Documented Volkswagen Tiguan problems vary by generation. First-generation models (2009–2017) were recalled for winter-fuel stalling, a driver air bag clock spring and air bag control units. The 2018–2024 long-wheelbase Tiguan has recalls for rear coil springs, rear knuckles, a steering rack bolt and rear cameras, and the 2025 redesign has body control module and air bag sensor recalls.
CarWhere lists 24 documented Tiguan issues, including 24 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
Tiguan, first generation Tiguan problems (2009–2017)
Engine software may raise idle speed unexpectedly (recall 08V235) (2009)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, first generation (2009–2017)
- Years:
- 2009
- Powertrain:
- 2.0T FSI
Some 2009 Tiguans with the 2.0T FSI engine (and 2008 Passats) had engine software that may not control idle properly with the A/C on, and in rare cases engine speed can rise unexpectedly. Dealers update the engine software for free. The 6,579 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- Engine surges at idle with the A/C on
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the engine software update
NHTSA recall: 08V235 (2008-05-28) · 6,579 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1]
Exterior light fuse holder may melt (recall 13V569) (2009–2011)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, first generation (2009–2017)
- Years:
- 2009–2011
- Powertrain:
- All
On some 2009–2011 Tiguans, the holder for the fuse that powers the exterior lights circuit can melt, causing a partial loss of exterior lighting. Dealers replace the fuse for free.
Symptoms
- Some exterior lights stop working
- Burnt smell near the fuse box
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the fuse replacement
NHTSA recall: 13V569 (2013-11-22) · 62,155 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [2]
Fuel bubbles in winter fuel can stall the engine (recall 14V441) (2009–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, first generation (2009–2017)
- Years:
- 2009–2014
- Powertrain:
- All
On 2009–2014 Tiguans, bubbles can form in the fuel system with winter-blend gasoline under certain conditions and stall the engine. Dealers update software to raise fuel pump pressure, for free.
Symptoms
- Stalling or stumbling in cold weather
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the fuel pump software update
NHTSA recall: 14V441 (2014-07-21) · 151,389 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
Steering wheel clock spring may lose the driver air bag (recall 15V483) (2011–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, first generation (2009–2017)
- Years:
- 2011–2014
- Powertrain:
- All
Debris can tear the clock spring, the flat cable that keeps the driver's air bag connected while the steering wheel turns, on many 2010–2014 VW models including the 2011–2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta and Tiguan. A torn cable means the driver's front air bag will not deploy. Dealers fit a protective cover, or a new clock spring if the air bag light is on, for free. The 415,825 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- Air bag warning light
- Horn or steering wheel buttons stop working
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the clock spring cover or replacement
NHTSA recall: 15V483 (2015-08-04) · 415,825 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
Seat-mounted side air bag inflators may rupture (recall 16V045) (2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, first generation (2009–2017)
- Years:
- 2015
- Powertrain:
- All
A small batch of 2015 Tiguans built in January 2015 have front seat-mounted side air bag inflators that may rupture in a crash and throw metal fragments. Dealers replace the side air bag modules for free.
Symptoms
- No warning signs before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the side air bag module replacement
NHTSA recall: 16V045 (2016-01-28) · 734 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
Air bag control unit capacitor may fail (recall 19V535) (2015–2016)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, first generation (2009–2017)
- Years:
- 2015–2016
- Powertrain:
- All
A faulty power supply capacitor in the air bag control unit on some 2015–2016 Tiguan and CC models can switch the air bags off or trigger them unexpectedly. Dealers update software and replace the unit as needed for free. The 27,822 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the air bag control unit update
NHTSA recall: 19V535 (2019-07-17) · 27,822 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6]
Rear child locks may disengage (recall 16V464) (2016)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, first generation (2009–2017)
- Years:
- 2016
- Powertrain:
- All
Vibration from opening and closing a door can disengage the rear child locks on some 2016 Golf R, Tiguan, CC and e-Golf models built in late 2015 and early 2016. Dealers inspect and replace the child locks as needed for free.
Symptoms
- Rear door opens from inside with child lock set
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Test both rear child locks with the door closed
NHTSA recall: 16V464 (2016-06-24) · 5,658 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7]
Non-US driver air bag may be fitted (recall 18V102) (2017–2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, first generation (Tiguan Limited, 2017–2018)
- Years:
- 2017–2018
- Powertrain:
- All
Some 2017–2018 Tiguan Limited models may have a driver's front air bag not meant for US-market vehicles, so it may not protect the driver as intended. Dealers replace the steering wheel and driver air bag module for free.
Symptoms
- No warning signs before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the steering wheel and air bag replacement
NHTSA recall: 18V102 (2018-02-09) · 3,768 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8]
Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) Tiguan problems (2018–2024)
Corroded steering rack bolt may break (recall 26V590) (2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2018
- Powertrain:
- All
One of the bolts holding the steering rack to the subframe can corrode and break on some 2018 Tiguan and 2018–2019 Atlas models (plus related Audi Q3s). If it breaks, the steering rack housing can crack and steering control can be lost. Dealers replace the right-side steering rack bolt for free. The 208,724 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- Clunk from the front when turning
- Steering feels loose
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the new steering rack mounting bolt
NHTSA recall: 26V590 (2026-09-11) · 208,724 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9]
Sunroof ambient light bar may short circuit (recall 18V467) (2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2018
- Powertrain:
- Models with panoramic sunroof
The LED module for the panoramic sunroof ambient light bar on some 2018 Tiguans can short-circuit and create a fire risk. Dealers disconnect the light bar's power supply for free until a later service action can safely restore it.
