2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 140
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
46% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 140 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 110 |
| 2011 | 162 |
| 2012 | 153 |
| 2013 | 140 |
| 2014 | 84 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2016 | 97 |
| 2017 | 76 |
| 2018 | 287 |
| 2019 | 195 |
| 2020 | 140 |
| 2021 | 144 |
| 2022 | 274 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 36 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
46% · 64 reportsMost commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.
Show complaint excerpts
On July 13,2020 I was driving on a main city street the air bags on the passenger side deployed. I did not hit anything nor was I hit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-03
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the horn was inoperable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-26
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the check air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, all the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-19
Electrical system
26% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing horn.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine light on at around 50K - dealership said it was just an "issue with the warning lights" don't worry unless it blinks.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-20
Also filed under Engine and suspension
Engine
21% · 30 reportsShow complaint excerpts
After filling up one day I was heading home and started to smell gas from my ac vents when I turned it on I didnât pay much attention until I got nauseous and a huge headache.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-08
Steering
19% · 27 reportsFuel/propulsion system
10% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Fuel system problems... Replaced rear fuel pump 8/15/2017. Car blew out fuel line within two weeks.. Spilled gas all under car.. Caught fire and burned to the gound. Vw technical pros did work... @ Audi pensacola (Sonic auto group) .
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-13
When driving vehicle it will get up to 40 speed and not above and stall out to 0 MPH. The vehicle will not move and stall for duration of time, then it will driving at a low speed under 10-20MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-08
Also filed under Power train
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2014-08-19Fuel system, gasoline14V441000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014.
Remedy: 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.
-
I
2015-03-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-09-28 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
-
R
2016-01-15Air bags15V483000 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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off.
-
I
2017-11-13Recall queryClosed 2018-05-04 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
-
I
2018-04-18Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Clockspring Failure
-
R
2018-11-29Unknown or other18V329000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 64 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 30 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V441000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 15V483000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V329000 · Unknown or other
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.