Faulty water pump caused expansive replacement cost aprx $1400.00. Learned from certified mechanic that it was a common problem and a lawsuit is in process against VW USA.
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 124.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tiguan years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
23 reports with mileage · 52 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
75 reportsHello, I have had much trouble with this automobile. In fact it’s has become a nightmare. While driving on highway 75/85 with massive traffic in a major city, my level of anxiety was raised because I was about 15 minutes from home. I had to travel for 40 minutes. I took a chance hoping that the car did not stop or give out in tr…
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Hello, I have had much trouble with this automobile. In fact it’s has become a nightmare. While driving on highway 75/85 with massive traffic in a major city, my level of anxiety was raised because I was about 15 minutes from home. I had to travel for 40 minutes. I took a chance hoping that the car did not stop or give out in traffic in the middle of the highway. First my navigating system would not function, it kept blanking out off and on or dancing around, so and I could not get it to give directions toward home. Then the dashboard began to light up with multiple lights. I’m a senior citizen over 70 years, with a compromised immune system and felt very anxious or worried for my safety as well as others and that the car would stop in a 6 lane interstate going one way in traffic. June 2022- the Thermostat housing and water pump gave out for no reason. The Control Arms Brushes had to also be replaced which should have lasted for at least 80,000 miles. At the time my automobile had only 48,000 miles as a 2017 Tiguan. On 9/16/22, I was told by the dealership that it would take 2 weeks before I could get in to them to have a diagnostic to see what maybe the problem. Right now the car is parked, I live on a fixed income, with medical problems and doctors appointments of which I can’t afford to miss. This is my only means of transportation and I don’t have multiple cars as well as I live alone. This is very frustrating!!! Out of all the automobiles I have owned, I’ve never had such problems as I have with this one. The warning lights are still showing. I counted 6 as of this date. I am asking that you will consider the circumstances and replace this automobile for the blue book value, at least, so that I can feel safe and that I’m not jeopardizing my life as well as others around. Thank you!
The clock spring failed in my steering wheel. There is no active horn or airbag for the drivers side. None of the steering wheel system works. The steering wheel was making a clicking sound for a week and then one night the airbag error light came on and has stayed on. The vehicle was taken to VW they said it is the clockspring …
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The clock spring failed in my steering wheel. There is no active horn or airbag for the drivers side. None of the steering wheel system works. The steering wheel was making a clicking sound for a week and then one night the airbag error light came on and has stayed on. The vehicle was taken to VW they said it is the clockspring that needs to be replaced but they are on back order for months.
I was driving vehicle and it began to stall. I was a block away from home and made it home turned it off. When I tried to turn it on it would not start. I had it towed where I was told that the engine was BLOWN at no fault of my own. At 119000. I am still paying on this vehicle and can’t even use it. Mechanic says it’s not even …
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I was driving vehicle and it began to stall. I was a block away from home and made it home turned it off. When I tried to turn it on it would not start. I had it towed where I was told that the engine was BLOWN at no fault of my own. At 119000. I am still paying on this vehicle and can’t even use it. Mechanic says it’s not even worth putting a new engine in. The money I would spend on it I might as well get a new vehicle. Replacing the engine would start at 9,000.00. VW NEEDS A RECALL on this. Mechanic says he sees this alot on this vehicle
Clock spring failure. First symptom happened 2-3 months ago, my steering wheel radio controls and controls on my touch screen started randomly freezing or breaking. 3 months later, as I was turning my steering wheel, there was a cracking sound and my air bag light came on. The next day my car died but was able to be jumped by ro…
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Clock spring failure. First symptom happened 2-3 months ago, my steering wheel radio controls and controls on my touch screen started randomly freezing or breaking. 3 months later, as I was turning my steering wheel, there was a cracking sound and my air bag light came on. The next day my car died but was able to be jumped by roadside assistance, unsure if the battery dying was related. The car was taken to a VW service station and was a confirmed clock spring failure, which I understand means the airbags will not deploy when/if needed. I was told it was not under warranty.
Tires treads are peeling or shredded at 40.000 miles in left front driver side, rear driver side and right front passenger side I went to Costco tire and was advised to replace the tires for safety reasons
Approximately three months ago I was in my 2017 Tiguan, headed to have brunch with some close friends. Upon backing out of my garage, I turned the wheel and heard an odd clicking sound in my steering wheel/column. I made my way to meet my friends, only to find that my airbag light and tire pressure sensor had come on in my dash.…
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Approximately three months ago I was in my 2017 Tiguan, headed to have brunch with some close friends. Upon backing out of my garage, I turned the wheel and heard an odd clicking sound in my steering wheel/column. I made my way to meet my friends, only to find that my airbag light and tire pressure sensor had come on in my dash. Later on, I discovered I couldn’t use any of the controls on my steering wheel, and my horn wasn’t functioning. Thankfully I don’t use the car to travel much because I work from home, but there are times when I need to run errands. I researched the problem and the only conclusion I could reach was the clockspring was damaged. I have yet to take it to my garage because apparently, there is a shortage of the part needed. I have also read there was an initial recall on this part several years ago, but I’m concerned this is still an issue in these vehicles. I’m also concerned that because the part shortage, it won’t pass inspection. Something needs to be done to remedy this defect. It’s far too dangerous to let this go any longer.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his daughter was starting the vehicle, she became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the N80 purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
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The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his daughter was starting the vehicle, she became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the N80 purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacture was contacted but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 55,780.
I have had my clock spring replaced in my 2017 VW Tiguan 3 times and it continues to break. I have had a clock spring on "order" since December 2021 and the VW dealership cannot fix my car. My horn doesn't work nor does any functions on my steering wheel and I am pretty sure my drivers air bag would not go off as the light is on…
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I have had my clock spring replaced in my 2017 VW Tiguan 3 times and it continues to break. I have had a clock spring on "order" since December 2021 and the VW dealership cannot fix my car. My horn doesn't work nor does any functions on my steering wheel and I am pretty sure my drivers air bag would not go off as the light is on and happens each time my clock spring has broken. This is a known issue that VW has and the NHTSA has previously investigated the issue on a prior year recall. The only warning sign prior to my clock spring breaking each time sounded like crumpling or breaking plastic when turning the steering wheel a certain way. When it finally broke each time it was like plastic snapping and the air bag light comes on and nothing on steering wheel works. No horn no nothing. The Volkswagen dealership has replaced my clock spring 3 times one of which Flow Volkswagen in Wilmington NC tried to charge us...did but eventually refunded when I provided documentation but told me I was going to have to pay for it all and charged me over $200 to tell me it was broken and parts were on backorder and I would have to wait until they came in but was also responsible for paying for all the repairs. This would have been the second time Flow Volkswagen in Wilmington o replaced my clock spring. Please help. I don't know what to do and I am nearing my annual inspection and cannot and will not pass because I have no horn.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump and the timing chain were faulty and needed to be replaced. The veh…
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The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump and the timing chain were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 37,000.
Official recalls
421V321000 · Unknown Or Other
May 5, 2021
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. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
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.
18V329000 · Unknown Or Other
May 16, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
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.
18V102000 · Air Bags:frontal
Feb 9, 2018
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69V2.
16V955000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:side/window; Seat Belts:pretensioner
Dec 29, 2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Seat Belts:pretensioner
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air Bags:side/window
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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