Common problems · Volkswagen
Volkswagen Tiguan common problems and recalls
15 sourced problems across the Tiguan's generations since 2012, plus 23 DVSA recalls. Enter a registration to see the ones that apply to your exact car.
Free · no signup · recalls, MOT data and researched problems
Tiguan Mk3 (2024 on)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
None that we hold for this generation.
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
Nothing reported that met our bar of two independent publishers.
DVSA recalls for the Tiguan Mk3
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- Lever for seat height adjustmentR/2025/004 · 19/12/2024
Volkswagen AG has established that on VW Tiguan vehicles of a limited production period there is the possibility that because of a faulty protective felt in the event of a front crash a tear in the seat belt on the front seats could occur. In the event of an accident the seat belt could get caught in the side lever fo…
Remedy: For safety reasons the replacement of the faulty protective felt on the lever to the seat height adjustment of your vehicle is necessary. Until the check do not use your vehicle with the front seats…
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2024
Tiguan Mk2 (incl. Allspace, eHybrid) (2016–2024)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · VolkswagenElectrics
Recall: panoramic roof lighting can short-circuit
On Tiguans and Tourans built from 2015 to 2018 with the panoramic glass roof, the LED lighting module in the roof can short-circuit. Dealers modify the wiring with fused adapter cables.
Applies to: Tiguan Mk2 and Touran Mk2 with a panoramic roof, built April 2015 – July 2018
Only cars with the panoramic glass roof, which DVLA does not record. A dealer can confirm from the VIN.
- Recall · VolkswagenBody & corrosion
Recall: roof spoiler can come off
On Tiguans built from 2016 to 2019, the roof spoiler can partly or completely detach. A second recall covered R-Line models where unsuitable adhesive was used. Dealers add bolts holding the spoiler to the tailgate.
Applies to: Tiguan Mk2 built May 2016 – November 2019, including R-Line
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volkswagen dealer can confirm from the VIN whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
3 sources
- Recall · VolkswagenHybrid & electric drive
Recall: plug-in hybrid high-voltage fuse
On some plug-in hybrids built from 2019 to 2022, the fuse in the high-voltage system was made with too little of the sand that quenches it when it blows. Dealers fit an extra insulating mat to the high-voltage battery's switching unit.
Applies to: Plug-in hybrid Golf Mk8 (GTE/eHybrid), Passat GTE, Tiguan eHybrid and Arteon eHybrid built January 2019 – February 2022
Plug-in hybrids only. A dealer can confirm from the VIN whether this car was included.
- Recall · VolkswagenElectrics
Recall: a failed bulb may not be flagged on the dash
A software fault in the on-board power control unit means a failed headlight, daytime light, fog light or indicator may not be shown on the dash, or a working light may be shown as faulty. Dealers install new software.
Applies to: Golf Mk7 (incl. Golf SV), Tiguan, Touran and Passat B8 built June 2015 – October 2016
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volkswagen dealer can confirm from the VIN whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolkswagenBody & corrosion
Recall: rear child locks can disengage
On cars built between November 2015 and April 2016, the rear door child locks can disengage without the driver knowing, so the door can be opened from inside. Dealers inspect the locks and replace them where needed.
Applies to: up!, Polo Mk5, Tiguan, Golf Mk7 and Passat B8 built November 2015 – April 2016
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volkswagen dealer can confirm from the VIN whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolkswagenBody & corrosion
Recall: engine covers can come loose
On some cars built from September 2020 to February 2022, the engine compartment covers could come loose from their mountings, whatever the driving style or road. Dealers remove the cover.
Applies to: T-Roc, Tiguan Mk2, Golf Mk8 and Arteon built September 2020 – February 2022
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volkswagen dealer can confirm from the VIN whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolkswagenInterior
Recall: airbag or seat belt pretensioner may not fire
On some VWs built between May and October 2016, a manufacturing error means an airbag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in a collision. Dealers check and replace the affected parts.
