2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/25/2019· AIR BAGS

  I BEEN SENDING MESSAGES TO EXECUTIVEVOLKSWAGENOFNORTHHAVEN ABOUT THE RECENT RECALL OF MY 2016 VW TIGUAN. FOR SOME REASON IT'S BEEN A MONTH NOW AND STILL NO UPDATE ON THERE PART. I GAVE THEM THE MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER 69Z5 FOR THE FAULTY CAPACITOR IN THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE. THEY BEEN TELLING ME THAT THEY WILL CONTACT ME OR EMAIL ME BUT I NEVER RECEIVE OR GET ANY CALLS FROM THEM. I JUST WANT THIS RECALL TO BE FIX BECAUSE WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I WILL BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND MY AIR BAD DOESN'T WORK BECAUSE OF THIS RECALL.

• 12/20/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Leaking panoramic sunroof only when it rains. I have taken it for the 5th time and you can’t drive it in the morning or when any condensation comes inside because u can’t see out of the windows at all. It smells awful and it’s a lot of water! It has ruined the touchscreen . I have been paying out of pocket trying to get this fixed. There should be a recall!

• 12/05/2020· AIR BAGS

  AIRBAG ERROR MESSAGE POPPED UP IN CAR. NONE OF THE BUTTONS NOR HORN WORKS.

• 11/25/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  AFTER GETTING IN TO THE DRIVERS SEAT ON 11/24/2016 I SHUT THE DOOR AND THE WINDOW SHATTERED ONTO ME.THERE WAS PREVIOUSLY NOTHING WRONG WITH THE WINDOW. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET. I DO NOT HAVE AN INVOICE YET BECAUSE I DROPPED OFF MY CAR TODAY TO THE DEALERSHIP.

• 11/23/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  REAR DOOR THE REAR DOOR (LEFT) HAS A DEFECT. SINCE NEW IT HASN'T BEEN FIXED PROPERLY. LAST WEEK IT OPENED BY ITSELF WHILE RIDING OVER 45 MPH. WHEN IT HAPPENED THE DOOR INDICATOR WASN'T ON. NO INDICATION TO ME. EXCEPT FOR MY DAUGHTER SCREAMINGS. MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING NEXT TO THE DEFECTIVE DOOR WHEN IT HAPPENED. IT WAS SERVICED AT THE DELEARSHIP FOR THAT DOOR BUT IT STAYED THE SAME. IT DOESN'T CLOSE COMPLETELY.

• 11/19/2022· SUSPENSION,ENGINE

  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.

• 11/17/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A STRAIGHTAWAY WITH NO OTHER VEHICLE WITHIN APPROXIMATELY A HALF MILE TO THE FRONT OR REAR AND ALSO WITH NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IN THE OTHER LANE, MY SUNROOF LITERALLY EXPLODED. VISIBLE INSPECTION SHOWED THE CORNERS OF THE TEMPERED GLASS WERE ANGLED UPWARD INDICATING THAT THE GLASS BLEW OUTWARD AND NOT INWARD.

• 11/15/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  The clock spring part of the steering wheel has failed rendering all steering wheel controls and most importantly the air bag inoperable. This is a major safety hazard for the driver and ultimately passengers as well. This part has been a well known problem with this vehicle and has been covered under an extended warranty, yet Volkswagen refuses to make the part readily available to their customers who are under extended warranty coverage for said part. This is a major safety risk in that they are showing months long delays in getting parts forcing people to choose ability to get to work over safety. Volkswagen is wilfully exposing customers to undue safety compromises. Recall the car and make them fix this. And compensate owners.

• 11/03/2025· STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

  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 the engine and discovered various engine leaks. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000. The VIN was invalid.

