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: other or unspecified
23 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2026, fire
UNKNOWN INCIDENT. I had a 2016 VW Tiguan with just over 80k miles (approximately 80,200 mi). On 1/6/2026 about 10 min after driving home from the gym, I heard a small explosion from the garage where my car was parked. The garage was filled with smoke and large flames were visible from under the front end of the vehicle. We called 911 and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher but it continued to re-ignite. The fire burned down our entire garage with all its contents and made it's way into the home completely destroying our laundry room and adjoining bathroom. I had no previous issues with the vehicle, no warnings or check engine lights.
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2025
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!
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2025
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!!!!
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2024
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2024
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)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2023
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!
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 8, 2023
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2023
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!
Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2023
Turbocharger went out on this vehicle rendering it unsafe to drive. Check engine light came on and after several opinions, it was determined that the Turbocharger went out and needed replacement in order for the vehicle to safely run. This was confirmed via a independent service center. Upon further research on the internet and VW chat forums, there are several other people with this year and model Volkswagen that have had similar issues with low mileage. The turbo charger should not have went out on a vehicle with 39,000 miles on it.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2022
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.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2022
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?
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 11, 2022
The clock spring has broken. When the wheel turns, this results in a loud clicking from the steering wheel post. The airbag light is on, the horn does not work, and the electrical controls on the wheel do not either. This is a known issue on VW Tiguans. Earlier years have a recall while the 2016 is only covered by an extended warranty. Dealer confirmed the clock spring is the issue. This is the real problem: VWs response is unacceptable. There are no replacement clock springs available in the country. There is no time estimate for the delivery of the replacement part. According to the service center, they are not even in production. I have been waiting weeks for VW to fix a known issue - affecting the horn, airbag and electrical controls - and there is no estimate for when it will be fixed.
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2021, crash, fire
WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH. THE ONLY INJURY SUSTAINED WAS A BROKEN HEEL BY THE DRIVER, ALL OTHER PARTY'S DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT AND ONLY COSMETIC DAMAGE TO THEIR VEHICLES. MOMENTS AFTER THE COLLISION, THE TIGUAN BURST INTO FLAMES. THE BRAKE PETAL HAD TRAPPED THE DRIVERS FOOT AND THE DOOR WAS JAMMED. FORTUNATELY THE OTHER PARTY WAS ABLE TO JERK THE DOOR UNTIL IT OPENED TO FREE THE DRIVER. THE TIGUAN WAS A TOTAL LOSS, BECOMING COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2020
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 17, 2019
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2019, crash
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
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 4, 2018
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
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2018
USED ONLY -20F WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID BUT FLUID STILL FROZE IN RESERVOIR EVEN THOUGH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES DID NOT FALL BELOW 0 DEGREES F. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS HAPPENING WITH NEWER VEHICLES HE THOUGHT DUE TO THINNER PLASTIC USED FOR RESERVOIR OR LACK OF RESERVOIR INSULATION. THIS BECOMES A NHTS ISSUE WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT SPEED AND THE MIST FROM TRUCK TIRES HITS YOUR WINDSHIELD, YOU TRY TO USE YOUR WIPERS/FLUID TO WASH THE MUCK OFF BUT NO FLUID WILL SPRAY AND THE MUCK IS JUST SMEARED ACROSS YOUR WINDSHIELD MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2018
WHEN PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, I HEARD A TEARING SOUND COMING FROM MY STEERING WHEEL. FOLLOWING THE NOISE, MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED PER THE OWNERS MANUAL AND WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN AN ACCIDENT. I REALIZED LATER ON IN MY DRIVE THAT THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE HORN ALSO DO NOT WORK. IT IS QUITE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS ANOTHER DRIVER THAT DAY SWERVED INTO MY LANE WITHOUT CHECKING AND I HAD NO METHOD OF ALERTING THE DRIVER BECAUSE MY HORN DOESNT WORK NOR DO I HAVE THE PROTECTION OF AN AIRBAG. I GOT MY CAR DIAGNOSED WITH VW AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT CAUSED VW TO RECALL HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES UP TO I BELIEVE THE 2012 MODEL YEAR. THIS RECALL WAS SUBSEQUENTLY INVESTIGATED BY THE NHTSA UP TO I BELIEVE MODEL YEAR 2014 BUT I DO NOT KNOW THE RESULTS OF THAT INVESTIGATION, CLEARLY VW HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS PREVAILING ISSUE OR PROPERLY ENCOMPASSED ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES AS MY MODEL IS 2016 AND IT IS STILL HAPPENING.
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2017
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR THE SUNROOF SPONTANESOUSLY SHATTERED. THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AND THE CLOTH SHIELD WAS TUCKED AWAY. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT AND DEAFENED MY EARS FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I THOUGHT SOMEONE FIRED A GUN OR A NEARBY CAR GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT SINCE I FELT NO IMPACT OTHER THAN SOUND. BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING I WAS EXTREMELY STARTLED WHEN I LOOKED UP AND SAW AN OPEN WINDOW AND GLASS HAD FALLEN ALL OVER ME. IT HAD HAPPENED SO QUICKLY. I TRIED TO PULL OVER IN THE NEAREST EXIT AND WHILE GETTING OUT OF THE CAR AND MANEUVERING OUT, HAD CUT MYSELF SEVERAL TIMES.
Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2016
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2016
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.