Applies to: Golf Mk7, Golf SV, Passat B8, Tiguan Mk2, Touran Mk2, Scirocco, up!, Transporter T6 and Crafter built May – October 2016
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volkswagen dealer can confirm from the VIN whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolkswagenInterior
Recall: front seat backrests may collapse in a crash
On Tiguans built from August to October 2016, the front seat backrests may not have been assembled correctly and could collapse in a collision. Dealers fit replacement frames where needed.
Applies to: Tiguan Mk2 built August – October 2016
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volkswagen dealer can confirm from the VIN whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · Volkswagen GroupEngine
Recall: engine can give too little torque at low revs (2018–19)
On some cars built between September 2018 and June 2019, the engine may produce too little torque at low engine speeds, which can make pulling away hesitant. Under the DVSA recall, dealers update the engine control unit software.
Applies to: VW Arteon, Passat, Tiguan and Touran; Skoda Karoq, Kodiaq and Superb; SEAT Ateca and Tarraco — built September 2018 – June 2019 (R/2019/264, 303, 305)
About 3,600 UK cars in specific VIN ranges. The recalls do not name the engine, so DVLA data cannot tell whether your car is one of them; a dealer or the DVSA recall check can.
3 sources
- Car Recalls UK (mirror of DVSA recall data) — VW Tiguan (2018 – 2019) – too little torque provided by the engine (R/2019/264)
- Car Recalls UK (mirror of DVSA recall data) — Skoda Kodiaq (2018 – 2019) – too little torque provided by the engine (R/2019/303)
- Car Recalls UK (mirror of DVSA recall data) — SEAT Ateca (2018 – 2019) – the engine produces insufficient torque (R/2019/305)
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 2 publishersScreen, sat-nav & audio
Infotainment and electrical faults
Infotainment and other electrical faults were the most common problems on this Tiguan in What Car?'s reliability survey, on petrol and diesel alike, with owners needing dealer visits for software updates and repairs. Parkers' used guide also reports poor digital radio reception, reversing cameras that don't work and general buggy software.
Applies to: Tiguan Mk2 and Tiguan Allspace (2016–2024)
- Reported by 3 publishersGearbox
DSG automatic: clutch wear and mechatronic unit faults
What Car? and the RAC both report owners having trouble with the DSG dual-clutch automatic. Parkers says clutch wear is one weak area but that the more common fault is the mechatronic unit that controls the gearbox, which can be very expensive to fix. Look for jerky or hesitant changes and gears that won't engage.
Applies to: Tiguan Mk2 (2016–2024) with the DSG automatic gearbox
DVLA does not record the gearbox, so this shows for all cars of this generation — it only applies to DSG automatics.
- Reported by 2 publishersEngine
Oil leaks and high oil use
Parkers says many Tiguan Mk2 engines are prone to high oil consumption, often down to leaks that are fairly easy to fix, and warns that running low on oil can harm the turbo. Haynes names two common leaks: around the oil filter cover on the 2.0 TDI, and a turbo air inlet hose on the 1.4 TSI, which can also use oil quickly enough to light the oil warning.
Applies to: Tiguan Mk2 (2016–2024), petrol and diesel
DVSA recalls for the Tiguan Mk2 (incl. Allspace, eHybrid)
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- Sporadic malfunctions in a pressure casting system caused individual rear wheel bearing housings to be fitted with oxide inclusionsR/2022/166 · 30/05/2022
On Tiguan LWB vehicles of a limited production period sporadic malfunctions in a pressure casting system caused individual rear wheel bearing housings to be fitted with oxide inclusions.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the production date of the two rear wheel bearing housings is checked and if necessary replaced.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2021
- Front swivel joint nut incorrectly secured on wheel bearing housing (left and right)R/2018/181 · 28/06/2018
On affected vehicles the nut of the bolted connections of the front (left and right) swivel joints on the wheel bearing housing may not have been tightened to the correct torque. in case of unusual mechanical noises the vehicle has to be stopped straight away and the workshop contacted control of the vehicle may be lo…
Remedy: The nut of the bolted connection for the swivel joint on the front right and left wheel bearing housing has to be replaced.
