CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 140 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 1 fire, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (64 reports).
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls
Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules
Some 2011-2017 Volkswagen vehicles were modified while they were in an internal evaluation period, and those changes may mean the vehicles do not fully comply with all applicable federal regulatory requirements.
Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash
Debris can contaminate the steering wheel clock spring, a flat spiral cable that keeps the driver's front airbag electrically connected while the wheel turns.
Most common 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan problems
Problem areas named in the 140 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 64 |
| Electrical System | 36 |
| Engine | 30 |
| Steering | 27 |
| Unknown Or Other | 16 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 14 |
| Power Train | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 6 |
| Structure | 5 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 |
What owners report
Engine light on at around 50K - dealership said it was just an "issue with the warning lights" don't worry unless it blinks. At 74K I found out the turbo boost was the reason for this and I should have been told when the car was still under warranty. Realized in December of 2020 the car was soaking wet inside. Front and Back carpet was soaked like a sponge. Thought it was from driving in slush - turns out it's the moonroof drains. Repaired by VW dealership - all carpet and padding was ripped out and had to dry and then be reinstalled. Dealership ripped the interior moonroof headline while installing and didn't tell me. Huge fight with insurance - finally got fixed. Was told Cam cover leaking
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.
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 cle
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)
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
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan questions
Does the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan: Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules; Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash; Fuel System, Gasoline. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Based on 140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (64), Electrical System (36), Engine (30).
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.