2016 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 110 |
| 2011 | 161 |
| 2012 | 152 |
| 2013 | 139 |
| 2014 | 84 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2016 | 96 |
| 2017 | 75 |
| 2018 | 282 |
| 2019 | 190 |
| 2020 | 138 |
| 2021 | 139 |
| 2022 | 266 |
| 2023 | 62 |
| 2024 | 65 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 25 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
39% of complaints: air bags — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.
28% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the entertainment, cruise control, and TPMS turned on and off without application. The horn was inoperable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250211
Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE and VISIBILITY
THE CAR WAS SHUT DOWN BY KEYLESS IGNITION AND THE FOB WAS REMOVED WHEN I ENTERED A BUILDING. AFTER 15 MINUTES IT ROLLED AWAY AND HIT A SCULPTURE AND ROLLED OVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190624
Also filed under STRUCTURE and SUSPENSION
13% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: engine — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
* Purchase Date: January 23, 2016 * Current Mileage: Approximately 71,500 miles For the past several months, my vehicle has experienced continuous engine oil loss.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260712
6% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V464000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles.
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V464000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V535000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.