Listed for: TIGUAN ALLSPACE · built 2017–2018
- Airbag may have been incorrectly folded when passenger airbag module was producedR/2018/217 · 22/07/2018
On Tiguan Allspace vehicles of a limited production period faulty passenger airbags may have been fitted. When the passenger airbag module was produced the airbag may have been incorrectly folded. As a result there is risk that in case of deployment the airbag may not open up correctly and would therefore be ineffecti…
Remedy: On all affected vehicles the passenger airbag unit has to be replaced.
Listed for: TIGUAN ALLSPACE · built 2018
- Curtain airbagR/2025/223 · 20/06/2025
On Tiguan Allspace vehicles of a limited production period there is a possibility that one or several faulty curtain airbags may have been fitted in the vehicle.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the left and/or right curtain airbag must be replaced.
Listed for: TIGUAN ALLSPACE · built 2018–2019
Show 13 more
- Lever for seat height adjustmentR/2025/004 · 19/12/2024
Volkswagen AG has established that on VW Tiguan vehicles of a limited production period there is the possibility that because of a faulty protective felt in the event of a front crash a tear in the seat belt on the front seats could occur. In the event of an accident the seat belt could get caught in the side lever fo…
Remedy: For safety reasons the replacement of the faulty protective felt on the lever to the seat height adjustment of your vehicle is necessary. Until the check do not use your vehicle with the front seats…
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2024
- Front brake discs may not be correct thicknessR/2018/074 · 19/03/2018
The front brake discs may not meet the required thickness dimension. Under extreme loads this could cause cracking which may lead to fractures.
Remedy: The front discs on affected vehicles will be checked for conformity and where necessary they will be replaced.
Listed for: TIGUAN, GOLF · built 2018
- The wall thickness of the fuel tank may not be to specificationR/2019/451 · 18/12/2019
The specified wall thickness of the fuel tank can in some places fall below the threshold.
Remedy: For all affected vehicles the fuel tank has to be replaced
Listed for: TIGUAN, TOURAN · built 2019
- A wrong multiple fuse was installed in the electronics boxR/2019/231 · 18/07/2019
An incorrect multiple fuse was installed in the electronics box.
Remedy: The incorrect multiple fuse in the electronics box has to be replaced
Listed for: TIGUAN ALLSPACE · built 2017–2018
- Possible cracks in left front seatsR/2019/216 · 15/07/2019
There is a possibility that due to a fault in the production process there is a crack on the frame of the left front seat.
Remedy: Check and replace the seat frame if a crack is found
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2019
- A welding to the tubular frame of the driver seatmay have been incorrectly performedR/2021/052 · 15/02/2021
A welding to the tubular frame of the driver seat may have been incorrectly performed.
Remedy: The welding on the rear tubular frame of the driver seat will be checked and if necessary replaced.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2020
- Takata Front airbagR/2023/178 · 13/06/2023
The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Remedy: Replace airbag
Listed for: POLO, PASSAT, EOS, BEETLE, TIGUAN, CRAFTER, TRANSPORTER, MULTIVAN, FOX, GOLF, SHARAN, XL1, UP!, GOLF CABRIO, VIVO · built 2005–2018
- Wheels ordered and bought at the dealers may not be compatibleR/2020/005 · 12/12/2019
Wheels ordered and bought at the dealers may not be compatible.
Remedy: Incompatible wheels in the customer's possession must be replaced
Listed for: TOURAN, TIGUAN · built 2019
- The adjustment mechanism of the backrest frame of the front seats may be incorrectly weldedR/2020/259 · 08/09/2020
There is the possibility that the adjustment mechanism of the backrest frame of the front seats was incorrectly welded.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the backrests of the front seats are to be checked and replaced if necessary.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2020
- A tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fittedR/2021/203 · 07/06/2021
A tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fitted.
