2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
- 76
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2017
None on file
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 76 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
39% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.
Show complaint excerpts
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).
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-13
My [XXX] daughter was a front seat passenger in her friendâs 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-03
Also filed under Seat belts
Purchased 05/19/2017. Horn and dashboard lights did not work in approximately 12/2017. Was repaired and told was a coil problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-19
Also filed under Electrical system and power train
Engine
20% · 15 reportsSteering
17% · 13 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Intermittent lack of steering and steering wheel fell off luckily it happened while driving slow otherwise could have caused a major accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-05
Ive had every now and then a steering wheel light come on then come off. Well today 9/1/26 I had lost all steering to my 2017 vw tiguan. The electronic power steering has failed and I believe this is a safety issue that needs to be addressed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-02
Electrical system
16% · 12 reportsShow complaint excerpts
A/C has been a consistent issue since I purchased this from Columbia SC- CarMax's dealership in 2022. I've replaced the compressor and valves, and no resolve. The car sucks up oil and the electrical system is wacky!
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-29
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel/propulsion system
8% · 6 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2017-02-28Air bags, seat belts16V955000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: 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.
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R
2018-05-30Air bags18V102000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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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.
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R
2021-05-20Unknown or other21V321000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 30 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V955000 · Air bags, seat belts
- Recall 18V102000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V329000 · Unknown or other
- Recall 21V321000 · Unknown or other
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
- 4 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.