2015 Volkswagen Tiguan

Routine

Owners filed 62 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid. Which Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
51,524 milesMedian miles at failure

34 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan problems

26 of the 62 complaints (42%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags24
103
Electrical System11
010
Unknown or Other7
000
Service Brakes · brakes5
000
Engine4
000
Structure › Body · body and frame3
000
Steering2
000
Power Train · transmission2
000
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette · airbags2
000
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly1
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module19V535000
Filed Jul 17, 201927,822 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.

Risk. Deactivated air bags increases the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Z5.

Unknown or Other18V329000
Filed May 16, 2018252 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 › Side/Window16V045000
Filed Jan 28, 2016734 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 15, 2015, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver and front seat passenger seat-mounted air bag inflators that may rupture in the event of a crash.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of a seat-mounted air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69M1 (for Audi) and 69L9 (for VW).

Equipment › Other › Labels15V311000
Filed May 26, 20152,957 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 22, 2015, to March 20, 2015. These vehicles may be equipped with Certification labels that are missing the required tire pressure information and they may state incorrect weight and loading information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Risk. If the labels have incorrect weight and loading information, the operator may overload the vehicle which could cause vehicle instability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will correct the information on the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01A5.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Aug 30, 2025UT

Epc light is on

Steering
Filed May 7, 2025FL

We are experiencing a recurring safety issue with our 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. Upon startup, the power steering warning light consistently illuminates and remains on for 5 to 30 minutes. During this time, the vehicle has no functional power steering, making it extremely difficult and unsafe to drive—particularly in residential areas or parking lots where maneuverability is essential. Once the light goes out, steering returns to normal. This occurs regardless of outside temperature or driving conditions and is now happening daily. This presents a serious safety concern, especially if immediate vehicle use is required or if it occurs in traffic.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 26, 2024GA

Car was recently repaired from a deer related accident. Within a week of getting car back I heard an unwinding like sound from steering wheel area while making a left hand turn into parking lot. My airbag light came on and all steering wheel functions like buttons and horn ceased to operate. I did see that this year Tiguan did have an airbag recall.

Engine
Filed Oct 2, 2024AK

Premature timing chain failure (at 70,000 miles). Regularly maintenanced. Confirmed by mechanic. Check engine light notified 2 months prior to failure.

Air Bags
Filed May 9, 2024NY

Our 2015 Tiguan has consistently had issues with the clock spring. We are now needing a third clock spring only 6 months from the last warranty repair. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. This issue is serious due to the airbag being non operational until we get this fixed. Additionally, the horn ceases to work as well, which although its not as serious as our airbag not working, its still nice to have it as a safety tool to indicate your presence to other drivers on the road. I'm not sure if the component has been inspected by the manufacturer or anyone else. We have had a warranty repair on it through the dealership so they verified this was an issue that needed replacing. Until the issue occurs there are no warning lights or anything to notify you from the cars system. There is however an audible "clicking" sound as you turn the steering wheel. The sound usually occurs sporadically for a short while before the clock spring breaks again. Upon breaking, you can hear a slightly louder click or pop and a notification/indicator comes up on the dash to indicate that the airbag is not operational.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 25, 2024TN

Car stalled while driving on the highway. No warning codes and mechanics cannot find a reason. This has happened twice before in past year with warning codes but all have been addressed yet it has stalled again with no code now. This has been costly, very dangerous and cannot feel safe driving.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 15, 2023FL

Airbag light comes on indicating that the airbags are not functioning properly per the instrument panel. A recall item on this particular model not listed under my VIN number, however, it is, I didn’t quote the complaints from other VW Tiguan who have experienced the same thing. Apparently this was a recall item that happened in November 2019. The first time my instrument Dental started indicating any issues was after it was serviced July 2021 although it was intermittent. Eventually it became an everyday thing. The airbags are always an indicator and every third start up will trigger intermittent signals that clear once the vehicle is turned off and turned back on yet airbag warnings are still adamant. Be present anytime the vehicle is in the on position.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 23, 2023CT