Remedy: The tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2016–2019
- Curtain AirbagR/2024/114 · 07/03/2024
In Tiguan Allspace vehicles within a specified range of VINs curtain airbags with a defective gas generator may have been installed due to a manufacturing error. A defective gas generator may cause the airbag not to work correctly and therefore not provide the required level of protection. In the event of an accident…
Remedy: Replace curtain airbag
Listed for: TIGUAN ALLSPACE · built 2018–2019
- The bolted connection of the brake line on the front right wheel housing may not have been correctly tightened during productionR/2021/405 · 05/11/2021
The bolted connection of the brake line on the front right wheel housing may not have been correctly tightened during production.
Remedy: The bolted connection of the brake line must be checked on the front right wheel housing and if necessary retightened.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2021
- Tow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism may have been fittedR/2019/174 · 03/06/2019
A tow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module.
Remedy: The affected tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2016–2018
Measured at MOT: how a 2020 Tiguan fails more often
Based on 56,914 first MOT tests of this model at 6 years old (cars first used 2018–2019), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
Tiguan Mk1 (2007–2016)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · VolkswagenElectrics
Recall: a failed bulb may not be flagged on the dash
A software fault in the on-board power control unit means a failed headlight, daytime light, fog light or indicator may not be shown on the dash, or a working light may be shown as faulty. Dealers install new software.
Applies to: Golf Mk7 (incl. Golf SV), Tiguan, Touran and Passat B8 built June 2015 – October 2016
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volkswagen dealer can confirm from the VIN whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolkswagenInterior
Recall: airbag control unit component can fail
On some Sharans, Tiguans and CCs built during 2015, a condenser (capacitor) inside the airbag control unit can fail. Dealers update the airbag control unit software.
Applies to: Sharan Mk2, Tiguan Mk1 and CC built January – December 2015
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volkswagen dealer can confirm from the VIN whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · VolkswagenBody & corrosion
Recall: rear child locks can disengage
On cars built between November 2015 and April 2016, the rear door child locks can disengage without the driver knowing, so the door can be opened from inside. Dealers inspect the locks and replace them where needed.
Applies to: up!, Polo Mk5, Tiguan, Golf Mk7 and Passat B8 built November 2015 – April 2016
Recalls cover a limited production run. A Volkswagen dealer can confirm from the VIN whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · Volkswagen GroupFuel system
If it has the VW Group 2.0 TDI common rail diesel: Recall: high-pressure fuel pipes can leak
On some 2.0 common rail diesels built between 2009 and 2011, faulty material can make the high-pressure fuel pipes leak. A fuel smell or wet fuel around the engine is the sign. Under the DVSA recall, dealers fit anti-vibration weights to the pipes.
Applies to: VW Group 2.0 TDI common rail diesel (diesel), built 2009–2011
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 2 publishersBrakes
Electronic parking brake can refuse to release
The electronic parking brake can refuse to release, particularly on a slope, and What Car? warns that driving against it can cause damage. Auto Express notes it won't release if the driver's seat belt isn't fastened or the clutch isn't fully pressed, so rule those out first.
Applies to: Tiguan Mk1 (2007–2016)
DVSA recalls for the Tiguan Mk1
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- A short circuit in the LED module of the panorama sun roof can occurR/2018/331 · 28/11/2018
Possible short circuit in LED lighting module of the panoramic roof.
Remedy: Modify wiring with integrated fuse adapter cables.
Listed for: TIGUAN, TOURAN · built 2015–2018
- Front seat backrest may collapse in a collisionR/2016/272 · 27/01/2017
The back-rests of the front seats may not have been assembled correctly. This may increase risk of injury to occupants during a collision.
Remedy: On affected vehicles check frames and if necessary replace affected components.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2016
- Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accidentR/2017/079 · 22/03/2017
Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.
