2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
Overall rating (best variant)
Safety ratings
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD Early Release
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD Later Release
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD Early Release
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD Later Release
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
Crash test #1NHTSA test 7978
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash-test footage is converted for smooth playback the first time someone requests it — usually under a minute.
Crash test #2NHTSA test 7979
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash-test footage is converted for smooth playback the first time someone requests it — usually under a minute.
Crash test #3NHTSA test 7984
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash-test footage is converted for smooth playback the first time someone requests it — usually under a minute.
Crash test #4NHTSA test 8155
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash-test footage is converted for smooth playback the first time someone requests it — usually under a minute.
Recalls (3)
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINECampaign 14V441000 · 21/07/2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014. When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase the fuel pump pressure, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHERCampaign 18V329000 · 16/05/2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 15V483000 · 04/08/2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- AIR BAGS63
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35
- ENGINE29
- STEERING27
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER16
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14
- POWER TRAIN6
- SERVICE BRAKES6
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/29/2017· STEERING,AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG LIGHT COME UP AND MY HORN IS NOT WORKING.
- 12/29/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR A WEEK AND IT WAS NOT DRIVER FOR A WEEK WHEN THE AIR START COME OUT OF MY TIRE AND IT BUBBLE UP AND LEFT A CUT ON THE TIRE A DEFECTIVE IN THE TIRE. THE NAME OF TIRE IS CONTINENTAL / CONTIPROCONTACT ... SIZE IS 235/50 R 18.
- 12/29/2014· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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
- 12/27/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
MY 2013 VW TIGUAN SUDDENLY HAD A SNAPPING AND CRINKLY SOUND WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL. I NOTICED IT WHEN I WAS TURNING IN MY DRIVEWAY VERY SLOWLY. HOURS LATER AND "ERROR:AIRBAG" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASH AND ALL OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING, INCLUDING THE HORN.
- 12/19/2023· AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the check air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, all the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that he was unable cycle through the service screen options due to the steering wheel buttons not functioning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was not diagnosed that there had been an electrical failure of the steering wheel. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags). The dealer advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
- 12/18/2016· POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE SPORADICALLY UNRESPONSIVE IN TRAFFIC WHILE IN ANY FORWARD DRIVE SELECTION OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS WHILE CHANGING LANES IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. I PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR TO CHANGE LANES AND NOTHING HAPPENS...THE CAR JUST COASTS...MEANWHILE TRAFFIC IS COMING AT ME AT 70MPH. I HAVE KEEP FLOORING THE ACCELERATOR A BUNCH OF TIMES FOR THE CAR TO REGAIN RESPONSE, BUT THE TURBO KICKS IN AT FULL SPEED AND I HAVE TO BRAKE TO RE-REGULATE MY SPEED. THIS IS A GREAT CAR, BUT IT WOULD BE A DEATHTRAP FOR MOST PEOPLE AND I AM NOT ALONE WITH THIS COMPLAINT. IN SEARCHING VW BLOGS, THE PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN BUT THERE IS NO FIX. VW DRIVERS SPECULATE A ECM OR TCM SOFTWARE PROBLEM, WHILE OTHERS SUSPECT THE TORQUE CONVERTER OR TURBO PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT JUST A HIGH SPEED PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS IN NORMAL RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC DRIVING, AS WELL. INTERESTING TOO IS THAT IT WILL DO THIS WHEN I AM STARTING UP FROM A STOP AND MAKING A LEFT TURN. I GET MID-WAY THRU THE TURN AND IT BECOMES UN-RESPONSIVE AND TRAFFIC BEHIND ME HAVE TO BRAKE TO KEEP FROM REAR-ENDING ME. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO DO THIS ON RIGHT TURNS FROM A STANDING STOP. IT MAKES ME WONDER ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL, WHICH I CANNOT CHECK, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID PUMP, IF THERE IS ONE. YET, IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, I WILL WANT TO CHANGE LANES TO EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT AND THE CAR WILL BECOME UNRESPONSIVE. NEVERTHELESS, IT ALWAYS TAKES THE SAME DRIVER RESPONSE OF HAVING TO KEEP FLOORING THE ACCELERATOR TO GET THE CAR TO RESPOND. NOT GOOD 2013 VW TIGUAN 24,000 MILES SINCE NEW. *TR
- 12/05/2017· AIR BAGS
AIRBAG CLOCK SWITCH FAILED ON MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, TURNING A 45 DEGREE CORNER, AND A 'GRINDING' AND 'POPPING' SOUND OCCURRED.