• 11/03/2021· AIR BAGS

  I own a 2016 VW Tiguan.I bought in mid 2018 w/30k miles.The clock spring,which controls the drivers airbag,horn & all steering controls has broken 3 times.It has broken once per year since I have had.This is obviously due to a faulty part that keeps being reinstalled.I see years ago that over 1.2 million people w/VW's were affected.This issue should have been fixed the FIRST time when I brought it in w/74,000 miles on 12/18/2019 or perhaps fixed the SECOND time I brought it in w/95,000 miles on 7/31/2020.Now, it is broken AGAIN, a THIRD time and now I'm told too bad, its over 120,000 miles & no longer covered,when I came to bring in on 11/3/2021 (contacted you originally on 9/30/21).No one ever informed me of there being an extended warranty that only lasts until 120,000 miles. I drive 2.5 hours to make my appt & when I email you to notify you that I am going to be 15 minutes late,only then do I get a call from the service rep when I am down the block from the dealership. He proceeds to tell me that he doesn't have the part for the clock spring.That they are using something "new".I said why couldn't you have told me this earlier?Then the rep says, why don't you take your vehicle somewhere closer?I explained that I live in a rural area & that I have always brought my car to this facility & that this is the 3rd time for the same issue.Only then did he ask me the mileage of my vehicle & then began to say VW no longer covers the part.Well, it should have been fixed properly the 2 previous times.The clock ring has broken every year I have had the vehicle.If VW is indeed using a "new" part as the rep stated, then there must be a reason why. This is a safety issue.Due to reinstallation of a faulty part the clock spring continually breaks each year.VW & the dealership are aware that the part is faulty & this is why VW created an extended warranty on just the clock spring.When I stated this to the VW rep he stated that they cannot do anything about bad parts.Shame on VW

• 10/30/2019· AIR BAGS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V535000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF PERKIN AT (805)-642-6707 (LOCATED AT 3270 PERKIN AVE, VENTURA, CA 93003) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

• 10/26/2025· STEERING

  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.

• 10/26/2021· ENGINE

  2016 volkswagen tiguan 2.0 L combination timing chain and timing chain tensioner failure as diagnosed by the Volkswagen dealership. Caused the car to lose power immediately and misfire

• 10/26/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS OR HAZARD LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE. ALSO WIPERS TURN ON BY ITSELF OCASSIONALY.

• 10/20/2025· STEERING,AIR BAGS

  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 amount of money over an extended period of time to complete.

• 10/18/2019· AIR BAGS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V535000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. VOLKSWAGEN OF LAKE CHARLES (3850 GERSTNER MEMORIAL BLVD, LAKE CHARLES, LA 70607, (337) 419-1818) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

• 10/15/2024· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  My check engine light keeps turning on and off. I took it to the dealership and they gave me a list of things to fix in the future but nothing too serious. They fixed the intake manifold, which I was not aware or informed that it had a recall on it, and they cleaned the valves. They turned off the check engine light and when I picked up the car, it came back on. I informed them about it and they turned it off again. Then again it turned back on as soon as I left the dealership. They told me I had to change the oil and so I did but it turned on again. I tested it at auto zone and the reader said to change the camshaft position sensor and I did. The check engine light turned off and on again quickly. Then recently the steering wheel light turned on and locked the steering wheel.

• 10/14/2019· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  STEERING WHEEL BEGAN MAKING A CLICKING NOISE EVERY TIME I WOULD TURN THE WHEEL EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. THEN THE VOLUME AND SKIP BUTTONS STOPPED WORKING ON THE STEERING WHEEL, LEFT SIDE ONLY, THE RIGHT SIDE CONTROL BUTTONS ARE WORKING JUST FINE. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD AND MY STEERING WHEEL IS STILL CLICKING WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL. DOESN'T MATTER IF I'M ON THE FREEWAY OR IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, IT CLICKS NO MATTER WHAT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS NOT GONE OFF SINCE.

• 10/13/2022· AIR BAGS

  The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing, the vehicle emitted abnormal clicking sounds with the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the replacement part was on backorder. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

• 10/08/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 10/08/2019· STRUCTURECrash

  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 VEHICLES WITH WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE 2016 TIGUAN SHOULD BE ,BUT IS NOT ON THIS RECALL LIST. A PERSON FROM VW INFORMED ME THAT RECALL WAS FAIRLY NEW AND THE TIGUAN COULD END UP UNDER RECALL YET . SHOULD THEY WAIT UNTIL MORE TIGUANS HAVE ACCIDENTS? MY RESEARCH SHOWS THAT MANY MAKES AND MODEL VEHICLES HAVE LIGHTS OR ALARMS IN PLACE,INCLUDING SOME WHEN THE VEHICLE DOOR IS OPENED.

