2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 75 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 17 Tiguan model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 6 involved a crash. 4 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Other or unspecifiedMay 5, 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
Campaign 21V321000 on NHTSA.gov
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, frontalFeb 9, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Tiguan Limited vehicles. The front driver air bag installed on these vehicles may not be intended for use in vehicles sold in the United States. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel and front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69V2.
Campaign 18V102000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerDec 29, 2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 16V955000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
30 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jun 19, 2026
No crash or incident occurred. While starting the vehicle normally, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed fault code P0588 — driver side airbag igniter at resistance limit. The mechanic confirmed that all airbags are non-functional as a result of this fault. No accident, collision, or unusual event preceded this failure. The part failed during normal use and operation. This is the same component covered under Safety Recall 69P4, issued February 2017 for driver and passenger airbag igniters on 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. My VIN was not included in that recall but is experiencing the identical failure. I purchased this vehicle certified pre-owned from a Volkswagen dealership in 2020. The Carfax report provided at purchase shows no record of any airbag recall service ever being performed on this vehicle. When I contacted VW Customer Care, they confirmed my vehicle has an extended clock spring warranty and directed me to a dealership for service. The existence of an extended warranty on this specific component suggests Volkswagen is aware of a defect population broader than the original recall. I am currently driving a vehicle with non-functional airbags, creating significant safety risk to myself and my family. I believe this recall should be investigated for expansion to additional 2017 Tiguan VINs experiencing the same failure.
Air bags, Aug 13, 2025, crash
During a collision in which my vehicle was struck by another driver, the airbag warning light activated, my seatbelt locked in place, and white smoke with a strong electrical smell filled the cabin. No airbags deployed (frontal or side). There is now an "ERROR: Airbag" warning on my dashboard, and the seatbelt is completely locked. The vehicle currently has multiple open safety recalls for airbag systems, including frontal and side/window airbags. I am concerned that these recalls may be related to the malfunction experienced. This failure could have resulted in serious injury if the impact had been greater. I am requesting investigation and confirmation as to whether the non-deployment is related to known defects.
Air bags, Aug 10, 2025
Turning on the car I got a notification on my dash that says error airbag with the light icon.
Air bags, Structure, Jul 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle after a rainstorm, the contact became aware that the interior of the vehicle was flooded, and that water had entered the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the sunroof drainage system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 66,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 3, 2025, crash
My [XXX] daughter was a front seat passenger in her friend‘s car the 2017 Tiguan when the driver swerved to avoid another car and struck a pole. The damage was primarily on the front passenger side of the car. My daughter hit the windshield. It was broken in two places and she sustained several other injuries. The airbags never deployed. The car was totaled. I’m interested in knowing whether or not it can be determined if the airbags should have deployed and did not, and if the seatbelt worked properly or not, and whether or not you’ve had other complaints about this make and model. My daughter has sustained a concussion and has been out of work since he accident thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 5, 2023
It is nearly 2 years since the "clock spring wire" in the steering wheel failed. While this results in the buttons on the steering wheel not working, that is a minor inconvenience (such as not being able to reset the tire pressure warning light). The major problem is that the steering wheel air bag is not functional. Local VW dealers and VW of American customer support have been unable to obtain this part for more than 18 months. A very reliable source (local mechanic) tells me the local VW dealer has several customers with the same need for this part. We have been checking with local dealers for more than a year to see if/when this part might become available if no success.
Steering, Air bags, Dec 5, 2023
I started to get an "airbag error" message on the dash and then noticed that my horn no longer works, and neither do any of the buttons on either side of the wheel that control the dash menus and sound/phone system. I was able to determine this is a clock spring failure. From what I read, this is not a part that is supposed to wear out or fail from the age of the car and is expected to last the life of the car. Unfortunately, I now have no horn and possibly no airbags and I can't change any view on my dash to look up anything else.
