2013 Volkswagen Tiguan

2013 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls (3)

• UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

  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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

• AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

  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. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

  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. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

• FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014. When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.

  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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.

2013 Volkswagen Tiguan safety ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2013 Volkswagen Tiguan owner complaints (15)

• STEERING

  When driving down the highway, my power steering went out with zero warning or indicators leading up to it going out. Upon researching, this is a problem that many people have experienced with this make and model of vehicle.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) Also , as of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. And the overheat light comes on ,off and on.. sometimes clears up once the car is shut off and then turned back on.. some times has to sit for a while, then clears up

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information.

• ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  As of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. Now the overheat light comes on ,off and on.. sometimes clears up once the car is shut off and then turned back on.. some times has to sit for a while, then clears up

• SEAT BELTS

  Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now)

• AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) Also , as of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. And the overheat light comes on now, off and on.. sometimes clears up once the car is shut off and then turned back on.. some times has to sit for a while, then clears up I see no recall on my car VIN #, for these issues??? How can that be possible???

• WHEELS,ENGINE

  1 of the 2 water pumps has been repaired twice. On this 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan between the years of 2022-2024. Upon the last repair of water pumps the vehicle just cut off while driving. No overheating indication notice was alarmed or visual indication of smoke / overheating from radiator. The vehicle failed to restart after putting approximate solution /liquid in the radiator/ engine coolant resvior. The vehicle has been out of commission and mobility of the vehicle to inspect or have repaired is impossible due to being locked up will not even go into neutral. The immediate loss of power and inability to maneuver any steering options posed an immediate danger n risk to health and safety. There have been no notices sent to us about recalls on this vehicle only a class action lawsuit settlement that we should know about concerning the turbocharger. We have had car checked and repairs for engine oil leaks as well. No repairs done have remied the improvement or functionality of this vehicle. On a separate incident the front two front tires wore down tread all the way across in less than 6 months( brand new tires) resulting in the repurchase of two more tires and no mechanical explanation or fix could explain this occurrence. We had vehicle alignment assessment performed and nothing indicated a reason or explanation.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  My engine shut off my battery as I was driving. This forced my car to stop in the middle of the road. There wasn’t a battery sign or engine light on until after the event. This could’ve caused a wreck, especially if it would’ve happened on the highway. I also have a problem with my gas not registering. It doesn’t show how much gas I have left in my tank. I have had other electrical issues, and problems when starting my car.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  The issue involves ongoing water intrusion through the panoramic sunroof, front power windows, and windshield seals. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This recurring leak has caused extensive interior water damage, including visible mold growth in the carpet on multiple occasions. This mold presents serious health risks to both me and my passengers, especially my sister, who is undergoing cancer treatment and has a severely compromised immune system. Water pooling beneath the carpet also threatens critical electrical systems located in the floor area, including the Vehicle Electrical System Control Module (J519), CAN/LIN bus wiring, door control harnesses, and footwell circuits. Corrosion or shorting in these systems could lead to unpredictable failures in safety-critical functions, even if not immediately apparent. Although Volkswagen dealerships have cleaned the sunroof drains as part of routine service packages, no formal diagnosis or confirmation of the leak’s source has been made. Independent mechanics have confirmed clogged drains and flushed debris to restore water flow. In 2019, I replaced the windshield at my mechanic’s recommendation because the interior glass was frequently soaked with morning condensation. Despite these measures, the sunroof continues to leak whenever it rains. No warning lamps or dashboard messages have ever appeared related to this issue. The first visible symptom occurred several years ago—possibly as early as 2019—when water began leaking from the passenger-side sun visor and headliner immediately after a car wash. Given the persistent nature of the leak, the associated mold hazard, and the risk to vehicle electronics and occupant safety, I believe this defect warrants manufacturer accountability and recall consideration rather than a temporary repair.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Front sunroof drains have shrunk over time disconnecting from drainage port causing massive amounts of water to pool in floor boards. This location is where electrical connections for the airbags are located causing failure for airbags and more. Rear drains were also disconnected due to shrinkage and crimped causing water to pool in trunk. Mold has appeared causing health issues as well.

• AIR BAGS

  While I was driving, when I turned the wheel I heard a cracking noise. Then airbag light turned on, and an airbag notification popped up on the dash.

• AIR BAGS

  my steering wheel was making a crackling sound then it stopped and my airbag light came on along with the message " Airbag error". no controls on my steering wheel work including my horn.

• STEERING

  Steering of the vehicle, gets stiff and looses the ability to drive smoothly, this happened after driving the car a couple of minutes, this put other people at risk because it happens when you start the vehicle and makes the steering hard to steer, also when the steering light goes off the steering wheel feels very loose. it appeared on my dashboard about 2 months ago and took it to the shop and the mechanic told me that he couldnt find anything on it. re calibrate the steering and got the car back but the problem still continues, upon investigating this a very common problem among VW's and to fix it, it cost thousands of dollars

• ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  After filling up one day I was heading home and started to smell gas from my ac vents when I turned it on I didn’t pay much attention until I got nauseous and a huge headache. Later that day my boyfriend tried to get to work and the car said “engine off” and turned off on the side of the highway if wouldn’t start. We figured maybe a battery l got it towed home afterwards and just let it sit for a day bought a new battery it didn’t start then noticed there was no gas in it suddenly I just had a full tank the day prior. When I cranked it up the next morning after going to get more gasoline it all just started spraying from under the engine and it smelled like gas. I’m to scared to move it far and it blows up or something.

• AIR BAGS

  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. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.