• 10/07/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  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.

• 10/06/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 10/04/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

  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 UPDATE ON THE DIAGNOSIS AND THEY TOLD ME THEY SUGGESTED A 100K MAINTENANCE SERVICE AND NEW BATTERY. THEY SAID THE BATTERY CAUSED THE SLOW START AND THEY CHECKED THE CODES AND IT SAID FAULT IN TIMING CORRELATION' WHICH WAS CAUSED BY LOW OIL PRESSURE AND THEY DIDN'T SEE OIL ON THE DIPSTICK. SO, I ASKED IF THE SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE WOULD FIX THE ISSUES AND IF THAT'S WHY THE SERVICE LIGHTS CAME ON AND SHE TOLD ME YES! I THEN WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET FINAL CLARIFICATION OF WHAT WAS GOING ON AND SHE TOLD ME AFTER THE MAINTENANCE EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND HE JUST NEEDED TO TEST DRIVE IT AND I COULD COME BACK IN AN HOUR. SO SHE CALLED AFTER AN HOUR AND SAID THEY FINISHED AND I COULD GET MY CAR. I PAID THEM AND SHE TOLD ME THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS AND I WOULD PROBABLY NEED REAR TIRES AND BRAKES AND AN OIL CHANGE AND THE 110K MILE SERVICE IN A YEAR OR 10K MILES- WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. I GOT IN THE CAR AND BEFORE I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON. I GOT OUT, WENT BACK INSIDE AND TOLD HER AND SHE TOLD ME THEY NEEDED TO PULL IT BACK AROUND AND I LEFT WITH MY MOM AND SHE CALLED HOURS LATER AND SAID I NEEDED A TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER. I ASKED WHY THEY DIDN'T SEE THAT BEFORE AND SHE SAID THEY HADN'T LOOKED AT IT CLOSELY ENOUGH. THEN SAID SHE'LL CALL BACK TOMORROW

• 09/23/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  As I was driving on the Long Island Expressway at 50mph, there was a sudden VERY loud explosion that sounded like a gun shot. I thought perhaps a tire had blown out but then I heard air rushing by. My sunroof had spontaneously exploded!

• 09/20/2021· VISIBILITY

  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.

• 09/17/2023· AIR BAGS

  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.

• 09/17/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Front portion of panoramic sunroof shattered-sounded like an explosion. Had the fabric sunscreen not been in place, vehicle occupants would have been severely cut by glass shards. The vehicle has not been inspected by dealer, repair facility, law enforcement or insurance. This happened in a rural part of Iowa and we chose to make it home (to beat incoming rain). There was no impact and no previous damage on this sunroof. Unit was in the closed position and no mechanical or physical defects visible. There were no warning lights and symptoms of the problem prior to failure.

• 09/10/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  CAR DOES NOT GIVE WARNING IF THE CAR IS NOT IN PARK SO IT ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVE INTIO THE STREET. HIT NEIGHBORS FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY PARKED IN MY DRIVE THE ENGINE WAS OFFF. I REMOVE ITEMS THE CAR AND IT WAS NOT MOVING WENT INSIDE TO GET MY DOG CAME OUT AND MY CAR WAS ACCROSS THE STREET AND HAD TO HIT A FENCE. ALSO THE CAR SLIDES ON WET PAVEMENT. L

• 09/06/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  The clockspring has failed, and all electronics in the steering column do not work, including the horn (as well as cruise control, radio volume, channel, etc). It is also believed the air bag(s) will not deploy in a crash. The clockspring failure has been verified by the local VW dealership. The part has not been available from VW for over 2 months(!), and now my vehicle's safety inspection has expired and the car is not legally drivable on public roads (in Virginia) (and VW will not provide or pay for alternative transportation). VW can not provide and ETA for when this critical safety part will be available.

• 08/27/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  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.