- 12/02/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A-L-L POST 2010 GERMAN CARS HAVE A BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BMS) WHICH IS A REALLY COOL FEATURE---WHEN IT IS WORKING AND SERVICED PROPERLY. VW, WHO INVENTED THE SYSTEM, HAS SOFTWARE/SENSORS THAT WILL TAKE A DYING CAR BATTERY & ATTENUATE IT WITH HIGHER CHARGING VALUES TO COMPENSATE FOR THE DIMINISHED CAPACITY OF SAID DYING BATTERY. MY OEM 5 YEAR OLD BATTERY DIED ON ME TWO MONTHS AGO AND I REPLACED IT WITH A NEW DURACELL AGM (VW TIGUAN FITTED) BATTERY FROM BATTERY & BULBS. I'M HAPPY. THEN I BOUGHT A BLUEDRIVER ODB2 MODULE AND WAS INVITED TO JOIN THEIR BETA TESTING, WHICH ALLOWED CUSTOMERS TO ENTER THEIR OWN BEM TAG CODE INFORMATION & REGISTER THE BATTERIES TO THEIR CARS WITHOUT BEING HIT WITH A DEALER $100.00 CONVENIENCE FEE. NOW GET THIS: I CALLED NOT ONE BUT TWO VW DEALERSHIPS A-N-D VW CORPORATE AND NOBODY HEARD OF THE PROCEDURE, WHICH IS HYSTERICAL SINCE VW INVENTED IT!!! I THEN CALLED BMW ELK GROVE (SEE: MR. TREVOR KAGESIRO (916) 687-9046 NELLO BMW ELK GROVE, CA). SERVICE ADVISOR MR. KAGEHIRO SAID "IF YOU DON'T REGISTER YER NEW BATTERY TO YOUR CAR'S BATTERY MGT SYSTEM, IT WILL USE THE OLD BATTERY'S VALUES & O-V-E-R-C-H-A-R-G-E BOTH YOUR NEW BATTERY & YOUR ALTERNATOR!!! THIS CONSTITUTES A SAFTEY ISSUE BECAUSE IF YOUR BATTERY & ALTERNATOR IS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF VW'S NON COMPLIANCE WITH ITS OWN SERVICE BULLETINS---YOU COULD POTENTIALLY GET PEOPLE KILLED BECAUSE THEIR CAR WOULD HAVE STRANDED THEM DUE TO A NOW DESTROYED NEW BATTERY & ALTERNATOR!!! BMW CHARGES $90.00 TO INPUT THE NEW BATTERY VALUES (DOES NOT HAVE TO BE OEM) INTO BMW'S BATTERY MGT SYSTEM VIA THEIR PROPRIETARY OBD2 SCANNER BUT WON'T DO MY CAR BECAUSE IT'S ONLY A LOWLY VW!!! REQUESTED REMEDY: COMPEL VOLKSWAGEN TO IDENTIFY THE BEM TAG CODE (LOCATED ON THEIR OEM BATTERIES) AND THE WORK AROUND TO ALLOW NON OEM BATTERIES TO REGISTER THE BATTERY BY VW CONSUMERS. THIS EFFECTS EVERY VW OWNER!!!
- 11/25/2019· STEERING
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN A MAJOR LOCAL ROADWAY (APPROX 40 MILES PER HOUR), THE STEERING RACK FAILED DISABLING THE VEHICLES ABILITY TO STEER. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING, AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE STEERED AGAIN UNTIL IT WAS SHUT OFF. DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM (VERSUS A STANDARD STEERING PUMP) THE VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM LOCKED ENTIRELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER, WHO CONFIRMED A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE STEERING RACK.
- 11/19/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that air bag error message was displayed. The electrical system on the steering wheel was blank. The contact was unsure if the horn was operable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was invalid.
- 11/07/2017· STEERING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASHBOARD IS LIT UP. AT FIRST STEERING WHEEL FELT HARDER TO TURN LEFT AND RIGHT AND THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE A SPRING WAS MOVING BACK AND FORTH ON PLASTIC. I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED TURNING LEFT.
