Problems › Volkswagen › 2016 Tiguan
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~8.7 complaints per year on the road — ranking 11 of 15 Volkswagen Tiguan years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Air Bags is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, cited in 37 of 96 filed complaints (39%).
Electrical System is next (27 complaints, 28%), followed by Steering (12), Engine (10), Structure (6).
Across all complaints, 4 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 3 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Unknown Or Other: 2 crash, 2 fire, 2 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 96.
Air Bags 37
“My car has never been in an accident. One day while turning into my driveway, I heard a large clicking sound. Since then, my airbag malfunction light is on and my car horn does not sound/work. All steering wheel controls are broken. This has been an issue for about 6 months. I've been waiting on a recall impacting my specific VIN/year/make/model, however I am being informed that I will need to pay out of pocket to have this major safety concern taken care of. I will be taking this car to the dealership this week in hopes to have a repair quote that I will have to save a significant amoun…”
NHTSA complaint #11694522, 2025
“Airbag error light on dashboard, passenger seat shorted out water pooled under passenger seats front and rear soaking wet coming up through carpets with moldy smell. You tube says it may be the panoramic roof drains.”
NHTSA complaint #11548902, 2023
“The electric connection for the air bag has malfunctioned . The same vehicle with different VIN numbers have already been recalled for the exact same reason. Not sure why my car was not included. Many people on the VW forums are having the same issues. Please recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11545033, 2023
Electrical System 27 1 crash 1 injury
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the entertainment, cruise control, and TPMS turned on and off without application. The horn was inoperable. The seat belt, air bag, and tire warning lights were illuminated. A tree fell on the vehicle, and the sunroof was leaking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal amount of fuel outside of the vehicle. The contact and her dog were exposed to fuel, and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was take…”
NHTSA complaint #11641870, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)
“THE CAR WAS SHUT DOWN BY KEYLESS IGNITION AND THE FOB WAS REMOVED WHEN I ENTERED A BUILDING. AFTER 15 MINUTES IT ROLLED AWAY AND HIT A SCULPTURE AND ROLLED OVER. I AS THE DRIVER FAILED TO PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK OR SOMEONE TAMPERED WITH THE CAR AS SOMEONE WAS SPOTTED IN THE CAR AFTER IT FLIPPED OVER. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT DOWN I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE IMMOBILIZED REGARDLESS OF THE SHIFTER AS I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE EXITED THE VEHICLE. KEYLESS IGNITION SAFETY IN RELATION TO ROLLAWAYS IN THIS MODEL IS NOT SUFFICIENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11222025, 2019 · crash
“Electronic Power Steering fails and there is a loss of control with turning the wheel (left/right). This is a hazard especially on the road as it not only puts myself at risk but other drivers lives at risk. There is a red steering wheel that lights up on the dash which indicates loss of power steering. There have been multiple reports already of Electronic Power Steering Failure with Volkswagen vehicles. They have yet to issue a massive recall on anything which can turn potentially hazardous to peoples lives. The electronic power steering failure always seems to persist no matter if it’s too…”
NHTSA complaint #11647085, 2024
Unknown Or Other 23 2 crash 2 fire 2 injury
“WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH. THE ONLY INJURY SUSTAINED WAS A BROKEN HEEL BY THE DRIVER, ALL OTHER PARTY'S DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT AND ONLY COSMETIC DAMAGE TO THEIR VEHICLES. MOMENTS AFTER THE COLLISION, THE TIGUAN BURST INTO FLAMES. THE BRAKE PETAL HAD TRAPPED THE DRIVERS FOOT AND THE DOOR WAS JAMMED. FORTUNATELY THE OTHER PARTY WAS ABLE TO JERK THE DOOR UNTIL IT OPENED TO FREE THE DRIVER. THE TIGUAN WAS A TOTAL LOSS, BECOMING COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11412860, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR THE SUNROOF SPONTANESOUSLY SHATTERED. THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AND THE CLOTH SHIELD WAS TUCKED AWAY. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT AND DEAFENED MY EARS FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I THOUGHT SOMEONE FIRED A GUN OR A NEARBY CAR GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT SINCE I FELT NO IMPACT OTHER THAN SOUND. BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING I WAS EXTREMELY STARTLED WHEN I LOOKED UP AND SAW AN OPEN WINDOW AND GLASS HAD FALLEN ALL OVER ME. IT HAD HAPPENED SO QUICKLY. I TRIED TO PULL OVER IN THE NEAREST EXIT AND WHILE GETTING OUT OF THE CAR AND MANEUVERING OUT, HAD CUT MYSELF SEVERAL TIMES.”
