Volkswagen Tiguan Complaints (2013)

140 consumer complaints on file.

#11772354October 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SUSPENSION, ENGINE
Engine light on at around 50K - dealership said it was just an "issue with the warning lights" don't worry unless it blinks. At 74K I found out the turbo boost was the reason for this and I should have been told when the car was still under warranty. Realized in December of 2020 the car was soaking wet inside. Front and Back carpet was soaked like a sponge. Thought it was from driving in slush - turns out it's the moonroof drains. Repaired by VW dealership - all carpet and padding was ripped out and had to dry and then be reinstalled. Dealership ripped the interior moonroof headline while installing and didn't tell me. Huge fight with insurance - finally got fixed. Was told Cam cover leaking, and needed manifolds cleaned because of direct injection engine. Car has no power anymore. Car towed multiple times for jerking and flashing engine light. 2 engine coils replaced within 6 months. Even with moonroof drains cleaned yearly - car still gets wet inside and visible moisture on dashboard. Both back coil springs broke Aug 2026. Didn't realize until I saw the 2nd one laying in the driveway. $800 to repair those. Known recall issue with 2015 coil springs breaking by VW. But did include 2013 models. Dangerous to drive not knowing they have broken. No light indicator. Engine light always on because of Turbo boost. Now constantly needing coolant. Washer fluid, tire air pressure lights & gas cap light always on even when full of fluid. Broken tether to gas cap. Not even 90K miles and this car is constantly being towed to the shop. ABS brakes slightly jumpy at very low speed. Knocking sound in engine. Constant fear when driving this vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736239May 7, 2026
STEERING
When driving down the highway, my power steering went out with zero warning or indicators leading up to it going out. Upon researching, this is a problem that many people have experienced with this make and model of vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716085February 6, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) Also , as of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. And the overheat light comes on ,off and on.. sometimes clears up once the car is shut off and then turned back on.. some times has to sit for a while, then clears up
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716086February 6, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716088February 6, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
As of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. Now the overheat light comes on ,off and on.. sometimes clears up once the car is shut off and then turned back on.. some times has to sit for a while, then clears up
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716089February 6, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716090February 6, 2026
AIR BAGS, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS
Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) Also , as of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. And the overheat light comes on now, off and on.. sometimes clears up once the car is shut off and then turned back on.. some times has to sit for a while, then clears up I see no recall on my car VIN #, for these issues??? How can that be possible???
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691712October 6, 2025
ENGINE, WHEELS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682706August 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679738August 11, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER, STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656064April 22, 2025
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Front sunroof drains have shrunk over time disconnecting from drainage port causing massive amounts of water to pool in floor boards. This location is where electrical connections for the airbags are located causing failure for airbags and more. Rear drains were also disconnected due to shrinkage and crimped causing water to pool in trunk. Mold has appeared causing health issues as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643262February 17, 2025
AIR BAGS
While I was driving, when I turned the wheel I heard a cracking noise. Then airbag light turned on, and an airbag notification popped up on the dash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640097February 1, 2025
AIR BAGS
my steering wheel was making a crackling sound then it stopped and my airbag light came on along with the message " Airbag error". no controls on my steering wheel work including my horn.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622444October 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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11599951July 8, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After filling up one day I was heading home and started to smell gas from my ac vents when I turned it on I didn’t pay much attention until I got nauseous and a huge headache. Later that day my boyfriend tried to get to work and the car said “engine off” and turned off on the side of the highway if wouldn’t start. We figured maybe a battery l got it towed home afterwards and just let it sit for a day bought a new battery it didn’t start then noticed there was no gas in it suddenly I just had a full tank the day prior. When I cranked it up the next morning after going to get more gasoline it all just started spraying from under the engine and it smelled like gas. I’m to scared to move it far and it blows up or something.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579508March 26, 2024
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11560920December 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11532251July 14, 2023
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
A few days prior to this incident, I noticed a crunching noise as I would turn the steering wheel every now and then. As I was turning right to pull into my driveway, I heard the clock spring crunch and finally give up. Airbag light on. Airbag error when I start the car. Steering wheel buttons and horn unresponsive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528189June 21, 2023
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the steering wheel control buttons were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528010June 20, 2023
STEERING
The power steering won’t kick in and has left me stranded several times. This happens all the time and is a safety issue for sure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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