- 11/06/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
- 11/06/2015· STEERING,AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND THAT CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ALL OF THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO WORK, INCLUDING THE HORN, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND POWERED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
- 10/29/2024· STEERING
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 fix it, it cost thousands of dollars
- 10/29/2013· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
MY FIRST ISSUE WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 1 MONTH INTO MY 3+ YEAR LEASE WITH UNDER 1,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE TO DRIVE, AS THEY COULDN'T FIT ME IN FOR SERVICE WITH A LOANER FOR 2 WKS!! THE LIGHT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF IN 2 DAYS WITHOUT AN ISSUE. HOWEVER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN AT 5K MILES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AROUND THE CORNER FROM MY HOME. I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY AND THE CAR DIED. THE CAR HAD A CHECK ENGINE (YELLOW LIGHT ON) AND A RED LIGHT. I HAD LITTLE TO NO CONTROL OVER THE STEERING EITHER. I PULLED OVER, RESTARTED THE CAR AND TURNED AROUND. I PROCEEDED AT A RATE OF 5 TO 10 MILES PER HOUR WITH MY HAZARDS LIGHTS ON FOR THE MILE RIDE BACK TO MY HOUSE. I STOPPED AT A 4 WAY STOP SIGN AND ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY AND THE CAR DIED AGAIN. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE LESS THAN A MILE TO MY HOME. THE CAR HAD TO BE FLAT BEDDED AS IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR IS AT VW AND I AM AWAITING MORE INFO...WITH NO LOANER. *TR
- 10/15/2016· ENGINE
MILEAGE: 38,000 MILES. DATE: 9/5/2016. UPON ENGINE STARTUP FIRST THING IN THE MORNING I NOTICED A MOMENTARY RATTLING NOISE WHICH I RECOGNIZED AS TIMING CHAIN NOISE. (I'M A CERTIFIED AUTO MECHANIC.) THE NOISE WENT AWAY IN ABOUT ONE SECOND WHICH IS TYPICAL FOR A HYDRAULIC TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. I RESEARCHED THE NET AND FOUND QUITE A BIT OF INFORMATION ON FAILING HYDRAULIC TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS ON VW TSI ENGINES. THE TIMING CHAIN NOISE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME ON 9/23/2016, ALSO FIRST THING IN THE MORNING SUBSTANTIATING A FAILING TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER LEAKING DOWN OVER NIGHT. ON 10/2/2016 I SPENT $256.63 TO BUY THE PARTS FOR REPLACING THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER MYSELF.
- 10/14/2017· AIR BAGS
VW RECALLED THIS VEHICLE FOR A DEFECT IN THE CLOCKSPRING WHICH CONTROLS THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG. THIS REPAIR WAS MADE IN JULY 2016. JUST 15 MONTHS LATER AND LESS THAN 3000 MILES LATER THE CLOCKSPRING FAILED AGAIN IN THE EXACT SAME FASHION. THE SAME CLASSIC CLOCKSPRING FAILURE MODE AS REPORTED BY VW. I HAD IT REPLACED AGAIN THIS MORNING.
- 10/09/2018· STEERING,AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A CRUNCHING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND ALL THE CONTROL BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT CALLED MOSSY VOLKSWAGEN AT (760) 745-7551 (LOCATED AT 1695 AUTO PARK WAY S, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS) REGARDING THE CLOCKSPRING. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO CITY VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 2205 MORENA BLVD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92110, (833) 207-1264), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
- 10/07/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL FEATURES BECAME INOPERABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- 10/06/2025· WHEELS,ENGINE
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 inability to maneuver any steering options posed an immediate danger n risk to health and safety. There have been no notices sent to us about recalls on this vehicle only a class action lawsuit settlement that we should know about concerning the turbocharger. We have had car checked and repairs for engine oil leaks as well. No repairs done have remied the improvement or functionality of this vehicle. On a separate incident the front two front tires wore down tread all the way across in less than 6 months( brand new tires) resulting in the repurchase of two more tires and no mechanical explanation or fix could explain this occurrence. We had vehicle alignment assessment performed and nothing indicated a reason or explanation.
- 10/06/2021· ENGINE
The engine light went on due to a timing chain failure and then a leak on the water pump. Coolant leaked and needed to be refilled to keep the coolant light from blinking and beeping. Mechanic both needed to be replaced for ~$4000. Mileage at ~66,000.
