD LIKE TO HOLD VW RESPONSIBLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11400387, 2021

Parking Brake 1 1 crash

“I AM A STATE TROOPER WHO INVESTIGATED A CRASH. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS INVOLVED IN THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE THAT CAUSED THE CRASH WAS A 2013 VW TIGUAN. THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED PARKING BRAKE. THE SWITCH, VERY SIMILAR TO A POWER WINDOW SWITCH, IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS ADJACENT TO THE CUP HOLDER. THE DRIVER, REACHING FOR THE CUP ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH ACTIVATING IT. THE CAR CAME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP IN A TRAFFIC LANE OF AN INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING STRUCK IT IN THE REAR CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. I MANIPULATED TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10538012, 2013 · crash

Suspension 1

“BOTH FRONT AND REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE FROM SECURE POSITION CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD AS SPRING COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH MOVING TIRES. REAR SPRING SEPARATED IN JULY 2019, FOLLOWED BY FRONT SPRING IN FEBRUARY 2020. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BOTH TIMES, BEING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN FRONT SPRING BROKE.”
NHTSA complaint #11307344, 2019

Tires 1

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. SHORTLY AFTER GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE, HER REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT (THE WHOLE RIM WAS DETACHED). SHE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AND SHE WAS NOT SPEEDING. INVESTIGATING THE PARKING LOT THAT SHE PULLED OUT OF, THERE WERE BLACK MARKS. WE LIVE RIGHT OFF THE INTERSTATE. THE DEALER IDENTIFIED A SECOND TIRE WITH A FLAW IN THE WALL OF THE TIRE. 2 TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH ~20,000 MILES ON IT (MOSTLY INTERSTATE DRIVING). WE FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THIS BRAND OF TIRE THOUGH GOOGLE SEARCHES AND BELIEVE THE TIRE SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE…”
NHTSA complaint #10683495, 2014

Visibility/Wiper 1

“The issue involves ongoing water intrusion through the panoramic sunroof, front power windows, and windshield seals. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This recurring leak has caused extensive interior water damage, including visible mold growth in the carpet on multiple occasions. This mold presents serious health risks to both me and my passengers, especially my sister, who is undergoing cancer treatment and has a severely compromised immune system. Water pooling beneath the carpet also threatens critical electrical systems located in the floor area, including the Vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11679738, 2019