2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 30 5 crash 3 injury 1 death

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HIT A POT HOLE, LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ACCEPT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD CHEST, BRUISING INJURIES. HIS WIFE WHO WAS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE SEATBELT WHICH CAUSED BRUISING AROUND HER NECK AND CHEST. HOWEVER, 40 DAYS LATER THE CONTACT WIFE PASSED AWAY FROM HITTING THE DASHBOARD WITH HER HEAD, SEATBELT PENSIONER CAUSED BY SEPTIC SHOCK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS CONTACT…”
NHTSA complaint #11306689, 2018 · crash · 1 death(s)

“My [XXX] daughter was a front seat passenger in her friend‘s car the 2017 Tiguan when the driver swerved to avoid another car and struck a pole. The damage was primarily on the front passenger side of the car. My daughter hit the windshield. It was broken in two places and she sustained several other injuries. The airbags never deployed. The car was totaled. I’m interested in knowing whether or not it can be determined if the airbags should have deployed and did not, and if the seatbelt worked properly or not, and whether or not you’ve had other complaints about this make and model. My daught…”
NHTSA complaint #11652619, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“PURCHASED 05/19/2017. HORN AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS DID NOT WORK IN APPROXIMATELY 12/2017. WAS REPAIRED AND TOLD WAS A COIL PROBLEM. THEN ON 04/12/18 IT SUDDENLY FLASHED ALL THE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL LIGHTS IN THE MIDDLE OF MY DRIVING AND SUDDENLY DIED ON ME WHEN I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL GOT LOCKED. LUCKILY HAPPENED NEAR MY DRIVEWAY!! HAD TO BE TOWED AND TOLD THEY FIXED THE BATTERY PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY IT ACTED UP AGAIN WHEREBY THE RADIO KEPT SHUTTING OFF AND COMING BACK ON! BEFORE I COULD TAKE IT IN AGAIN I WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT ON 04/16/18 AND THE AIRBAGS D…”
NHTSA complaint #11088947, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 15

“I am filing this complaint to seek a full buyback and debt cancellation for a 2017 VW Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) sold to me by Carvana for $40,000. Summary of Deception: Carvana sold this vehicle as "Certified" with a "150-Point Inspection" guarantee. This was a fraudulent misrepresentation. Within six months, the vehicle required 45+ mechanical services, including a full internal teardown that revealed catastrophic wiring corrosion caused by a long-term sunroof leak. These were latent defects present at the time of sale. The vehicle has has 2 Turbos: one recalled (now currently being recalled agai…”
NHTSA complaint #11729125, 2025

“On December 3, 2025, Volkswagen of XXX performed an intake manifold recall repair on our 2017 Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) while the vehicle was under factory warranty. Approximately six weeks later the low coolant warning light appeared and the vehicle began actively leaking coolant. No other work had been performed between the recall and the onset of the leak. Our independent mechanic discovered physical damage to the original water pump consistent with a tool strike during the recall procedure. A new OEM water pump was installed but failed immediately due to an underlying pressure issue originating…”
NHTSA complaint #11728157, 2025

“Timing chain and engine issues and repairs”
NHTSA complaint #11666091, 2025

Electrical System 11 1 crash 1 injury

“PURCHASED 05/19/2017. HORN AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS DID NOT WORK IN APPROXIMATELY 12/2017. WAS REPAIRED AND TOLD WAS A COIL PROBLEM. THEN ON 04/12/18 IT SUDDENLY FLASHED ALL THE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL LIGHTS IN THE MIDDLE OF MY DRIVING AND SUDDENLY DIED ON ME WHEN I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL GOT LOCKED. LUCKILY HAPPENED NEAR MY DRIVEWAY!! HAD TO BE TOWED AND TOLD THEY FIXED THE BATTERY PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY IT ACTED UP AGAIN WHEREBY THE RADIO KEPT SHUTTING OFF AND COMING BACK ON! BEFORE I COULD TAKE IT IN AGAIN I WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT ON 04/16/18 AND THE AIRBAGS D…”
NHTSA complaint #11088947, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was driving and the fuel gauge quit working randomly. I am unsure how much gas is in my vehicle. I have had to get several repairs since purchasing my car from Carmax including my turbo boost, fuel pump and gas line. I financed the car in 2021 from Carmax.”
NHTSA complaint #11578584, 2024

“It is nearly 2 years since the "clock spring wire" in the steering wheel failed. While this results in the buttons on the steering wheel not working, that is a minor inconvenience (such as not being able to reset the tire pressure warning light). The major problem is that the steering wheel air bag is not functional. Local VW dealers and VW of American customer support have been unable to obtain this part for more than 18 months. A very reliable source (local mechanic) tells me the local VW dealer has several customers with the same need for this part. We have been checking with local dealers…”
NHTSA complaint #11558523, 2022