Air bags, Oct 14, 2023
The clock spring is broken on the 2017 Tiguan 4 motion @ 67,017 miles. The airbag light immediately came on. The part was removed for inspection and replacement by my husband. With the airbag/clock spring disabled turn signals, wipers do not work. Steering is very hard and there is a giant hole where the airbag should be making this vehicle unsafe. I see there is a recall on clock springs but apparently this Tiguan isn’t included but it should be. First noticed this problem Oct 12 2022 The part number is 5k0953569AP
Steering, Air bags, Aug 22, 2023
Clock Spring - Crackling sound in steering wheel when turning right and left; airbag indicator
Air bags, Jul 31, 2023
Airbag light went on at 56k miles. VW service told us it was a faulty airbag. I paid 2k to have passenger side airbag replaced. 500 miles later the airbag light came on again. I had VW service review the problem and this time they said it is the drivers side airbag. The car has never been in any accident. Airbags should last the life of the car and certainly not 57k miles.
Air bags, Jun 22, 2023
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan airbag Clockspring has failed. Safety impact: airbags will fail to deploy if needed in the event of an accident. This is an ongoing issue with Tiguan’s and has been investigated in previous models. Part has not been inspected yet. No warning lights prior to a loud click in the steering column followed by an “Error: Airbags” notification on dash and airbag light coming on. Happened 6/18/2023
Air bags, Sep 10, 2022
The clock spring failed in my steering wheel. There is no active horn or airbag for the drivers side. None of the steering wheel system works. The steering wheel was making a clicking sound for a week and then one night the airbag error light came on and has stayed on. The vehicle was taken to VW they said it is the clockspring that needs to be replaced but they are on back order for months.
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 23, 2022
Clock spring failure. First symptom happened 2-3 months ago, my steering wheel radio controls and controls on my touch screen started randomly freezing or breaking. 3 months later, as I was turning my steering wheel, there was a cracking sound and my air bag light came on. The next day my car died but was able to be jumped by roadside assistance, unsure if the battery dying was related. The car was taken to a VW service station and was a confirmed clock spring failure, which I understand means the airbags will not deploy when/if needed. I was told it was not under warranty.
Air bags, Aug 13, 2022
Approximately three months ago I was in my 2017 Tiguan, headed to have brunch with some close friends. Upon backing out of my garage, I turned the wheel and heard an odd clicking sound in my steering wheel/column. I made my way to meet my friends, only to find that my airbag light and tire pressure sensor had come on in my dash. Later on, I discovered I couldn’t use any of the controls on my steering wheel, and my horn wasn’t functioning. Thankfully I don’t use the car to travel much because I work from home, but there are times when I need to run errands. I researched the problem and the only conclusion I could reach was the clockspring was damaged. I have yet to take it to my garage because apparently, there is a shortage of the part needed. I have also read there was an initial recall on this part several years ago, but I’m concerned this is still an issue in these vehicles. I’m also concerned that because the part shortage, it won’t pass inspection. Something needs to be done to remedy this defect. It’s far too dangerous to let this go any longer.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 17, 2022
I have had my clock spring replaced in my 2017 VW Tiguan 3 times and it continues to break. I have had a clock spring on "order" since December 2021 and the VW dealership cannot fix my car. My horn doesn't work nor does any functions on my steering wheel and I am pretty sure my drivers air bag would not go off as the light is on and happens each time my clock spring has broken. This is a known issue that VW has and the NHTSA has previously investigated the issue on a prior year recall. The only warning sign prior to my clock spring breaking each time sounded like crumpling or breaking plastic when turning the steering wheel a certain way. When it finally broke each time it was like plastic snapping and the air bag light comes on and nothing on steering wheel works. No horn no nothing. The Volkswagen dealership has replaced my clock spring 3 times one of which Flow Volkswagen in Wilmington NC tried to charge us...did but eventually refunded when I provided documentation but told me I was going to have to pay for it all and charged me over $200 to tell me it was broken and parts were on backorder and I would have to wait until they came in but was also responsible for paying for all the repairs. This would have been the second time Flow Volkswagen in Wilmington o replaced my clock spring. Please help. I don't know what to do and I am nearing my annual inspection and cannot and will not pass because I have no horn.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2022
Hello,for three months I’m driving a car without a horn and air bag. The dealer claims that he’s waiting for a part , but this a safety issue the dealer should provide me with a car until they get the part to fix my car thank you very much for your time
Air bags, Jun 27, 2022
Failed clock spring rendering driver's side airbag and horn inoperable. Car has been in for service since December 28, 2021, and no parts (clock springs) are available. The dealership wants to return the vehicle without operating airbag or horn.
