Volkswagen Tiguan reliability
The Volkswagen Tiguan fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 17.7% of 93,675 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
25 DVSA recalls for the Volkswagen Tiguan
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Lever for seat height adjustment
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 for seat height adjustment. The faulty protective felt on the lever for the seat height adjustment can cause the seat belt to tear in the event of a front crash. A torn seat belt increases the risk of severe or deadly injuries in the event of accidents.
Fix: 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 in a seat position that is far back and low down. Otherwise there is a risk that the seat belt could tear in the event of a front crash and the risk of severe or deadly injuries is increased.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 337 vehicles
Takata Front airbag
The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
Recalled models: TIGUAN (5N) · 1 vehicles
Sporadic malfunctions in a pressure casting system caused individual rear wheel bearing housings to be fitted with oxide inclusions
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.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the production date of the two rear wheel bearing housings is checked and if necessary replaced.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 305 vehicles
The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand
The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand.
Fix: An additional protective insulating mat is to be fitted to the switching unit for high-voltage battery.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 1,868 vehicles
Engine compartment covers could come loose from their attachment
On affected vehicles engine compartment covers were fitted that regardless of use (very sporty driving style or poor road condition) and operating period could come loose from their attachment.
Fix: On all affected vehicles the engine compartment cover has to be removed.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 7,579 vehicles
The bolted connection of the brake line on the front right wheel housing may not have been correctly tightened during production
The bolted connection of the brake line on the front right wheel housing may not have been correctly tightened during production.
Fix: The bolted connection of the brake line must be checked on the front right wheel housing and if necessary retightened.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 3 vehicles
A tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fitted
A tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fitted.
Fix: The tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 531 vehicles
A welding to the tubular frame of the driver seatmay have been incorrectly performed
A welding to the tubular frame of the driver seat may have been incorrectly performed.
Fix: The welding on the rear tubular frame of the driver seat will be checked and if necessary replaced.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 33 vehicles
The adjustment mechanism of the backrest frame of the front seats may be incorrectly welded
There is the possibility that the adjustment mechanism of the backrest frame of the front seats was incorrectly welded.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the backrests of the front seats are to be checked and replaced if necessary.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 15 vehicles
The roof spoiler can partially or completely detach from the vehicle
The roof spoiler can partially or completely detach from the vehicle.
Fix: The roof spoiler is additionally fixed in position with bolts on the rear lid.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 2,495 vehicles
The wall thickness of the fuel tank may not be to specification
The specified wall thickness of the fuel tank can in some places fall below the threshold.
Fix: For all affected vehicles the fuel tank has to be replaced
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 53 vehicles
Wheels ordered and bought at the dealers may not be compatible
Wheels ordered and bought at the dealers may not be compatible.
Fix: Incompatible wheels in the customer's possession must be replaced
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 184 vehicles
A condenser may fail in the airbag control unit
A condenser in the airbag control unit may fail.
Fix: The software of the airbag control unit must be updated.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 17,988 vehicles
Too little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds
Too little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the software of the engine control unit must be updated.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 373 vehicles
Possible cracks in left front seats
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.
Fix: Check and replace the seat frame if a crack is found
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 101 vehicles
Tow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism may have been fitted
A tow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module.
Fix: The affected tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 454 vehicles
A short circuit in the led module of the panorama sun roof can occur
Possible short circuit in LED lighting module of the panoramic roof.
Fix: Modify wiring with integrated fuse adapter cables.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 37,179 vehicles
Front brake discs may not be correct thickness
The front brake discs may not meet the required thickness dimension. Under extreme loads this could cause cracking which may lead to fractures.
Fix: The front discs on affected vehicles will be checked for conformity and where necessary they will be replaced.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 56 vehicles
Starter motor may malfunction and overheat
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 possible.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 16,625 vehicles
Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident
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
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 3,879 vehicles
Front seat backrest may collapse in a collision
The back-rests of the front seats may not have been assembled correctly. This may increase risk of injury to occupants during a collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles check frames and if necessary replace affected components.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 1,706 vehicles
Lights may fail without warning
It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 12,440 vehicles
Child lock may disengage
The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.
Fix: On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 13,620 vehicles
Fuel may leak
On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.
Fix: Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 33,719 vehicles
Fire may occur
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.
Fix: 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.
Recalled models: TIGUAN · 1,452 vehicles
Checking a Volkswagen Tiguan before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.