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
- 97
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 97 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
38% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.
Electrical system
28% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show 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, 2025-02-11
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, 2019-06-24
Also filed under Structure and suspension
Steering
13% · 13 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Steering failure all of a sudden safety concern steering became very difficult the steering wheel became stiff and felt really unsafe. Red light for the steering turned on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-19
Engine
10% · 10 reportsShow 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, 2026-07-12
Structure
6% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2016-08-22Latches/locks/linkages16V464000 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.
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I
2018-04-18Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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R
2019-11-25Air bags19V535000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 27 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V464000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 19V535000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
- 2 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.