Air bags, Jun 15, 2022
Approximately three weeks ago I began to hear a clicking sound in the steering wheel when turning in either direction. Within two days I began to receive an error message that stated "error air bag". The airbag error icon displays on the console at all times. Two days ago, I went to use the horn and it does not work. Both these issues represent a significant safety issue. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle. The car is available for inspection upon request. A diagnostics was done at an independent dealer. Results, driver side airbag igniter issue, no communication between control unit and steering wheel. The car has not been inspected by manuf. police or insurance. Sudden onset of issues.
Air bags, Apr 29, 2022
Received an airbag error. After bringing it to the dealer they determined it was the clockspring that had to be replaced. The part is under warranty. The part has been unavailable for 10 weeks with no anticipated delivery date. I have been driving in a car without a drivers side airbag and without a horn for 10 weeks, as they will not provide a loaner car.
Air bags, Apr 29, 2022
Volkswagen has a national shortage on clock springs and they are going out left and right on everyone's vehicle. I have a number of friends that once again have taken issue against VW who are more than willing to allow their customers to drive their defective vehicles. The clock spring causes the horn to malfunction and not sound. Also the passenger side airbag is also no longer operable. Driving a vehicle in this condition is a hazard and VW Corporation has once again passed the buck. Imagine how many young persons are driving around without the maturity enough to realize the precarious situation they are in? My dealership showed me a thick stack of customers all waiting for the same part. Additionally, how can my vehicle pass inspection which is now due without the basic safety features working as described? Action needs to be taken now.
Air bags, Apr 28, 2022, crash
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel emitted abnormal sounds. The tire pressure monitor system warning light and the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced however, the part was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn would fail to honk when engaged. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn was engaged but failed to honk, causing another vehicle to crash into the front passenger side of his daughter's vehicle. The contact stated that it was a minor crash. The airbags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. There was no further information provided. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part to repair the vehicle was still on national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 26,749.
Air bags, Mar 17, 2022
Airbag and horn do not work and dealership said it needs a new clockspring. There was a recall on clocksprings for this model Tiguan and they replaced it in 2018. The clocksping broke again and they said its out of warrantee and there is no longer a recall. The charge is $700 and there has not been one available in over a year. The dealership told me there are 8000 customers waiting for the clockspring. Clearly they know there is a problem and are not doing anything about it. No airbag or horn. Cannot even sell car if I wanted to based on it not having an airbag or horn with no plan from VW to remedy the issue.
Air bags, Mar 5, 2022
The airbag and horn do not work on my car. I took it to the dealership and they did nothing. I have been driving without a horn or airbag for 3 months.
Air bags, Jan 9, 2022
The airbag light on the dash board randomly came on and has not gone off. All the controls on the steering wheel do not work and neither does the horn on the steering wheel.
Air bags, May 11, 2020
MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS GONE OFF FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS NOW. THERE IS NO REASON WHY IT SHOULD BE OFF BECAUSE I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR DONE ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY. I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING MY CAR AND HAVE LOOKED INTO RECALLS. TURNS OUT THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS FOR VOLKSWAGEN TIGUANS 2017 IN REGARDS TO RECALLS SO I WANT THIS CHECKED OUT ASAP. *TR