NHTSA complaint #10957453, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)
“UNKNOWN INCIDENT. I had a 2016 VW Tiguan with just over 80k miles (approximately 80,200 mi). On 1/6/2026 about 10 min after driving home from the gym, I heard a small explosion from the garage where my car was parked. The garage was filled with smoke and large flames were visible from under the front end of the vehicle. We called 911 and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher but it continued to re-ignite. The fire burned down our entire garage with all its contents and made it's way into the home completely destroying our laundry room and adjoining bathroom. I had no previous issues wi…”
NHTSA complaint #11718115, 2026 · fire
Steering 12
“I’ll be driving for 2-10 minutes and power steering cuts out. Wheel will jerk a little and alarm will sound with the alert light remaining red through remainder of drive. Sometimes it will not work at all while driving, but I’ve found the it usually works for the first few minutes until I speed up a little more.”
NHTSA complaint #11695657, 2025
“My car has never been in an accident. One day while turning into my driveway, I heard a large clicking sound. Since then, my airbag malfunction light is on and my car horn does not sound/work. All steering wheel controls are broken. This has been an issue for about 6 months. I've been waiting on a recall impacting my specific VIN/year/make/model, however I am being informed that I will need to pay out of pocket to have this major safety concern taken care of. I will be taking this car to the dealership this week in hopes to have a repair quote that I will have to save a significant amoun…”
NHTSA complaint #11694522, 2025
“During cold winter months in below freezing temperatures, a red warning light will turn on when the electronic steering fails and the electronic steering will randomly lock up while driving. Making it extremely difficult to steer and nearly impossible to use at a stop or slow speeds. When inspected, the entire steering rack with the steering electronic module needs replacing.”
NHTSA complaint #11664084, 2025
Engine 10
“* Purchase Date: January 23, 2016 * Current Mileage: Approximately 71,500 miles For the past several months, my vehicle has experienced continuous engine oil loss. The oil level drops approximately one gallon every two months, and the engine oil warning light has illuminated on multiple occasions. Because of this recurring problem, I brought my vehicle to Volkswagen Glendale on April 23, 2026. After inspecting the vehicle at the Glendale dealership, I was informed that loose oil pan bolts were the cause of the oil loss. Based on this diagnosis, I took the vehicle to three different local auto…”
NHTSA complaint #11749882, 2026
“I bought a 2016 VW Tiguan in 2019 from the Audi Rockville dealership. Recently I had an oil leak issue that requires a substantial repair. I first took it to a certified VW mechanic, Ourisman VW of Rockville, and they diagnosed the issue to be a 4,109.19 dollar repair. Following this, I took it to get a second look at an independent mechanic shop, Wilniq Auto Body & Mechanical Repairs, and the mechanic came to the conclusion that the engine head gasket needs to be replaced and that it should be covered under the manufacturers power train warranty. Unfortunately my car is out of warranty by jus…”
NHTSA complaint #11566020, 2024
“The contact's friend owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test showed that the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, wheel speed sensors, and engine cooling fans needed to be replaced. The contact's friend declined the repair, and the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that coolant was leaking into t…”
NHTSA complaint #11697115, 2023
Structure 6 2 crash
“I PARKED MY VEHICLE IN THE YMCA PARKING . I TURNED OFF THE PUSH BUTTON KEYLESS ENTRY.I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LOCKED THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM AND ENTERED THE YMCA. I COMPLETED MY BUSINESS AND EXITED THE Y APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES LATER. MY VEHICLE HAD ROLLED LEFT STRIKING THE REAR CORNER OF A PARKED VEHICLE,THEN EXITED THE PARKING LOT AND STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED ON THE STREET. IF WE ASSUME I LEFT MY VEHICLE IN DRIVE POSITION,THERE IS NO ALARM,BELL,WHISTLE OR SAFETY SYSTEM IN PLACE ON A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN TO PREVENT DRIVERS FROM A SIMILAR ACCIDENT. VOLKSWAGEN HAS A RECALL ON 679,000…”
NHTSA complaint #11267054, 2019 · crash
“THE CAR WAS SHUT DOWN BY KEYLESS IGNITION AND THE FOB WAS REMOVED WHEN I ENTERED A BUILDING. AFTER 15 MINUTES IT ROLLED AWAY AND HIT A SCULPTURE AND ROLLED OVER. I AS THE DRIVER FAILED TO PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK OR SOMEONE TAMPERED WITH THE CAR AS SOMEONE WAS SPOTTED IN THE CAR AFTER IT FLIPPED OVER. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT DOWN I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE IMMOBILIZED REGARDLESS OF THE SHIFTER AS I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE EXITED THE VEHICLE. KEYLESS IGNITION SAFETY IN RELATION TO ROLLAWAYS IN THIS MODEL IS NOT SUFFICIENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11222025, 2019 · crash
“The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan has a problem with the sunroof leaking and floors being filled with puddles of water in entire car. This have caused the water to cause electrical problems with the vehicle as well as meadow and mold.”