Repeated failure of EPS system causing highway breakdowns - detail in attachment

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 16, 2023IL

The manufactured rear camera and lock. Have been having water leaking in do to improper placing of lock and camera. It has stop working.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 15, 2023NV

Eagle valley motors sold me an unsafe car I kept telling them that the brakes were bad the transmission fluid was dark and the engine oil was black the tires were bad it was in real bad need of a tuneup I wrote and told the bbb about it and they did absolutely nothing I told Carlos he will lie about it just like how they lied to the bbb about getting in touch with me these people need to be out of business they put profits over people and they’re safety and I’m not the only one they’ve done this to I want all my money back I put close to $2000 dollars in this car 600 For the tires 703.76 for the brakes and tuneup 247.82 for the transmission 117.00 for the oil change they lied and said all that was taken care of bologna it wasn’t I have pictures of all that they said they did and did not I’m out a lot of money because of them I’m a senior on a super fixed income and they took total advantage of me a senior and they put profits over my safety as well as my Family and Friends and my Service Animal i want to pursue this these people need to be held accountable for doing this not only to me but others as well and if You can’t help me please get me someone who can Thank You for your help time and service I really appreciate it I wanted to upload more photos the brake photos and tires it wouldn’t let me I have them and I want You all to have them

Electrical System
Filed Oct 19, 2022HI

I have a 2015 VW Tiguan, VIN: [XXX]. The Steering Wheel Clock Spring has gone bad causing multiple failure lights to come on and has also caused the car to be difficult to drive. Especially the steering. Most of the systems themselves are not failing, it is just the Clock Spring giving faulty readings to the car's computer. The lights that are on are the Green Break light, the Yellow Airbag and safety belt pretensioner system malfunction, and the Yellow Steering Wheel System light. The cause of this Clock Spring failure was because the car battery died. After we replaced the battery, the warning lights came on. The dealer had said it was the Steering Wheel Clock Spring that is causing all the system lights to come on. The dealer made me pay for the replacement ahead of time because he said that there was a long waiting list for the part that was being manufactured in Ukraine (?). [XXX]i is the service manager that made me pay for the future warranty repair. The local VW dealership in Waipio has made it extremely difficult to get this repaired under warranty or by a recall. I did get a notice for a class action lawsuit opened against VW and this issue. There is also an extended warranty repair, except my VW had too many miles (88K), and they said this year was skipped over for some reason. The Lawsuit is Water Pump Settlement 7577, PO Box 2636, Faribault, MN, 55021-9636. The attorney handling the case is [XXX]. I did not sign up for this lawsuit because again the year 2015 Tig

Air Bags
Filed Aug 23, 2022MA

The clock spring went out on my car. This is a known defect at VW. My horn and airbags do not work now. Both are essential to safe driving. The part is backordered and people have been waiting for months. VW is letting people drive in death traps vehicles and recklessly allowing people to put themselves in danger because they cannot afford new vehicles nor will VW provide rental cars while the part is on backorder. We need help. VW has a reputation for taking advantage of these situations and doing nothing. Please help us. VW won't.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 22, 2022TX

The airbag clock spring on my 2015 Tiguan broke in June. The car has a warranty extension for this failure, but no parts are in stock. It has now been 2 months and neither the dealer (Hendrick VW in Frisco, TX) nor VW Customer "Care" can help. There is not even a date for the replacement part available. My daughter is (was) the main driver and I don't want her driving an unsafe vehicle without horn / airbag. Worse, the registration has now expired, as the car can't pass the State Safety inspection required to renew the sticker. Car is now just parked until further notice.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 21, 2022MN