Listed for: SCIROCCO, TRANSPORTER, CRAFTER, TIGUAN, PASSAT, GOLF, TOURAN, UP! · built 2016
- Fire may occurR/2008/097 · 16/07/2008
The earth terminal of the additional air heater may not be correctly attached. This can lead to overheating of the connection and in the most unfavourable case to a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to modify the attachment of the earth cable on the heating element of the additional air heater.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2007–2008
Show 5 more
- Takata Front airbagR/2023/178 · 13/06/2023
The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Remedy: Replace airbag
Listed for: POLO, PASSAT, EOS, BEETLE, TIGUAN, CRAFTER, TRANSPORTER, MULTIVAN, FOX, GOLF, SHARAN, XL1, UP!, GOLF CABRIO, VIVO · built 2005–2018
- The roof spoiler can partially or completely detach from the vehicleR/2020/133 · 11/05/2020
The roof spoiler can partially or completely detach from the vehicle.
Remedy: The roof spoiler is additionally fixed in position with bolts on the rear lid.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2016–2019
- A tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fittedR/2021/203 · 07/06/2021
A tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fitted.
Remedy: The tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2016–2019
- Starter motor may malfunction and overheatR/2018/062 · 07/03/2018
On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is pos…
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Listed for: BEETLE, JETTA, PASSAT, SCIROCCO, EOS, TIGUAN, TOURAN, SHARAN, GOLF · built 2011
- Tow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism may have been fittedR/2019/174 · 03/06/2019
A tow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module.
Remedy: The affected tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
Listed for: TIGUAN · built 2016–2018
Measured at MOT: how a 2012 Tiguan fails more often
Based on 13,241 first MOT tests of this model at 14 years old (cars first used 2010–2011), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
MOT failure rate: the Tiguan against vehicles its age
In our analysis of DVSA's anonymised MOT data for 2024 and 2025, 18.8% of 462,070 initial MOT tests on the Volkswagen Tiguan failed at the first attempt — 21% less often than vehicles of the same ages and fuel types, which failed 24.0%.
TiguanCars of the same age and fuel (all makes)
| Age | Tests | Bars | Tiguan | Same age & fuel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | 162,293 | 11.6% | 15.2% | 23% lower | |
| 6–9 years | 180,293 | 16.7% | 23.4% | 28% lower | |
| 10–14 years | 100,052 | 30.7% | 35.6% | 13% lower | |
| 15–19 years | 19,432 | 38.5% | 42.4% | 8% lower |
These describe the model, not one car: how vehicles are used and maintained shows up as much as how they were built. Differences are the conservative end of a 95% confidence interval.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Rates and comparisons are FindServiceHistory's own analysis, not DVSA figures.
These describe the model, not one car. Plenty of cars never have the problems their model is known for, and a recall may already have been done on yours. Every problem links to its sources; a reported problem needs two independent publishers before we list it.
Recalls are listed by DVSA for the model around its build date — check a specific car by VIN at GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Common questions
What are the most common Tiguan problems?
For cars built from 2012, the problems at least two independent publishers report include: Infotainment and electrical faults; DSG automatic: clutch wear and mechatronic unit faults; Oil leaks and high oil use; Electronic parking brake can refuse to release. Which apply depends on the generation and engine — they are listed generation by generation above, each with its sources.
Has the Tiguan been recalled?
Yes. DVSA lists recalls for the Tiguan built from 2012, shown above by generation. A recall covers a range of chassis numbers, so not every car is affected — check a specific car by VIN on GOV.UK, or by registration with our checker.
Does my Tiguan have these problems?
Not necessarily. These describe the model; many cars never have them, and a well-maintained car is less likely to. Enter your registration above to see the problems for your exact generation and engine, and whether DVSA records an outstanding recall on it. Whether a known problem was fixed is what a service history check shows.
Has this Tiguan had the work done?
A known problem matters far less on a car whose dealer records show it was fixed. A service history check returns the manufacturer's own dealership records for a specific car — and there's no charge if we find nothing.
Check a Volkswagen service historyMore common problems
- Volkswagen Golf problems
- Volkswagen Polo problems
- DSG and S tronic gearboxes problems
- Ford PowerShift gearbox problems
- Ingenium diesel engine problems
- BMW N47 diesel problems
- Volkswagen service records and coverage
- Volkswagen MOT failure rates by model
- Check a specific car's MOT history
- All models — common problems checker