NHTSA complaint #11618322, 2023
Fuel/Propulsion System 4
“Subject: Known Carbon Buildup Issue in 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan TSI – Request for Recall and Accountability To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally express my concern and request action regarding a well-documented and dangerous issue affecting Volkswagen TSI engines—specifically, severe carbon buildup. I am the current owner of a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan TSI, which I purchased in April 2025 with approximately 84,000 miles on it. In June 2025, I had to have the intake manifold replaced due to carbon buildup—a repair that was still covered under warranty. However, shortly after, I was info…”
NHTSA complaint #11674768, 2025
“I PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT ON NHTSA (ID 11310178). SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE HAS NOT STARTED TWICE AND LEFT ME STRANDED HAVING TO TOW TO VW DEALERSHIP AN ADDITIONAL TWO TIMES. AFTER THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN MARCH, I OPENED A CLAIM WITH VW CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC. THE CLAIM WAS DENIED WITH A GENERIC RESPONSE AND VW BLATANTLY IGNORED MY CONCERNS OF SAFTEY WHILE OPERATING THIS VEHICLE. APRIL 24TH THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AGAIN AND IS CURRENTLY BEING LOOKED AT, AT THE VW DEALERSHIP. I CONTACTED THE VW CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC. CASE MANAGER AGAIN AND AGREED TO OPEN A CLAIM OF RETRIBUTIO…”
NHTSA complaint #11322540, 2020
“I BOUGHT THIS CPO VEHICLE JULY 2018 WITH APPROX. 32,000 MILES. DROVE PERFECTLY WITHOUT ANY MAINTENANCE OUTSIDE OF TYPICAL OIL CHANGE, TIRE SWAPS, ROTATIONS, ALIGNMENTS, ETC. MID-NOVEMBER 2019 I LEAVE HOME AROUND LUNCH TIME, BACK OUT OF GARAGE AND PULL UP TO TURN ON TO THE ROAD, THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND I CAN'T ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. TRY JUMPING IT, STILL WON'T START. TOW IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WORKS ON VW/AUDIS TURNS OUT IT IS A FUEL PUMP MODULE FAILURE. GETS REPLACED AND EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE IN ORDER. END OF JANUARY 2020, TRY TO LEAVE FOR WORK, BATTERY AND EPC LIGHT COME ON. TRY…”
NHTSA complaint #11310178, 2019
Power Train 3
“Subject: Known Carbon Buildup Issue in 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan TSI – Request for Recall and Accountability To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally express my concern and request action regarding a well-documented and dangerous issue affecting Volkswagen TSI engines—specifically, severe carbon buildup. I am the current owner of a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan TSI, which I purchased in April 2025 with approximately 84,000 miles on it. In June 2025, I had to have the intake manifold replaced due to carbon buildup—a repair that was still covered under warranty. However, shortly after, I was info…”
NHTSA complaint #11674768, 2025
“I bought a 2016 VW Tiguan in 2019 from the Audi Rockville dealership. Recently I had an oil leak issue that requires a substantial repair. I first took it to a certified VW mechanic, Ourisman VW of Rockville, and they diagnosed the issue to be a 4,109.19 dollar repair. Following this, I took it to get a second look at an independent mechanic shop, Wilniq Auto Body & Mechanical Repairs, and the mechanic came to the conclusion that the engine head gasket needs to be replaced and that it should be covered under the manufacturers power train warranty. Unfortunately my car is out of warranty by jus…”
NHTSA complaint #11566020, 2024
“Oil consumption issue. “Normal” oil consumption is 1 quart per 1200 miles according to VW. My Tiguan with 70k miles is burning 3 quarts every 2,000 miles. No obvious oil leak or burning of oil. I’m told I need a new engine and this is a known issue for VW. Car no longer under warranty after 60k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11504781, 2023
Service Brakes 3
“While driving on the freeway, the car came to a sudden stop in the fast line. I tried multiple things.....moving it in and out of gear, and flipping the parking brake switch off and on. After maybe a minutes, the brakes unlocked and I was able to move the car over to the shoulder. There was not warning, the car just stopped. I have just recently had the car inspected, 50,000 mile service. No issues were detected by the service group. The service dept at VW diagnosed the problem as being a short in the emergency parking brake. Thankfully we were not hit. Am very concerned someone else w…”
NHTSA complaint #11453612, 2022
“Parking Brake locks up and renders vehicle immobile- has occurred twice and parking switch has been replaced three times.”