My 2015 VW Tiguan has a broken clock spring. The clock spring functions to control the airbag deployment, horn and dashboard screen controls. This is a significant safety risk, as the steering wheel airbag will not deploy in a crash. A certified Volkswagen technician diagnosed the issue at a VW dealership. The airbag dashboard light is on, indicating that the airbag will not deploy in a crash. No warnings prior to failure, car operated well, with no issues before this was reported. Volkswagen is aware of the issue. They will be able to fix it, under warranty, but the parts are on backorder with no ETA as parts are manufactured in the Ukraine. This is a widespread issue across many VW models and model years. My car is not identified in the recall and there are thousands of cars waiting for the same repair. A recall should be issued. Having a safety issue like this, with no proposed time for resolution is unacceptable.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette
Filed Jun 28, 2022WA

Broken clock spring affecting all collision safety systems such as airbag deployment and collision avoidance like horn and cruise control along wiht computer functions controlled exclusivley through the steering wheel.

Steering
Filed Jun 24, 2022TX

While driving steering became very stiff and I could not turn the car. The red steering icon lit up on the dashboard and a gurgling sound was coming out from underneath the dash. The car only has 50,000 miles and I have never experienced a steering problem the car was nearly underivable. I took it to the dealer and they stated there was a 50851 Fault Torque Sensor Reading out of range and the steering rack had to be replaced with updated harness tierods and related hardware

Electrical System
Filed Jun 2, 202267,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the horn became inoperable. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 11, 2022GA

Airbag light comes on. There has been no accident to cause this

Air Bags
Filed May 3, 2022TX

Airbag error light has been on since February 2022, clockspring malfunctioned and is covered under warranty. There are no loaner cars available forcing me to drive an unsafe vehicle with no airbags. The part has been on back order with no estimated date of arrival.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 18, 2022FL

While driving in a congested area of Jacksonville, FL a small child pulled bike from behind another vehicle, I attempted to sound my horn in an attempt to get the child’s attention or that of the other driver. The horn failed. I continued to try and nothing. I noticed the airbag light on. I called the VW dealership and was told this is a problem with the clock spring in the steering wheel behind the airbag. This part controls all the functions of the steering wheel. He also mentioned NHTSA has several complaints and the warranty was extended to 120,000 miles. This is relatively a low threshold as more and more people are keeping cars longer with cost. I have 121,190 miles on my Tiguan and am told this is an $800 fix. It is only a miracle this child was not killed. I would be curious how many have been injured, or killed, and the faulty spring has not been pinpointed. I believe this is and immediate threat to safety as one cannot be sure if the airbag will work nor can you summons help with the panic feature as the horn does not work. I believe an immediate recall should be issued regardless of mileage.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette
Filed Mar 3, 202274,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel clock spring needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the parts for repair were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 1, 2022NY

The clock spring broke very suddenly over two months ago. The airbag light came on and the steering wheel started to make a twisting noise when I turned it. My steering wheel controls and horn stopped working. The VW dealer diagnosed the problem as the clock spring, and stated that they would order the part and it would be replaced for free since it was part of a recall. The dealer has been unable to get the part for two months with no delivery date in sight. The inconvenience of not being able to access bluetooth and steering wheel controls is an annoyance, but not having a functioning horn has been a huge liability. In that time, I have nearly been hit by other drivers twice, and was unable to alert them with my horn. One of those events was almost a head on collision...the oncoming car drifted into my lane because the driver was looking at her phone. I was able to swerve onto the shoulder to avoid an accident. I was lucky that there were no obstructions or pedestrians. My car is unsafe to drive and yet I have no other option.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 17, 2022NJ

This morning I realized that my spring clock isn’t working. My air bag light is on saying error air bag. I have no controls on my steering wheel.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 26, 2021CA

When I press the unlock button on the remote fob, all the doors unlock except the drivers door. I then have to open the rear door, reach the handle on the drivers door and open it. The VW Dealer want $245.00 just to find the problem.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 20, 2021MD