- 10/01/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN YOU SWITCH ON THE IGNITION TO GO. DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF ON MY 2013 VW TIGUAN
- 10/01/2016· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE CAR, THE CAR STOPS COMPLETELY. EVERYTHING SHUTS DOWN. NEED TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART CAR. THE CAR RESTARTS. HOWEVER, THE SHUTDOWN CAN HAPPEN MORE THAN ONCE DURING THE SAME TRIP EACH TIME THE CAR STOPS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN WILL GO OFF. THIS STARTED HAPPENING IN AUG 2015 @ 27000 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES. THEY RUN DIAGNOSTICS AND CLEAR FAULT IF THE LIGHT IS ON AT THE TIME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BOOST PRESSURE SENSOR IN JUNE 2016 BUT THE PROBLEM HAS STARTED AGAIN. SINCE THE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF, IT IS HARD TO KNOW IF THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. SO FAR IT HAS STALLED ON SIDE ROADS OR PARKING LOTS. IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IN 2014, THE CAR WAS PART OF A FUEL PUMP RECALL.
- 09/30/2022· AIR BAGS
The clockspring in the steering wheel snapped which controls airbags and turn signals. This repair is under warranty because of a faulty part but VW has been backlogged for 11 months now on this part and still no end in sight. I see brand new vehicles coming out of VW but this part has been neglected even though its a safety concern that is purely their fault. If I am in an accident while this under warranty repair has been neglected I could severely injure myself.
- 09/29/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AN AIRBAG ERROR MESSAGE WENT ON WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IN JUNE 2018. SHE NOTICED THAT THE AFTER THE AIRBAG ERROR CANE ON THAT THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE HORN STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DIRITO BROTHERS VW FOR SERVICING AND THEY SAID THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED AND NEEDED TO REPLACED. THEY REPLACED THE PART WHICH RESOLVED THE ISSUES UNTIL TODAY WHEN THE AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE STEERING CONTROLS AND HORN STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THAT IS A SECOND FAILURE IN 3 MONTHS. MY WIFE DRIVES MY KIDS IN THIS VEHICLE AND IT'S UNSETTLING TO THINK THAT THERE IS AN OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE PART THAT RENDERS HER AIRBAG AND HORN USELESS PUTTING THEM IN HARMS WAY. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DIRITO BROTHERS TO REPLACE THE PART AGAIN BUT HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE. I NOTICED MANY ARTICLES AND BLOG POSTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS WELL AS AN NHTSA INVESTIGATION INTO IT. PLEASE RE-INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. I CAN'T IMAGINE THAT I'M THE ONLY PERSON COMPLAINING. THANK YOU.
- 09/28/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
THE CAR LOSES POWER WHEN ACCELERATING AND EPC LIGHTS AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AND DISAPPEAR SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO THIS IS HAPPENING TO
- 09/25/2018· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
ALL BUTTON OF STEERING WHEEL IS DEAD, AIRBAG INDICATOR IS ON ALL THE TIME, HORN IS DEAD, CENTER FRONT UPPER LEFT SWITCH OF DIM LIGHT IS OUT OF ORDER. IT DID NOT START AT ONCE. ABOVE PHENOMENA OCCURRED ONE BY ONE. IT SEEMS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH CLOCK SPRING WHICH VW HAD RECALL IN 2015.
- 09/23/2014· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 2014 PASSAT. A MEMBER OF THE TIGUAN OWNERS GROUP ON FACEBOOK HAS REPORTED THAT HIS 2010 TIGUAN HAS THIS ISSUE. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS OFFICIALLY TRIED TO BLOW ME OFF AND MAKE ME GO AWAY. THIS ISSUE DOES NOT OCCUR EVERY TIME, USUALLY RANDOMLY OCCURRING BETWEEN 30-40% OF THE TIME. *TR
- 09/23/2014· AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
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
- 09/21/2020· POWER TRAIN
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 EXPRESSWAY, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209; (210) 828-1201) WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
- 09/17/2018· ENGINE
THE CAR STALLED, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STARTED AGAIN AND THEN RAN POORLY. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD IT TOWED TO THE GARAGE. THE TIMING CHAIN SLIPPED, CAUSING A MISFIRE IN ALL FOUR CYLINDERS. MECHANIC FOUND IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. VW REPLACED THIS TENSIONER IN NEW CARS AS OF JULY OF 2012, MY CAR WAS BUILT IN JUNE OF 2012. AS THE RESULT OF A LAWSUIT, VW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON MODELS THROUGH 2012, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE 2013 EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME FAULTY PART NUMBER. CAR IS STILL IN THE GARAGE 10 DAYS LATER, BUT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE $1,500-$2,000 REPAIR.