NHTSA complaint #11446570, 2021
“BROUGHT 2016 TIGUAN LESS THAN 10 MONTHS, NOTICED SCRAPING NOISES WHEN BREAKING AT LOCAL SPEED. ALSO HEAR CLANKING NOISE OCCASIONALLY FROM BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. SENT CAR TO VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE CENTER AND FOUND THE REAR ROTORS PITTED AND RUSTED. SERVICE CENTER JUST CLEAN THE SURFACE AND SUGGEST TO REPLACEMENT WHEN NOISE RETURN. CALL VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE OPEN A CASE. ACCORDING TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE MY CAR HAS LOW MILEAGES, CAUSE RUST DEVELOPED AND SUGGESTED TO DRIVE MY CAR AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE REASON BECAUSE I USE MY CAR AVERAGE 2 DAYS A WEEK. WHEN SENT IN FOR…”
NHTSA complaint #10876984, 2016
Vehicle Speed Control 3
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, DECREASING THE SET SPEED USING CRUISE CONTROL MULTIPLE TIMES IN SUCCESSION LED TO AN INCREASE IN THE SET SPEED.”
NHTSA complaint #11414180, 2021
“VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS. UPON PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, HEARD A SNAPPING NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IMMEDIATELY RECEIVED AN AIRBAG ERROR WARNING, HORN CEASED TO FUNCTION, AND ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS STOPPED WORKING.”
NHTSA complaint #11197359, 2019
“MY VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR VW SINCE 2011 AND THEY ARE NOT COVERING IT UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A CRACKING NOISE THEN STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. AT THAT POINT THE STEERING BUTTON CONTROLS STOPPED WORKING AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11122478, 2018
Engine And Engine Cooling 2
“The contact's friend owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test showed that the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, wheel speed sensors, and engine cooling fans needed to be replaced. The contact's friend declined the repair, and the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that coolant was leaking into t…”
NHTSA complaint #11697115, 2023
“I have taken my 2016 VW Tiguan to a VW service center, and they have notified me of a faulty water pump in my car that is leaking coolant. This is endangering the engine of the car and its safety. There has been a class action lawsuit regarding this exact issue with VW in the case Zhao, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 2:21-cv-11251. I have contacted the manufacturer VW several times regarding this issue, but they refuse to cover the costs of my repair as the mileage on my car is above their current warranty period. However, if this is a known issue with a…”
NHTSA complaint #11478192, 2022
Exterior Lighting 2
“THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS OR HAZARD LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE. ALSO WIPERS TURN ON BY ITSELF OCASSIONALY.”
NHTSA complaint #11039988, 2016
“SAFETY ISSUE! LEASED THE VEHICLE IN JANUARY. TWO INCIDENTS WHEN ALL VEHICLE LIGHTS TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK. HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION AND WHEN IT IS DARK OR FOGGY OUT. HAVE BROUGHT IN TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALER 2 TIMES FOR REPAIR AND HAPPENED AGAIN FOR THE THIRD TIME WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE WIPERS ALSO GO OFF AUTOMATICALLY YET IT IS NOT RAINING. THEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, THE HEADLIGHTS STAY ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF AND KILLS THE BATTERY.”
NHTSA complaint #10914402, 2016
Fuel System 2 1 injury
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the entertainment, cruise control, and TPMS turned on and off without application. The horn was inoperable. The seat belt, air bag, and tire warning lights were illuminated. A tree fell on the vehicle, and the sunroof was leaking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal amount of fuel outside of the vehicle. The contact and her dog were exposed to fuel, and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was take…”
NHTSA complaint #11641870, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal fuel odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel line leak. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11474901, 2022
Suspension 2 1 crash
“THE CAR WAS SHUT DOWN BY KEYLESS IGNITION AND THE FOB WAS REMOVED WHEN I ENTERED A BUILDING. AFTER 15 MINUTES IT ROLLED AWAY AND HIT A SCULPTURE AND ROLLED OVER. I AS THE DRIVER FAILED TO PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK OR SOMEONE TAMPERED WITH THE CAR AS SOMEONE WAS SPOTTED IN THE CAR AFTER IT FLIPPED OVER. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT DOWN I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE IMMOBILIZED REGARDLESS OF THE SHIFTER AS I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE EXITED THE VEHICLE. KEYLESS IGNITION SAFETY IN RELATION TO ROLLAWAYS IN THIS MODEL IS NOT SUFFICIENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11222025, 2019 · crash
“I had a coolant leak and needed to replace the water pump. My control arms were corroded out at 67k miles and needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11494260, 2022
Visibility 2 1 injury
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the entertainment, cruise control, and TPMS turned on and off without application. The horn was inoperable. The seat belt, air bag, and tire warning lights were illuminated. A tree fell on the vehicle, and the sunroof was leaking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal amount of fuel outside of the vehicle. The contact and her dog were exposed to fuel, and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was take…”
NHTSA complaint #11641870, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the sunroof exploded and shattered inside the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained from the falling glass. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11433622, 2021
Wheels 2
“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAD TAKEN MY CAR FOR A BATTERY RECALL ISSUE AND WAS TOLD BY VW SERVICE PROVIDER THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE PROBLEM. NEXT DAY CHECK ENGINE SIGN POPPED UP. I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN A WORSE CAR IN MY ENTIRE 20 YEARS.”