VW panoramic roof was leaking behind plastic and roof covering without visible signs to the floor . We only figure it out after 3 years . Electric failure noticed after a year of ownership . Keyless entry , stop / start engine and what most dangerous car stoped in the middle of the street /fortunately not busy street . And it took a while to start engine again. Also fire hazard because electric damaged by the water . There was recall because of fire hazard in VW Tiguan 2015 and panoramic roof issue but notes was sent only a few customers . At least 10 lawsuits was filed already . VW refuse to fix the problem . And we don't have money to fix it because its not just about roof leak but electric , carpet fool of mold and other water damage and cost of fixing it will exceed the cost of this car . Technically it's flooded car because of manufacturer defect . Car has only 58000 miles.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 28, 2021FL

Daughter bought this car awhile ago...already she s having problem with the air bag(1300.00)to fix and make payments on it too.it sitting on the property where she got it from..

Air Bags
Filed Jun 13, 2021MS

My vehicle is experiencing multiple issues and I’m certain it has been hacked. All began happening around the same time. The front passenger seat air bag goes off and on with or without a person sitting in it. The voice activation prompt goes off on its own, the battery drains for no apparent reason, I get messages all at once (drivers side auto operation console) all go off back to back and then all messages go off at once and it dies. The car is running poorly (sputtering, very heavy pull on the engine). The temperature and miles left before gas tank is empty is completely off most of the time. I can fill my gas tank up and it should be around 480 miles and go down as driven, but I will show less than that (for example 360) and then as I drive it will go up by a few miles vs down and it isn’t dependable at all. I am a terrified single mother and have a child. I want this car inspected. Please help me. We do not feel safe and I feel forced to drive this car. Thank you

Power Train
Filed May 17, 2021HI

After the battery on the car died, the steering wheel clock spring failed. After replacing the clock spring, it was unable to be programed through authorized VW repair shop. This has been subject for a recall for previous models and is a known problem in current models. There have also been problems with the car shifting into neutral by itself while driving on the freeway.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 7, 202175,500 milesIL

POWER STEERING FAILURE. LESS THAN 80K MILES. WENT TO THE GAS STATION. CAME OUT AND THE POWER STEERING WENT ON VEHICLE. POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. VERY HARD TO STEER. WAS RUNNING FINE BEFOREHAND. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK

Air Bags
Filed Jan 2, 2021141,000 milesTN

I WAS TURNING AND A CRACK SOUND CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, TURNING THE CAR CAUSED THE CLOCK SPRING TO BREAK. AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, HORN DOESN'T WORK, NO CONTROLS ON STEERING WHEEL WORK. KNOWN ISSUE BUT THEY STOPPED RECALLS AT 2014 MODELS BUT SHOULD STILL HAVR RECALLS FOR LATER YEARS, SAME ISSUE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 27, 202060,100 milesSC

AIR BAG ERROR. TOOK IT TO JIFFU LUBE AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 202075,000 milesGA

PASSENGER SEATBELT LOCKS UP UNNECESSARILY. THE SEATBELT LOCKS UP ON THE PASSENGER WITHOUT BEING ENGAGED BY ANY OTHER SOURCE OR ACTION. ENTIRE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING... NO ELECTRICAL, POWER STEERING, ACCELERATOR N ETC. ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER AND FLASH AND THE GAUGE NEEDLES SWING BACK AND FORTH FROM MINIMUM TO MAXIMUM POSITIONS. *TR

Engine
Filed May 27, 202054,000 milesNC

MISFIRE ON COLD STARTS. *TR

Engine
Filed Apr 19, 202047,000 milesWA

THE ENGINE STARTED TO SHAKE AND WOULD ACT LIKE IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER , THEN IT BROKE DOWN ON US ON A ROAD TRIP , GOT IT TOWED AND FIXED BUT THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPEN AGAIN COUPLE MONTHS AFTER OF GETTING IT FIXED , AND NOW IT'S LEAKING OR SMELLING LIKE GASOLINE LEAKING INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR THROUGH THE AIR VENTS AND WHEN YOU LIFT THE HOOD. EACH TIME WE NOTICED THE PROBLEM WE WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BUT IMMEDIATELY STOPPED ONCE WE NOTICE THE SMELL OF GAS.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 24, 201963,500 milesCA

AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT ON, CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL, HORN STOPPED WORKING, BUTTONS ON RIGHT SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING, DISPLAY STUCK ON BLUETOOTH PHONE CONNECTION

Air Bags
Filed Dec 20, 2019OH

WHILE SLOWLY TURNING LEFT TO PARK AT A GAS STATION I HEARD A "SNAP" AND FOUND THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND NONE OF THE CONTROLS ON MY STEERING WHEEL WERE WORKING. AFTERWARDS I NOTICED A CONSISTENT CLICKING NOISE WHENEVER I WOULD TURN THE WHEEL. AFTER RESEARCHING I AM CONFIDENT THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE RIBBON WIRE LEADING DOWN THE STEERING COLUMN FROM THE CLOCK SPRING. MANY OTHER VOLKSWAGEN MODELS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. MINE HAS NOT YET BEEN RECALLED AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS A 2015 MODEL THAT I PURCHASED IN MARCH OF 2018 AND THE ISSUE OCCURRED 6 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Nov 8, 201936,000 milesDC

MY CAR ACCIDENTALLY REAR-ENDED ANOTHER CAR, AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR CAR IS SUBJECT TO A RECALL FOR AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING; HOWEVER, MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. DURING THE COLLISION, MY BODY HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND/OR SEAT BELT (WHICH LOCKED) AND I FRACTURED MY STERNUM IN THE ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING 20-25 MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON A CITY STREET JUST BEFORE THE COLLISION. I'M NOT SURE WHAT SPEED THE CAR WAS GOING AT IMPACT, AS I HAD ENGAGED THE BRAKES. IT SEEMS LIKE THE DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE CAR HOOD, FRONT BUMPER, AND DRIVER SIDE FENDER WERE ALL DAMAGED; THERE ALSO IS MECHANICAL DAMAGE THAT IS STILL BEING ASSESSED.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 27, 2019105,000 milesGA

MY CAR WAS PARKED IN A PUBLIC AREA AND CAUGHT FIRE AFTER I GOT OUT OF IT ON A CITY STREET

Air Bags
Filed Oct 9, 201965,500 milesFL

STEERING WHEEL HAS CONTROLS THAT NO LONGER FUNCTION, THE HORN IS NON-FUNCTIONING AND CAN NOT BE USED TO ALERT A CAR WHEN DANGER IS EMINENT, SUCH AS BACKING UP WITH BYPASSING CARS, CARS IMPROPERLY CHANGING LANES OR DRIFTING INTO LANE, ALSO THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND THE CAR DISPLAYS ERROR AIRBAG MESSAGE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 18, 2019138,000 milesIN

MY AIR BAG ERROR LIGHT CAME ON AT ABOUT 138,000 MILES WHILE MY CAR WAS IN MOTION, IN THE MIDDLE OF MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A CITY STREET ONTO A SIDE STREET. THE HORN AND OTHER CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DO NOT WORK NOW. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE COMPANY TO EXTEND A WARRANTY THAT ENDED AT 120,000 RATHER THAN ISSUING A RECALL. MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG NO LONGER WORKS AND MY HORN NO LONGER WORKS, BOTH ARE SAFETY ISSUES. THE COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 31, 201967,142 milesNY

CAR STATIONARY, ATTEMPT MADE TO TURN ON 2015 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN, ON THE DASHBOARD, THE TERM "ERROR: AIRBAG" CAME UP. ASSESSING ISSUE, OWNER WENT TO CHECK THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE HORN DOES NOT WORK WHICH CAN POSE A VERY DANGEROUS HAZARD WHEN DRIVING RESULTING IN BEING UNABLE TO ALERT DRIVERS OF THE CARS PRESENCE WHEN CHANGING LANES ETC. ELECTRONIC CONTROLS ON DRIVING WHEEL DO NOT WORK RESULTING IN BEING UNABLE TO CONTROL HANDS FREE OPTION WHEN USING CALL FEATURE, OR OTHER FEATURES RESULTING IN DISTRACTED DRIVING AND COMPROMISING PASSENGERS SAFETY.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 13, 201944,500 milesCA