• 08/22/2022· AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The clockspring failed at under 62,000 miles. Air bag light came on, steering controls stopped working, and horn stopped working. Lots of other VWs have had clockspring issues--wondering why this is not included yet?

• 08/10/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  Unknown. Airbag sign went on, Clock does not work, seems like electrical problem.

• 08/08/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  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 faulty part, the manufacturer VW should be responsible for the costs of repairing the issue and maintaining the drivability of my car.

• 07/29/2019· AIR BAGS

  I BROUGHT MY TIGUAN USED. DON'T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT.

• 07/23/2019· AIR BAGS

  TURNING WHEEL TO PARK HEARD CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL AND THEN AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. ALSO DISCOVERED THAT CONTROLS ON STEERING WHEEL STOPPED FUNCTIONING INCLUDING HORN.

• 07/22/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  Clock spring in steering wheel failed and the airbag, horn and steering wheel controls no longer work on my daughter's Tiguan which is still under warranty. ( a very expensive extended warranty) Volkswagon is no longer manufacturing the part, so the only way to repair the car is to replace the whole steering wheel column which costs 5 times as much.(So they don't want to fix it that way) I was told they have multiple cars sitting on their lot since last year waiting for that part, but from what I heard from a mechanic/parts guy is VW is just simply no longer making that part and stringing their customers along saying it is "backordered". The warranty is not being honored. The car is sitting at the dealership collecting dust. They will not provide me with a loaner, or reimburse me for a rental car.

• 07/20/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The car died while driving 3 times in 2 weeks. The gas pedal loses pressure, the vehicle is still on. I had to slow down put the car in park and restart the engine. This happened at speeds around 25-40 miles an hour, including on the freeway and when my [XXX] permitted daughter was driving. This problem has been taken to a WV dealership, they are not able to find the problem and are still looking. The way they are trying to discover the issue is by driving the car until it happens to them. Obviously a car stopping while driving is an insane danger to everyone on the road. This seems to be a known issue on the VW forums. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 07/20/2022· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  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.

• 07/19/2025· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  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 informed that the vehicle now requires a full engine decarb and replacement of all four fuel injectors, at a total cost of $3,296. This raises several serious concerns: •Carbon buildup this severe at such low mileage is not typical wear and tear. It indicates a design flaw in the TSI direct-injection engine. •My extended warranty provider refuses to cover the repair, citing that it is a maintenance issue—conveniently shifting the responsibility away from the manufacturer. •This type of engine failure can result in dangerous performance issues, including: •Sudden engine misfires •Loss of power while accelerating •Poor fuel economy •Stalling or hesitation while merging or turning •Catalytic converter damage •Potential long-term engine failure I am stunned that this is not considered a safety issue worthy of recall, especially given the number of reports online and in service centers regarding this exact problem. The symptoms of carbon buildup can easily result in on-road danger to the driver and others. What’s most disheartening is that Volkswagen has long been aware of this flaw, yet no recall or extended warranty has been offered for affected consumers. I previously owned a 2015 Passat and was a loyal VW owner—but now, as a single mother, I am expected to pay nearly $3,300 for a repair tied to poor engineering and design, not misuse or neglect.

• 07/19/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving, the horn and radio became inoperable. The TPMS and airbag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

• 07/18/2018· WHEELS,ENGINE

  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.

• 07/16/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Every time it rains it gets in my vehicle! I have taken it in to an auto shop and they can’t find the leak . I just noticed a smell and finally found that the floor board gets wet . Now I see mildew inside and I don’t know what to do…. I have an idea that it could be the panoramic sunroof, but I don’t know it only gets wet at the bottom of the car and depending on how bad it rains that’s how much water is inside and I think there should be a recall on this matter, it’s beyond ridiculous, and I have read so much about it and I think it’s the sunroof and the tubes shrunk. I don’t know how to fix that and I haven’t gotten any help from any other shop. They cannot tell me what it is and the only thing that is left is for me to have it ripped apart but if they have shrunk I can’t do anything about that. Also, I’ve heard this by so many different people that own the same kind of vehicle. Please.help!