Symptoms
- Sunroof light bar does not work (it may have been disconnected under the recall)
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer whether the light bar was disconnected or later reactivated
NHTSA recall: 18V467 (2018-07-13) · 45,457 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10]
Rear shock absorber mount may separate (recall 18V262) (2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2018
- Powertrain:
- All
A poor weld can let the lower loop of a rear shock absorber separate on some 2018 Tiguans, which can cause a loss of control. Dealers inspect and replace the rear shocks as needed for free.
Symptoms
- Clunking from the rear
- Bouncy or unstable rear end
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the rear shock inspection
NHTSA recall: 18V262 (2018-04-25) · 7,430 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [11]
Front lower ball joint nut may be loose (recall 18V324) (2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2018
- Powertrain:
- All
The nut holding each front lower ball joint may be loose on some 2018 Tiguans, which can let the joint separate and affect steering. Dealers replace the nuts for free. The 2,473 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- Clunk from the front suspension
- Vague steering
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the new ball joint nuts
NHTSA recall: 18V324 (2018-05-16) · 2,473 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12]
Passenger front air bag may tear when it deploys (recall 18V375) (2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2018
- Powertrain:
- All
On some 2018 Atlas and Tiguan models, the front passenger air bag may tear or fail to unfold properly in a crash. Dealers replace the passenger front air bag for free. The 821 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- No warning signs before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the passenger air bag replacement
NHTSA recall: 18V375 (2018-06-06) · 821 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [13]
Front seat belt webbing may tear (recall 20V724) (2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2018
- Powertrain:
- All
The front seat belt webbing on some 2018 Tiguans may tear in a crash. Dealers inspect the front belts and replace them as needed for free.
Symptoms
- Frayed or cut belt webbing
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the seat belt inspection
NHTSA recall: 20V724 (2020-11-20) · 10,835 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [14]
Rear coil springs may break (recall 19V188) (2018–2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2018–2019
- Powertrain:
- All
Rear coil springs on some 2015–2019 Golf, 2017–2019 Golf SportWagen, 2019 Jetta and 2018–2019 Tiguan models may fracture early. A broken spring can damage a rear tire. Dealers replace the rear springs for free. The 56,173 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- Rear corner sits low
- Clunk or rattle over bumps
- Rear tire sidewall damage
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing new rear coil springs
NHTSA recall: 19V188 (2019-03-06) · 56,173 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [15]
Tire pressure monitor may miss a four-tire pressure loss (recall 22V815) (2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2019
- Powertrain:
- All
On many 2019–2021 VW models, the tire pressure monitoring system may not warn in time when all four tires lose pressure at once. Dealers update the TPMS software for free. The 296,044 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- No low-tire warning despite low pressure in all tires
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the TPMS software update
NHTSA recall: 22V815 (2022-10-31) · 296,044 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [16]
Accessory rear spoiler may come off (recall 22V226) (2018–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2018–2022
- Powertrain:
- Models with accessory rear spoiler
Faulty installation instructions mean the dealer-fitted accessory rear hatch spoiler on some 2018–2022 Tiguans may not be attached securely and can fall off. Dealers replace the spoiler for free. The 6,553 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Check whether an accessory spoiler is fitted and ask for proof of the replacement
NHTSA recall: 22V226 (2022-04-06) · 6,553 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [17]
Front seat frame welds may be faulty (recall 20V505) (2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2020
- Powertrain:
- All
Parts of the front seat frame and backrest recliner on some 2020–2021 models may not have been welded correctly, so the backrest can break in a rear-end crash. Dealers inspect the seats and replace seatback frames as needed for free. The 5,376 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- Backrest feels loose or moves when leaned on
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the front seat inspection
NHTSA recall: 20V505 (2020-08-26) · 5,376 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [18]
Rear camera screen may go black or freeze (recall 20V716) (2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2021
- Powertrain:
- All
On a range of 2021 VW models, the rearview camera can fail during a drive cycle, showing a black screen or freezing the infotainment system. Dealers update the infotainment software for free. The 32,048 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- Black or frozen screen when reversing
- Infotainment system freezes
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Shift into reverse on a test drive and confirm the camera image appears every time
NHTSA recall: 20V716 (2020-11-18) · 32,048 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [19]
Infotainment memory fault can blank the rear camera (recall 22V514) (2021–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2021–2022
- Powertrain:
- All
A manufacturing issue in the infotainment system's eMMC memory chip can stop the rearview camera image from showing on several 2021–2022 VW models. Dealers update the infotainment software for free. The 43,091 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- No camera image when reversing
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Shift into reverse on a test drive and confirm the camera image appears every time
NHTSA recall: 22V514 (2022-07-20) · 43,091 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [20]
Rear suspension knuckle may corrode and break (recall 22V176) (2021–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2021–2022
- Powertrain:
- All
The rear suspension knuckles on some 2021–2022 Tiguan and 2022 Taos models can corrode, crack and break, which can affect stability. Dealers inspect and replace the knuckles as needed for free. The 10,119 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- Clunking or knocking from the rear
- Rear wheel alignment off
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the rear knuckle inspection
NHTSA recall: 22V176 (2022-03-23) · 10,119 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [21]
Camera control unit error can blank the rear camera (recall 25V082) (2022–2024)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Tiguan, second generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024)
- Years:
- 2022–2024
- Powertrain:
- All
On some 2022–2024 Tiguans, an error in the camera control unit at start-up can stop the rearview camera image from showing. Dealers update the camera software for free. A small follow-up recall (26V321) covers some 2024 models already repaired. The 29,569 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Tiguan.
Symptoms
- No camera image when reversing
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Shift into reverse on a test drive and confirm the camera image appears every time
NHTSA recall: 25V082 (2025-02-12) · 29,569 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [22]