THE PARKING BRAKE IS PERMANENTLY SHORTED OUT. I BOUGHT THIS AS A USED CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR. CHRONIC PROBLEMS WITH GENERAL BRAKING SYSTEM. SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. EXAMPLE: MY RADIO WILL MOT STAY OFF, WHEN CAR IS PARKED, KEY REMOVED AND ALARM IS SET. RADIO STILL RUNS. I GET THE MESSAGE "CANNOT READ SD CARD" ON THE CONSOLE. I HAVE HAD TO JUMP MY BRAND NEW BATTETY 10-15 TIMES. THAT IS LESS THAN SIX MONTHS OLD. VW AMERICA HAS IGNORED MY REQUESTS FOR HELP, AND IT ALLEGEDLY IS STILL UNDER THE COP WARRANTY AND UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY AS WELL. THE CAR IS UNSTABLE ON THE FREEWAY, DOESN'T STEER WELL AND I'M AFRAID I'LL HAVE A SEVERE ACCIDENT.

Engine
Filed Mar 11, 201972,000 milesPA

THESE ENGINES ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CARBON BUILD-UP, WHICH MAKE THEM RUN EXTREMELY ROUGH, JERK, MISFIRE, AND OVERALL CANNOT GET UP TO SPEED WHEN COLD. THIS IS DANGEROUS, A WASTE SINCE MPG FALLS DRASTICALLY, AND COULD RESULT AN ACCIDENT. OVER NORMAL WEAR AT 70,000 MILES, MY TIGUAN NEEDED A MANUAL CARBON BUILD-UP REMOVAL FROM THE ENGINE CYLINDERS. THIS SERVICE COST OVER $1,200 FROM THE DEALER, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURE/ENGINEERING DEFECT! THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN ONLINE FROM OTHER VW OWNERS AND THE DEALERS, AS THE SERVICE ADVISERS KNOW RIGHT AWAY WHEN YOU DESCRIBE THE SYMPTOMS. PLEASE, HELP!

Seats1 injured
Filed Feb 7, 201952,000 milesTX

THE PASSENGER SEAT BURNT MY BUTT FROM THE SEAT HEATER IT TOOK MY SKIN OFF MY BUTTOCKS AND VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES ON HIGHWAY.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 4, 201837,000 milesMI

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH, THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF IMPLODED, SHOWERING THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WITH SHARDS AND CHUNKS OF GLASS OF ALL SIZES. WE WERE IN THE STATE OF OHIO, NEAR THE CITY OF ATHENS ON STATE HIGHWAY 124. WE DID NOT GO UNDER AN OVERPASS OR BRIDGE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 2, 201859,000 milesGA

