2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 139 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 17 Tiguan model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 2 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 1 person was injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Other or unspecifiedMay 16, 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.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
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.
Campaign 18V329000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalAug 4, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V483000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineJul 21, 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.
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V441000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
16 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2025
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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2022
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.
Steering, Air bags, Other or unspecified, May 1, 2022
The clock-spring in our VW Tiguan broke/snapped disabling the electronics on the steering wheel - including the vehicles horn and airbag which are both safety features. There are numerous other people having a similar experience on Twitter. We are being told by VW that the vehicle is still safe to drive which is frankly, insulting. The VW dealership/Indigo Auto Group in San Rafael, CA has verified this as an issue and there is a clock-spring shortage with no ETA on resolution.
Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2020
THE FLOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE OCCASIONALLY FILLS WITH WATER AND I'M NOT SURE WHERE IT IS COMING FROM. AFTER NOT DRIVING MY CAR FOR A MONTH (DUE TO THE QUARANTINE) I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND ABOUT A GALLON OF WATER POOLED IN THE VEHICLE AND SIGNS OF MOLD. I'M CONCERNED FOR MY HEALTH AS WELL AS THE HEALTH OF MY NEWBORN BABY. OF COURSE I DIDN'T BRING THE BABY WITH ME WHEN I WENT TO THE MECHANIC, BUT I WAS IN THE CAR FOR ALL OF TEN MINUTES (THAT'S HOW LONG IT TAKES TO GET THERE) AND WAS INFLICTED WITH A HEADACHE DUE TO THE MOLD. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE ITS NEW AND HASN'T BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS AND AFTER RESEARCHING MYSELF, THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2020
OUR TOWN HAD A LOT OF STORMING/RAINING RECENTLY AND THE CAR BEGAN TO COLLECT MOLD ON THE INSIDE EVEN AS THE DOORS AND WINDOWS WERE CLOSED. THE SEAL ON THE WINDSHIELD SEEMS TO HAVE CAME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY THE BACK WINDSHIELD AS WELL.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2019
THE AIRBAG, HORN, STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS ON MY 2013 VW TIGUAN STOPPED WORKING TWICE IN THE LAST 1 1/2 YEARS AND JUST STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THE CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED WHICH SOLVED THE ISSUE BUT THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED IN 1 1/2 YEARS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE LETTING MY WIFE DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. STORIES LIKE MINE ARE ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED.
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2019
MY CAR LEAKS FROM THE INSIDE WHEN IT IS RAINING. AFTER A DAY (OR ANY PERIOD OF TIME) OF RAIN, WATER COMES IN FROM UNDERNEATH MY BACK SEATS AND FLOODS THE INTERIOR FLOOR. IT ALSO LEAKS FROM THE ROOFTOP. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLES IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
Other or unspecified, Apr 10, 2019
LOST COOLANT AND NEEDED A NEW WATER PUMP
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2018
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.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2018
VEHICLE FLOODED WITH STANDING WATER AFTER A HEAVY RAIN. ON MONDAY APRIL 30, 2018 THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP REPORTED THAT THE 2 DRAIN LINES FROM THE SUNROOF HAD "DISCONNECTED THEMSELVES" AND ALLOWED RAIN WATER INTO THE VEHICLE CABIN. IN 2007 A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS FILED AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA FOR THIS VERY ISSUE CITING POOR DESIGN TO BE AT FAULT. IN 2012 THE APPELLATE COURT APPROVED A $69 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT BY VOLKSWAGEN, BUT APPARENTLY DID NOT MAKE ANY DRAIN DESIGN CHANGES THAT WOULD PREVENT THE OCCURRENCES FROM TAKING PLACE IN THE FUTURE. PLEASE SEE HTTPS://WWW.LAW360.COM/ARTICLES/402373, HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2014/VOLKSWAGEN-SETTLES-LAWSUIT-LEAKING-SUNROOFS.SHTML, AND HTTP://WWW2.CA3.USCOURTS.GOV/OPINARCH/103618P.PDF. WHEN I ASKED VOLKSWAGEN OF MANDEVILLE, LA IF THERE WAS ANY OUTSIDE CONDITION THAT WOULD CAUSE A DRAIN FAILURE, THEY SAID IT WAS A BAD DESIGN AND THAT THEY WERE "VERY FAMILIAR" WITH THE PROBLEM. VOLKSWAGEN HAVE MADE NO VOLUNTARY RECALLS OR ISSUED SERVICE BULLETINS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. MY 2013 TIGUAN HAS APPROXIMATELY 10,500 MILES SO WEAR & TEAR IS NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR HERE. MY REPAIR BILL IS NEARLY $3,000.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2018