NHTSA complaint #11112066, 2018
“SIDE WALL BUBBLING ON THE CONTINENTAL TIRES TWICE. TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. I BARELY SCRAPED A CURB AND THE TIRE HAD A HUGE BUBBLE ON THE SIDE WALL THAT GREW EACH DAY. THE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE A SMALL I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH TIRES ON ANY CAR EVER.”
NHTSA complaint #10956625, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1
“I BOUGHT MY CAR JULY 6TH, 2018, GOT THE OIL CHANGED IN AUGUST 2018, AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL OCTOBER 1,2018 WHEN THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON AND ABOUT 1MINUTE LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS TURNING ONTO MY STREET IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN IT HAPPENED AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE AUTO SHOP WHERE I'D RECENTLY GOTTEN MY OIL CHANGED. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT THE NEXT DAY BUT I LOOKED IN THE USERS MANUAL AND IT SAID TO DRIVE TO MY NEAREST DEALERSHIP. SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID TO BRING IT AT 8:15 ON OCTOBER 3RD. I TOOK IT AND DROPPED IT OFF. I CALLED BEFORE THEY CLOSED TO GET AN UP…”
NHTSA complaint #11133401, 2018
Equipment 1
“I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE SEATBELT REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST MONTH ON MY NEW VW TIGUAN. THE FEMALE CONNECTOR THAT THE TONGUE OF THE BELT FITS INTO HAS BROKEN APART TWICE, REQUIRING AN ENTIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE BELT. THIS WORK WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE WHEN THE LOOP OF MY POCKET BOOK CAUGHT ON IT. THE SECOND TIME IT BROKE, ALL I DID WAS MOVE THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK IN ORDER TO GET OUT.”
NHTSA complaint #10865060, 2016
Forward Collision Avoidance 1
“Parking Brake locks up and renders vehicle immobile- has occurred twice and parking switch has been replaced three times.”
NHTSA complaint #11446570, 2021
Seat Belts 1
“I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE SEATBELT REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST MONTH ON MY NEW VW TIGUAN. THE FEMALE CONNECTOR THAT THE TONGUE OF THE BELT FITS INTO HAS BROKEN APART TWICE, REQUIRING AN ENTIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE BELT. THIS WORK WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE WHEN THE LOOP OF MY POCKET BOOK CAUGHT ON IT. THE SECOND TIME IT BROKE, ALL I DID WAS MOVE THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK IN ORDER TO GET OUT.”
NHTSA complaint #10865060, 2016
Seats 1
“MY VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2016 WITH 28,00 MILES DRIVER'S SEAT IS PEELING/CRACKING. IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT PAY FOR ITS REPAIR. I PAID $3000 EXTRA FOR EXTENDED WARRANTY VIA THE DEALER OURISMAN OF BETHESDA-THEY INFORMED ME THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER IT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE VOLKSWAGEN'S CORPORATE OFFICE AND OURISMAN SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS SITUATION.”
NHTSA complaint #11204385, 2019
Visibility/Wiper 1
“SAFETY ISSUE! LEASED THE VEHICLE IN JANUARY. TWO INCIDENTS WHEN ALL VEHICLE LIGHTS TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK. HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION AND WHEN IT IS DARK OR FOGGY OUT. HAVE BROUGHT IN TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALER 2 TIMES FOR REPAIR AND HAPPENED AGAIN FOR THE THIRD TIME WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE WIPERS ALSO GO OFF AUTOMATICALLY YET IT IS NOT RAINING. THEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, THE HEADLIGHTS STAY ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF AND KILLS THE BATTERY.”
NHTSA complaint #10914402, 2016
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan draws about 8.7 complaints per year on the road, ranking 11 of 15 among the Volkswagen Tiguan model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.