- 09/16/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER UNEXPECTEDLY AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,500.
- 09/12/2022· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
- 09/12/2014· SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V441000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR BECAUSE THERE WERE NO AVAILABLE APPOINTMENTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE JERKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,798. UPDATED 10/22/14*CN UPDATED 4/8/2015 *JS
- 09/08/2020· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
VOLKSWAGEN-TIGUAN, 2013 - CLOCK SPRING IS OUT. BY THE LOOK OF THE THE COMPLAINTS, THIS A COMMON PROBLEM. COST - $650 FOR REPLACEMENT - BUT, REPLACING CAN CAUSE A FURTHER PROBLEM ACCORDING TO LOCAL VK DEALER, WHERE THE WHOLE STEER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL HAVE ISSUES WHICH WILL LEAD TO ANOTHER $1500. DONT HAVE A CHOICE THAN TO FIX. A COST VK SHOULD BE PAYING FOR ON RECALL. OH WAIT MINE WAS NOT IN THE RECALL..PREVIOUSLY ALLOWED. OTHERS CONTINUE TO HAVE ISSUES.
- 09/04/2013· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR FAILED TO ENGAGE. ALSO, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE WHEN IN PARK. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
- 08/31/2021· ENGINE
Loss of power created by stuck waste gate actuator arm attached to the turbo. Lack of boost limited the vehicle's power while on the interstate which caused panic, but I was able to pull over and there was not an accident. Check engine light illuminated and the dealer informed me the turbo would need to be rebuilt and the price for that service is just above $3,000.
- 08/30/2014· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 OPERATING TO SPECS, POSSIBLE FUEL LEVEL WAS TOO LOW IN FUEL TANK, BUT VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OPERATING TO SPECS." THE INSTRUMENT PANEL READ RANGE: 85 MILES, WHICH, IN MY OPINION, DISCREDITS THE CONJECTURE THAT THE FUEL LEVEL IN FUEL TANK WAS TOO LOW. IS THERE A WAY TO FACILITATE RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE? IF SO PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
- 08/29/2013· PARKING BRAKECrash
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 THE SWITCH TRYING TO RELEASE THE BRAKE SO THE TOW OPERATOR COULD PULL IT UNTO THE FLAT BED OF THE TRUCK. IT WAS UNCLEAR HOW TO RELEASE THE BRAKE (I WAS UNABLE TO DO SO),OR HOW IT WAS INITIALLY ACTIVATED. THE SWITCH CAN BE PULLED UP, OR PUSHED DOWN, PRESUMABLY TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE THE BRAKE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED UNLIKE A PEDAL OR LEVER STYLE PARKING BRAKE, THERE IS NO WAY TO MODULATE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKING EFFORT. FROM WHAT I OBSERVED, IT APPEARS THE DRIVER GETS FULL BRAKING FORCE OR NONE AT ALL. THE LOCATION OF THE SWITCH MAKES IT EASY TO STRIKE ACCIDENTALLY EITHER BY REACHING FOR THE CUP HOLDER OR EVEN WHILE TRYING TO REPOSITION YOURSELF IN THE SEAT. *TT
- 08/26/2020· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
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.
- 08/24/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
- 08/24/2022· ENGINE
The turbo cracked with low mileage and regular maintenance destroying many engine components and causing the car to stop while driving. This is the 3rd instance my shop had seen with a Tiguan’s turbocharger cracking and destroying the engine for no clear reason.
- 08/23/2022· STEERING
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately at 70 MPH, the power steering failed. The contact had to use arm strength to pull the vehicle safely off the road. The contact stated she noticed a red warning light illuminated on the left side of the instrument panel. The contact was able to return the power steering function after waiting for about 20 minutes with the engine off. The contact stated that the power steering failure had also occurred at street speeds of approximately 30 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed that the failure was due to the vehicle battery and replaced the battery. The contact stated that the failure occurred again. The vehicle was not returned to the dealer and had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- 08/16/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS AND AIR BAGS DO NOT WORK. THIS IS A COMMONLY KNOWN ISSUE WITH VW FOR THE YEAR AND MODEL OF THIS VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH VW STATES THIS VIN IS OUTSIDE OF THE 'RECALLED GROUP', IT CLEARLY HAS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME RECALLED PARTS. THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING IS THE ISSUE THAT HAS WORN OUT AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND AIR BAGS IN THE STEERING WHEEL ARE NOW RENDERED USELESS. THE DEALERSHIP THEMSELVES HAVE TOLD ME THEY HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE ON NUMEROUS VW VEHICLES AND HAVE NOT EXPANDED THEIR RADIUS OF VINS INCLUDED IN THE FAULTY PARTS.
