2016 Volkswagen Tiguan problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 96 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, filed between 2016-05-16 and 2026-07-12. The most common problem areas are the air bags (37, 39%), electrical system (27, 28%) and steering (12, 13%). Owners reported 4 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 37 | 39% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 27 | 28% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 23 | 24% | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Steering | 12 | 13% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 10 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 6 | 6% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Air bags: 37 complaints
- 37 complaints of 96 (39%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 14 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan; the recall, campaign 19V535000, says: “The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.”
Electrical system: 27 complaints
- 27 complaints of 96 (28%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 14 of them also name the air bags; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan covers this system.
Steering: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 96 (13%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 5 of them also name the air bags; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan covers this system.
Engine: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 96 (10%) name the engine.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan covers this system.
Structure: 6 complaints
- 6 complaints of 96 (6%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 96 (4%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 2 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names TIGUAN, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan's most common problem areas are the air bags (37 of 96 complaints), electrical system (27 of 96 complaints) and steering (12 of 96 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
NHTSA has 96 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, including 4 reported crashes and 2 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.