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 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.
40% of complaints: air bags — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20250813
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, 20250403
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, 20180419
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and POWER TRAIN
20% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20260902
16% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20260829
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 16V955000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V102000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V329000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V321000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V955000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V102000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V329000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V321000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
4 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.