• 07/12/2026· ENGINE

  * 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 repair shops for additional inspections. All three repair shops independently diagnosed the issue as being related to the engine and stated that if the engine is not replaced, the engine oil loss problem will not be resolved. I returned to Volkswagen Glendale on June 27, 2026. During this second visit, I was informed that the oil leak was coming from the oil pan area and that components including the oil pan, bolts, sealant, oil level sensor, and gaskets required repair. The technicians raised the vehicle and carefully inspected the entire underside. They reported that there was no visible engine oil leak and no evidence of oil escaping from the oil pan. I took the picture that there is no visible engine oil leak at the repair shop. I am deeply concerned that: * I am concerned about having to continuously add engine oil (1 gallon every two months) because the vehicle keeps losing oil. *I am concerned that the engine may seize due to low oil levels, which could cause the vehicle to break down while I am driving. Specifically, I request: Due to this engine problem and the ongoing engine oil loss issue, I respectfully request that the engine be replaced to resolve the problem and prevent potential safety risks. After reviewing the information above, could you please provide me with the claim number? I would appreciate your assistance. Thank you.

• 07/11/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Unknown Water leaking from sunroof affecting the electrical components and now sunroof won’t open or close at all.

• 07/10/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  My hood latch has failed. It sometimes appears latched, but actually is not and other times it doesn’t even look like it’s latched at all. There is in fact, a hood latch recall for this year make and model of vehicle, however, my vehicle is not on the list recalled. I believe the current recall for this year making model is not inclusive of all affected VIN numbers!!!!

• 07/05/2020· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THE MOON ROOF SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED WHILE DRIVING ON THE I-95 WHILE IN MOTION TRAVELING FROM NY TO FLA. I BELIEVE DUE TO EXTENSIVE HEAT, THEN A SMALL 3 MINUTE EAST COAST RAIN STORM. NOTHING HIT IT, IT WAS NOT IN USE, NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. THE MOONROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED INTO A GAZILLION LITTLE GLASS PIECES SENDING SHARDS OF GLASS LITERALLY EVERYWHERE, INCLUDING EMBEDDED IN MY ARMS, NECK, BACK, HANDS, LEGS, AND FEET AND COVERING MY SCALP AND COVERING EVERY SURFACE AND CREVICE WITH TINY SHARDS OF GLASS. I WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF SC WITH NO SUPPORT FROM VW, AND NEEDED TO PURCHASE A HOTEL FOR 2 NIGHTS STAY. I ALSO HAVE SMALL CHILDREN THAT I HAVE IN THE VEHICLE OFTEN WHO LUCKILY DURING THIS TRIP WE'RE NOT IN THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO DONE FURTHER RESEARCH THAT VW HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS SPONTANEOUS EXPLODING MOONROOF DEFECT AND HAS NOT RECALLED THESE MODELS. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THIS AS VW IS AWARE OF THIS AND NEGLECTED TO TELL ME UPON PURCHASE 6 MONTHS AGO. AS OF RIGHT NOW VW CORPORATE HAS NOT MADE URGENCY OF THIS DEVASTATING AND TRAUMATIC MATTER.

• 07/02/2022· AIR BAGS

  Air bag light on due to recall, dealership cannot fix because the part is out of stock and there is no ETA.

• 06/27/2019· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  CLICKING NOISE FROM STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. ERROR AIRBAG MESSAGE LATER APPEARED ALONG WITH AIRBAG NOTIFICATION LIGHT. FUNCTIONS IN STEERING WHEEL CEASE TO WORK INCLUDING THE HORN. NOTICED IN MOTION ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET.

• 06/27/2016· SERVICE BRAKES

  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 SERVICE, MY CARS HAD 3943 MILES WITH DRIVING WITH LESS THAN 10 MONTHS. ON AVERAGE DRIVE ABOUT 394 PER MONTH AND ~100 PER WEEK. I STRONGLY QUESTION ON WHAT KIND OF MATERIAL VOLKSWAGEN USE CAUSING THE PAD AND ROTORS RUST EASILY. PLUS VOLKSWAGEN STATED ROTORS AND PADS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, REPLACEMENT IS UNDER OWNER EXPENSE.