NOT SURE IF THIS INVOLVES THE TAKATA RECALL OR NOT. WHILE WAS EXECUTING A RIGHTHAND TURN ON A CITY STREET, I HEARD A SNAP/CLICK FROM INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL. IMMEDIATELY, THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON AND I DISCOVERED THE NEXT DAY THAT THE HORN AND STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS HAD STOPPED FUNCTIONING. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT 2013 TIGUANS WERE INCLUDED IN THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING RECALL IN 2015, SO I CHECKED TO SEE IF MY CAR'S VIN WAS INCLUDED. IT WASN'T, SO I REACHED OUT TO VW CUSTOMER CARE AND TOLD THEM THAT MY CAR WAS EXHIBITING THE SAME ISSUES THAT WERE OUTLINED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THEY INITIALLY TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED BECAUSE IT DIDN'T RECEIVE THE FAULTY FACTORY PARTS, THEN LATER CHANGED THEIR STORY TO SAY THAT MY VEHICLE ALREADY HAD BEEN REPAIRED IN RESPONSE TO THE RECALL. WHEN I EXPLAINED THAT THE REPAIR HADN'T PREVENTED THE SAFETY HAZARDS, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL REPAIR IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2018
IN 2015 THERE WAS A RECALL FOR CLOCK SPRINGS IN THE 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN WHICH I OWN AND OTHER OF THEIR VEHICLES. MY PREVIOUS OWNER GOT IT REPLACED THEN AND I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2016. I HEARD A CLICKING NOISE AND THEN MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEELS STOPPED WORKING AND MY HORN STOPPED WORKING ALSO. BEING THAT MY CAR HAS $46000 MILES AND I HAVE EXTENDED 100,000 MILE WARRANTY... I WENT TO VW TO COMPLAIN AS CLEARLY THIS RECALL DIDN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE IT HASN'T BEEN EVEN THAT LONG FOR IT TO BE BREAKING AGAIN. THEY DENIED TO COVER IT BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN FIXED PREVIOUSLY WHEN THE RECALL HAPPENED. THIS CLEARLY IS AN ISSUE THAT WASN'T RESOLVED WITH THE RECALL AS I GOOGLED WHAT THIS WAS WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE NOISE AND THERE ARE SOOOOO MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE AFTER IT WAS FIXED THE FIRST TIME AROUND. THIS IS A $500 JOB THAT I'M GOING TO HAVE TO PAY NOW AND IT'S FRUSTRATING BECAUSE I TRULY FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE CAR AND SHOULD BE COVERED.
Steering, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2017
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2017
ON APRIL 3, 2017 I NOTICED A SMELL IN MY CAR, AND SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORING WAS VERY WET. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT RAY BRANDT VOLKSWAGEN NEW ORLEANS FOR THE FOLLOWING DAY, ALTHOUGH MY CAR WAS OUTSIDE OF ITS WARRANTY PERIOD. ON APRIL 5, 2017 I ARRIVED AT THE RAY BRANDT VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY CAR LOOKED AT. THE LEAK WAS DIAGNOSED AS A CLOGGED SUNROOF DRAIN, WITH THE COST OF $150 TO CLEAR THE DRAIN. I ASKED THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHETHER THERE WAS ANY MAINTENANCE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO PREVENT THE SIGNIFICANT WATER DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE THERE WAS RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE THAT SHOULD BE DONE AT THE 4 YEAR - 40,000 MILE CHECK (WHICH MY VEHICLE DOES NOT YET QUALIFY FOR). I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE IS A DEFECT WITHIN THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE AND CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THIS UNUSUAL MAINTENANCE ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN PROVIDED. IT IS UNCLEAR WHAT CAUSED THIS ISSUE WITH THE DRAIN, BUT IT IS CLEAR THAT VW WAS FULLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS FAILED TO COMMUNICATE TO NEW OWNERS THE PROBLEM WITH ITS SUNROOF DESIGN AND THE STEPS NEEDED TO PREVENT PROBLEMS, AND SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. TWO VW SERVICE TECHNICIANS INDICATED THE SUNROOF DRAIN PROBABLY HAD BEEN CLOGGED BY PARKING THE CAR UNDER TREES. IF THIS IS INDEED THE CASE, IT WOULD SEEM THAT VW SHOULD CLEARLY WARN ALL NEW CAR BUYERS THAT PARKING UNDER TREES MAY CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THEIR VEHICLE ($150 FOR DRAIN CLEANOUT, AND SUBSEQUENT $600 TO DRY THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR TO PREVENT MOLD), AND LOSS OF USE OF THEIR CAR. THE SUNROOF DRAIN DESIGN HAS BEEN AN ISSUE PREVIOUSLY BROUGHT TO VOLKSWAGEN'S ATTENTION: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT DEWEY VS. VOLKSWAGEN AND CURRENT AUDI RECALL #17V0010000
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2015
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2015
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.