2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 96 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 17 Tiguan model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 4 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 3 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJul 17, 2019
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.
Deactivated air bags increases the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 19V535000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkagesJun 24, 2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 11, 2016. Vibrations, such as those created by opening and closing a vehicle door, may cause the rear child door locks to disengage, allowing a child to open a rear door while inside the vehicle.
If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the child lock(s), free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 58C9.
Campaign 16V464000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
4 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 19, 2025
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2020
I PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT ON NHTSA (ID 11310178). SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE HAS NOT STARTED TWICE AND LEFT ME STRANDED HAVING TO TOW TO VW DEALERSHIP AN ADDITIONAL TWO TIMES. AFTER THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN MARCH, I OPENED A CLAIM WITH VW CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC. THE CLAIM WAS DENIED WITH A GENERIC RESPONSE AND VW BLATANTLY IGNORED MY CONCERNS OF SAFTEY WHILE OPERATING THIS VEHICLE. APRIL 24TH THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AGAIN AND IS CURRENTLY BEING LOOKED AT, AT THE VW DEALERSHIP. I CONTACTED THE VW CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC. CASE MANAGER AGAIN AND AGREED TO OPEN A CLAIM OF RETRIBUTION ON THE VEHICLE AFTER THEY CONFIRM THE FAILURE TO START FOR THIS INSTANCE. THIS VEHICLE DISPLAY SEVERAL CONCERNS WITH SAFETY FOR THE OWNER AND CANNOT BE USED AS RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION BUT VW CONTINUES TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF THE SITUATION THAT CAN ARISE FROM THIS.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2020
I BOUGHT THIS CPO VEHICLE JULY 2018 WITH APPROX. 32,000 MILES. DROVE PERFECTLY WITHOUT ANY MAINTENANCE OUTSIDE OF TYPICAL OIL CHANGE, TIRE SWAPS, ROTATIONS, ALIGNMENTS, ETC. MID-NOVEMBER 2019 I LEAVE HOME AROUND LUNCH TIME, BACK OUT OF GARAGE AND PULL UP TO TURN ON TO THE ROAD, THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND I CAN'T ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. TRY JUMPING IT, STILL WON'T START. TOW IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WORKS ON VW/AUDIS TURNS OUT IT IS A FUEL PUMP MODULE FAILURE. GETS REPLACED AND EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE IN ORDER. END OF JANUARY 2020, TRY TO LEAVE FOR WORK, BATTERY AND EPC LIGHT COME ON. TRY TO JUMP THE BATTERY,NOTHING. GET THE BATTERY TESTED AND IT TESTED GOOD. TOWED IT TO VW DEALERSHIP, AGAIN, FUEL PUMP MODULE. THIS TIGUAN IS A CPO BUT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO MAINTENANCE OUTSIDE OF VW DEALERSHIP. GET THE TIGUAN BACK, EVERYTHING SEEMS TO AGAIN BE IN ORDER BUT TOOK EXTRA PRECAUTIONS DRIVING AND THE LOCATIONS I DRIVE TO DUE TO LIVING IN ALASKA (AKA A VERY REMOTE PLACE) BECAUSE I DID NOT WANT TO BE STRANDED SOMEWHERE WITHOUT CELL SERVICE, WHICH OCCURS FREQUENTLY. NOT EVEN TWO WEEKS LATER, LEAVING WORK TO GO HOME AND AS I BACK OUT, THE VEHICLE BATTERY LIGHT AGAIN COMES ON AND I CAN'T MOVE THE VEHICLE. TRY JUMPING THE BATTERY, NOTHING. TOWED IT TO VW DEALERSHIP YET AGAIN (CLOSEST VW DEALERSHIP IS APPROX. 50 MILES, SO TOWING BECOMES PRICEY THIRD TIME AROUND) AND IS CURRENTLY BEING FIXED FOR THE FUEL PUMP WITHIN THE FUEL TANK WHICH IS APPARENTLY SEPARATE FROM THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. I AM NEARING A POTENTIAL $2,000 IN MAINTENANCE (TWO FUEL PUMPS AND LABOR + POTENTIAL MAINTENANCE AND LABOR FOR FUEL PUMP IN FUEL TANK IF NOT COVERED UNDER CPO WARRANTY). THIS VEHICLE QUICKLY BECAME UNRELIABLE AND HAVE HAD TO ALTER MY LIFESTYLE FOR MY OWN PEACE OF MIND/SAFETY DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 15, 2019
'TAKATA RECALL' GAS FUEL GAGE WAS ON E WHEN I HAD JUST FUEL MY CAR THAT SAME DAY. NO RED LIGHT POPED UP. EVERY TIME I TURN ON THE CAR GAS FUEL GAGE WOULD BE ON A DIFFERENT POSITION. COUPLE DAYS AFTER IT WAS BACK TO NORMAL