VOLKSWAGEN HAS A RECALL FOR MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES INCLUDING THE 2011- 2014 TIGUAN DUE TO FAULTY CLOCK SPRINGS. THE VEHICLE WE HAVE IS A 2015 TIGUAN WHICH HAS ALSO SUFFERED A CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. THE EARLIER RECALL HASN'T COMPLETELY FIXED THE ISSUE AND SHOULD BE PROBABLY BE EXTENDED TO ADDITIONAL VEHICLES INCLUDING THE 2015 TIGUAN. IT'S A COSTLY REPAIR AND ONE THAT SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS FINE ONE MOMENT AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST DISCOVERED WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY AND MAKING TURNS IN A PARKING LOT ON 8/5/2018 "NHTSA HAS RECEIVED 90 COMPLAINTS OF CLOCKSPRING FAILURE SINCE THE 2015 RECALL, INCLUDING SEVERAL THAT WERE MADE AFTER THE REMEDY OF THE 2015 RECALL, INDICATING THE EARLIER RECALL HADN'T SOLVED THE ISSUE FOR ALL VEHICLES. THE 2015 RECALL INVOLVED 2011-14 MODEL YEAR GOLF, GTI, JETTA AND TIGUAN, 2010-14 MODEL YEAR PASSAT AND CC, 2012-14 MODEL YEAR JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND 2010-13 MODEL YEAR EOS CARS. THE FACT THAT AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN ORDERED DOES NOT MEAN THAT ANOTHER RECALL WILL FOLLOW; AN INVESTIGATION IS TYPICALLY FOLLOWED BY AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND THEN A RECALL IF THE ISSUE WARRANTS IT. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOUR VEHICLE MAY HAVE THIS ISSUE, YOU CAN CONTACT NHTSA AT SAFERCAR.GOV TO FILE A COMPLAINT." SOURCE: JAY RAMEY, ASSOCIATE EDITOR WITH AUTOWEEK READ MORE: HTTPS://AUTOWEEK.COM/ARTICLE/RECALLS/NHTSA-INVESTIGATE-415000-VW-VEHICLES-AIRBAG-ISSUE#IXZZ5PYPQQEJM READ MORE: HTTPS://AUTOWEEK.COM/ARTICLE/RECALLS/NHTSA-INVESTIGATE-415000-VW-VEHICLES-AIRBAG

Air Bags
Filed Jun 3, 201891,000 milesME

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DO NOT WORK, AND THE HORN WILL NOT WORK.

Air Bags
Filed May 15, 201840,000 milesCA

OCT 19TH, 2017 CLOCK SPRING BROKE, WHILE EXITING OUT OF PARKING LOT, FOLLOWED BY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT APPEARING ON DASHBOARD, ALONG WITH ALARM SOUND. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE ON SIDE STREET, I WAS NOT ABLE TO USE MY HORN AS ANOTHER STARTED TO ENTER MY LANE. UPON RETURN TO PARKING LOT, WHILE CAR WAS IN DRIVE, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO MY DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS THAT NEXT MORNING (10/20) MARCH 15TH, 2018 THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED FOR 2ND TIME, SO I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS (AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SAME AS BEFORE) AND YESTERDAY MAY 14TH, 2018 THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED FOR 3RD TIME. I REQUESTED A TOW TRUCK TO TRANSPORT THE CAR TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP, AS I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE AT THIS TIME. IT IS CURRENTLY BEING SERVICED TO REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING.

Structure › Body
Filed May 11, 201831,000 milesMA

VW HAS DOOR LOCK HATCH ACTUATORS THAT ARE HAZARDOUS. THEY BREAK OR FAIL SO MUCH THAT THERE ARE MILLIONS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THEM. MY DAUGHTER'S BACK DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN AND NOW WON'T LOCK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WITH CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT BECAUSE THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK DOESN'T WORK. VW IS MAKING A FORTUNE ON THIS BECAUSE THEY CHARGE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR LABOR TO FIX THEM. PLEASE MAKE THEM MAKE MORE RELIABLE AND SAFE DOOR LOCKS.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 5, 201851,524 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY ABOUT 72 MPH AND SUDDENLY I HEARD A BIG BOOM SOUND, LIKE A GUNSHOT . AND THEN GLASS WAS EVERYWHERE , THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED , BUT IT DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE ANY OBJECTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE, AND I DIDN'T NOTICE ANY ROAD DEBRIS,

Complaints 1-50 of 62, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202638010Routine
202557300Routine
202477240Routine
202372100Routine
2022274510Above average
2021144500Routine
2020141300Routine
2019196510Routine
20182881430Do not drive
201776401Fatalities reported
201697220Routine
2015 — this page62410Routine
201484300Routine
2013140310Routine
2012153300Routine
2011162320Routine
2010110240Routine
2009168360Routine

Compare every Tiguan year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 17, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.