- 08/12/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN THE CAR STOPS COMPLETELY WHILE BEING RUN FOR A WHILE, EVERYTHING SHUT DOWNS COMPLETELY. NEED TO PLACE THE CAR IN "PARKING" AND RESTART THE CAR. THE CAR RESTARTS IMMEDIATELY. HOWEVER, THE SHUTDOWN CAN HAPPEN MORE THAN ONCE DURING THE SAME TRIP EVERY TIME IS STOPS COMPLETELY.
- 08/11/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
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 Electrical System Control Module (J519), CAN/LIN bus wiring, door control harnesses, and footwell circuits. Corrosion or shorting in these systems could lead to unpredictable failures in safety-critical functions, even if not immediately apparent. Although Volkswagen dealerships have cleaned the sunroof drains as part of routine service packages, no formal diagnosis or confirmation of the leak’s source has been made. Independent mechanics have confirmed clogged drains and flushed debris to restore water flow. In 2019, I replaced the windshield at my mechanic’s recommendation because the interior glass was frequently soaked with morning condensation. Despite these measures, the sunroof continues to leak whenever it rains. No warning lamps or dashboard messages have ever appeared related to this issue. The first visible symptom occurred several years ago—possibly as early as 2019—when water began leaking from the passenger-side sun visor and headliner immediately after a car wash. Given the persistent nature of the leak, the associated mold hazard, and the risk to vehicle electronics and occupant safety, I believe this defect warrants manufacturer accountability and recall consideration rather than a temporary repair.
- 08/11/2017· AIR BAGS
OUR VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2013 WAS RECALLED LAST YEAR FOR A FAULTY AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING WHICH, IF IT WENT OUT, CAUSED A LOSS OF THE DRIVERS FRONT AIRBAG AND ALSO USE OF THE HORN. OUR AIRBAG AND HORN FULLY WENT OUT AT THAT TIME, AND WE TOOK THE CAR IN AND HAD THE CLOCK SPRING REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. NOW, JUST MORE THAN A YEAR LATER, THE EXACT SAME THING HAS HAPPENED -- THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE OUT, THE HORN DOES NOT WORK NOR DO ANY OF THE ELECTRIC CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. WE CALLED OUR LOCAL VW DEALER IN STAMFORD CT ABOUT THIS-- THEY HAVE SAID THEY WILL CHARGE US FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THE REPAIR SINCE THE CAR IS CURRENTLY NOT RECALLED, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS ADDRESSED UNDER THE RECALL LAST YEAR. IN ADDITION, THE FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT THEY ARE OFFERING US IS 30 AUG -- TWO AND A HALF WEEKS FROM TODAY. THEY HAVE SAID WE COULD ALSO BRING THE CAR IN NOW, BUT THAT IT WILL TAKE THEM A WEEK OR MORE TO GET TO IT.
- 08/10/2014· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC WITH ME AND A TWO YEAR OLD STRAPPED IN HER SEAT. MOST HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE IN MY WHOLE 48 YEARS OF LIFE. YOUR DEALER DID NOTHING AND SAID IT'S ALL IN MY HEAD. CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES EVER SINCE FOR STALLING WHILE ME DRIVING! WILL START CLASS ACTION SUIT THROUGH AN ORLANDO LAW FIRM OF DEBAUBIEN, KNIGHT, MANZARIS, SIMMONS AND NEAL UNLESS CAR IS REPLACED. *TR
- 08/08/2017· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HARD STARTING 1ST THING AM.... SEEMS TO RUN OK AFTERWARD. VW SERIVCE TECH SAYS REAR FUEL PUMP AND SENSOR BAD..CAUSING ENGINE SPEED SENSOR TO MALFUNCTION. CAR STALLED ON FWAY TWICE TOO...
- 08/03/2020· AIR BAGS
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.