Steering 11 1 crash 1 injury

“I suffered a front-end collision on 11/15/2022 in my 2017 VW Tiguan. I was going on I-66 in Virginia 40-45mph back to college at Howard University, and a car stopped suddenly after being cut off, but it was raining horribly and I was in half a foot of water, so even with braking, I hydroplaned into the vehicle in front of me, causing insubstantial damage to them but very significant damage to my vehicle as well as whiplash.”
NHTSA complaint #11494504, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I am filing this complaint to seek a full buyback and debt cancellation for a 2017 VW Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) sold to me by Carvana for $40,000. Summary of Deception: Carvana sold this vehicle as "Certified" with a "150-Point Inspection" guarantee. This was a fraudulent misrepresentation. Within six months, the vehicle required 45+ mechanical services, including a full internal teardown that revealed catastrophic wiring corrosion caused by a long-term sunroof leak. These were latent defects present at the time of sale. The vehicle has has 2 Turbos: one recalled (now currently being recalled agai…”
NHTSA complaint #11729125, 2025

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering rack and pinion, yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There is no power steering and unable to make a quick turn to maneuver the car around a potential hazard in the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, two independent service centers. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptom…”
NHTSA complaint #11693994, 2025

Unknown Or Other 9

“Clock spring failure on 2017 model just like all of the past year's that were a part of a recall and investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #11506641, 2022

“The Infotainment system fails to start or reboots randomly causing the back up camera not to work. Teddy VW of the Bronx dealership stated it is a critical concern. The back up camera not displaying on infotainment screen is a hazardous condition when pulling out of a parking spot.”
NHTSA complaint #11491334, 2022

“Hello, I have had much trouble with this automobile. In fact it’s has become a nightmare. While driving on highway 75/85 with massive traffic in a major city, my level of anxiety was raised because I was about 15 minutes from home. I had to travel for 40 minutes. I took a chance hoping that the car did not stop or give out in traffic in the middle of the highway. First my navigating system would not function, it kept blanking out off and on or dancing around, so and I could not get it to give directions toward home. Then the dashboard began to light up with multiple lights. I’m a senior citiz…”
NHTSA complaint #11484947, 2022

Fuel/Propulsion System 5

“I am filing this complaint to seek a full buyback and debt cancellation for a 2017 VW Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) sold to me by Carvana for $40,000. Summary of Deception: Carvana sold this vehicle as "Certified" with a "150-Point Inspection" guarantee. This was a fraudulent misrepresentation. Within six months, the vehicle required 45+ mechanical services, including a full internal teardown that revealed catastrophic wiring corrosion caused by a long-term sunroof leak. These were latent defects present at the time of sale. The vehicle has has 2 Turbos: one recalled (now currently being recalled agai…”
NHTSA complaint #11729125, 2025

“when was driven i lost power and got the ECU light and check engine light when scan for codes got fuel system and also car went into limp mode and had low fuel reading from live feeding and since have replaced the high pressure fuel pump and live reading are good now it still won’t start and won’t come out of limp mode”
NHTSA complaint #11683981, 2025

“I was driving and the fuel gauge quit working randomly. I am unsure how much gas is in my vehicle. I have had to get several repairs since purchasing my car from Carmax including my turbo boost, fuel pump and gas line. I financed the car in 2021 from Carmax.”
NHTSA complaint #11578584, 2024

Power Train 5 2 crash 2 injury

“I suffered a front-end collision on 11/15/2022 in my 2017 VW Tiguan. I was going on I-66 in Virginia 40-45mph back to college at Howard University, and a car stopped suddenly after being cut off, but it was raining horribly and I was in half a foot of water, so even with braking, I hydroplaned into the vehicle in front of me, causing insubstantial damage to them but very significant damage to my vehicle as well as whiplash.”
NHTSA complaint #11494504, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“PURCHASED 05/19/2017. HORN AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS DID NOT WORK IN APPROXIMATELY 12/2017. WAS REPAIRED AND TOLD WAS A COIL PROBLEM. THEN ON 04/12/18 IT SUDDENLY FLASHED ALL THE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL LIGHTS IN THE MIDDLE OF MY DRIVING AND SUDDENLY DIED ON ME WHEN I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL GOT LOCKED. LUCKILY HAPPENED NEAR MY DRIVEWAY!! HAD TO BE TOWED AND TOLD THEY FIXED THE BATTERY PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY IT ACTED UP AGAIN WHEREBY THE RADIO KEPT SHUTTING OFF AND COMING BACK ON! BEFORE I COULD TAKE IT IN AGAIN I WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT ON 04/16/18 AND THE AIRBAGS D…”
NHTSA complaint #11088947, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On December 3, 2025, Volkswagen of XXX performed an intake manifold recall repair on our 2017 Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) while the vehicle was under factory warranty. Approximately six weeks later the low coolant warning light appeared and the vehicle began actively leaking coolant. No other work had been performed between the recall and the onset of the leak. Our independent mechanic discovered physical damage to the original water pump consistent with a tool strike during the recall procedure. A new OEM water pump was installed but failed immediately due to an underlying pressure issue originating…”
NHTSA complaint #11728157, 2025

Structure 4 1 crash 1 injury

“I suffered a front-end collision on 11/15/2022 in my 2017 VW Tiguan. I was going on I-66 in Virginia 40-45mph back to college at Howard University, and a car stopped suddenly after being cut off, but it was raining horribly and I was in half a foot of water, so even with braking, I hydroplaned into the vehicle in front of me, causing insubstantial damage to them but very significant damage to my vehicle as well as whiplash.”
NHTSA complaint #11494504, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle after a rainstorm, the contact became aware that the interior of the vehicle was flooded, and that water had entered the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the sunroof drainage system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 66,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11670895, 2025

“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 30 MPH SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT, ON A CITY STREET, THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED. NOTHING STRUCK THE CAR, NO OTHER TRAFFIC WAS WITHIN 200 YARDS, AND NOTHING ABOVE. IT SOUNDED LIKE A POP, THEN GLASS SHARDS FELL IN REAR PASSENGER SEATING AREA. NO ONE WAS INJURED. SUNROOF IS RAISED UP, INDICATING PRESSURE FORCED IT UP AS OPPOSED TO SOMETHING HITTING FROM ABOVE.”
NHTSA complaint #11341647, 2020

Service Brakes 3

“I was traveling down a road and my brake gave out, when i had it towed to the dealership they said the inside of the brake vacuume exploded???? I was driving with my daughter and we could not stop. I have never had brake issues with this car and we almost ended up being smashed in an intersection going downhill with no brakes I wrote to VW CEO and he never responded. They made me pay for this when it was not fair.”
NHTSA complaint #11419994, 2020

“THE ROTORS SEEM TO BE GRABBING WHEN STOPPING. I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH ALMOST 13000 MILES ON IT AND IT STARTED SHORTLY THERE AFTER. I THINK THAT IS TOO SOON FOR THIS SORT OF THING TO BEGIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11210254, 2018

“WHILE BRAKING ON ROUGH OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATES AND THE BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. NORMAL BRAKE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED DURING INCIDENTS. ONLY HAPPING A FEW TIMES A DAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11091119, 2018

Fuel System 2

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his daughter was starting the vehicle, she became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the N80 purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacture was contacted but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 55,780.”
NHTSA complaint #11476946, 2022

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump and the timing chain were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 37,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11473741, 2022

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“Faulty water pump caused expansive replacement cost aprx $1400.00. Learned from certified mechanic that it was a common problem and a lawsuit is in process against VW USA.”
NHTSA complaint #11487998, 2022

Exterior Lighting 1

“REAR LIGHTS ARE NOT ADEQUATE. ILLUMINATION IS UNEVEN IN PATTERN.”
NHTSA complaint #11111869, 2017

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“Hello, I have had much trouble with this automobile. In fact it’s has become a nightmare. While driving on highway 75/85 with massive traffic in a major city, my level of anxiety was raised because I was about 15 minutes from home. I had to travel for 40 minutes. I took a chance hoping that the car did not stop or give out in traffic in the middle of the highway. First my navigating system would not function, it kept blanking out off and on or dancing around, so and I could not get it to give directions toward home. Then the dashboard began to light up with multiple lights. I’m a senior citiz…”
NHTSA complaint #11484947, 2022

Seat Belts 1 1 crash 1 injury

“My [XXX] daughter was a front seat passenger in her friend‘s car the 2017 Tiguan when the driver swerved to avoid another car and struck a pole. The damage was primarily on the front passenger side of the car. My daughter hit the windshield. It was broken in two places and she sustained several other injuries. The airbags never deployed. The car was totaled. I’m interested in knowing whether or not it can be determined if the airbags should have deployed and did not, and if the seatbelt worked properly or not, and whether or not you’ve had other complaints about this make and model. My daught…”
NHTSA complaint #11652619, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Tires 1

“Tires treads are peeling or shredded at 40.000 miles in left front driver side, rear driver side and right front passenger side I went to Costco tire and was advised to replace the tires for safety reasons”
NHTSA complaint #11480454, 2022

Visibility/Wiper 1

“VW NEW MODEL INSIDE REARVIEW MIRRORS ARE SELF DIMMING (ELECTRICALLY) BUT THEY DO NOT DIM AS MUCH AS THE MECHANICALLY (DRIVER) DIMMING MIRROR OF PRIOR YEARS. DRIVER EYE FATIGUE AND GLARE, ESPECIALLY FOR OLDER DRIVERS, WITH THIS DEVICE IS MADE UNBEARABLE, ESPECIALLY WITH NEW WHITE, HALOGEN FOLLOWING HEADLIGHTS. IF THERE IS A SPECIFICATION FOR A MIRROR DIMMING FEATURE, IT IS NOT BEING MET BY VW, SINCE ANY REGULATION WOULD REQUIRE COMPLIANCE EQUAL TO PRIOR TYPE DIMMING MIRRORS.”
NHTSA complaint #10991400, 2017