2013 Volkswagen Tiguan Owner Complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT HEARD A CHIME SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500. UPDATED 10/29/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TRADED IN. THE CONSUMER FELT THE REPAIRS WERE TAKING TOO LONG TO BE COMPLETED. UPDATED 04/23/2015 *JS

9/23/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND THAT CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ALL OF THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO WORK, INCLUDING THE HORN, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND POWERED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

11/6/2015

THERE ARE 2 SEPARATE INCIDENTS. FIRST INCIDENT APPROX. NOV. 26. PROCEEDING UP A STEEP HILL WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED. PRESSING ON GAS PEDAL DID NOT RESULT IN INCREASED SPEED. NEEDED TO SHIFT TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. SECOND INCIDENT ON DEC. 27. PROCEEDING DOWN A STEEP HILL AT APPROX. 45 MPH. POSTED SPEED LIMIT IS 45MPH. PAVEMENT IS DRY, VISIBILITY IS MILES. SKY IS OVERCAST. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HILL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO DECELERATION FROM 45 TO ~ 30MPH. PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT RESULT IN SPEED INCREASE. NEEDED TO SHIFT CAR INTO MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR BACK. THIRD INCIDENT ON JAN. 5. PROCEEDING ON CITY STREET AT LESS THAN POSTED SPEED LIMIT. SUDDENLY CAR HAS NO POWER. ALL ELECTRICAL IS OFF. MUST MOVE CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER GETTING THE CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPED, WAS ABLE TO RESTART. ALL ABOVE INCIDENTS ARE REPORTED TO VW AND CAR IS IN FOR SERVICE. VW REPORTS NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR. *TR

1/8/2013

WE RENTED THE VEHICLE FROM HERTZ AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. WHEN WE PARKED THE CAR TO GO TO A RESTAURANT, WE COULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS AND THUS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. WE PHONED HERTZ AND WERE TOLD WE COULD EXCHANGE THE CAR FOR A DIFFERENT CAR AT THE AIRPORT. ON THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT, WE KEPT SEEING SPORADIC WARNING SIGNALS ON THE DASHBOARD THAT VARIOUS DOORS WERE OPEN. THEY WERE NOT OPEN. THE ATTENDANTS AT HERTZ HAD TROUBLE UNLOCKING THE DOORS AS WELL. FORTUNATELY, WE CONTACTED OUR DAUGHTER BY CELL PHONE WHO DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE CAR ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A HIDDEN KEYHOLE ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR THAT WAS COVERED BY A SNAP-ON PIECE OF MOLDING. OUR DAUGHTER WAS ABLE TO COMMUNICATE HOW TO ACCESS THE KEYHOLE TO THE HERTZ ATTENDANTS WHO THEN SUCCEEDED IN OPENING THE DOORS. THE WINDOWS WERE OPERATIVE, BUT WERE TOO SMALL FOR OLDER FOLKS LIKE OURSELVES TO USE AS AN EGRESS, CERTAINLY NOT WITHOUT HELP. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS SITUTATION SINCE IT COULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO EXTRACT PASSNEGERS FROM A VEHICLE THAT SUFFERS AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, PASSENGERS COULD ARRIVE AT A DESITINATION LATE AT NIGHT AND WITH INSUFFICIENT FUEL, AND FIND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR OR DRIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR HELP. *TR

4/11/2013

MY FIRST ISSUE WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 1 MONTH INTO MY 3+ YEAR LEASE WITH UNDER 1,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE TO DRIVE, AS THEY COULDN'T FIT ME IN FOR SERVICE WITH A LOANER FOR 2 WKS!! THE LIGHT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF IN 2 DAYS WITHOUT AN ISSUE. HOWEVER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN AT 5K MILES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AROUND THE CORNER FROM MY HOME. I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY AND THE CAR DIED. THE CAR HAD A CHECK ENGINE (YELLOW LIGHT ON) AND A RED LIGHT. I HAD LITTLE TO NO CONTROL OVER THE STEERING EITHER. I PULLED OVER, RESTARTED THE CAR AND TURNED AROUND. I PROCEEDED AT A RATE OF 5 TO 10 MILES PER HOUR WITH MY HAZARDS LIGHTS ON FOR THE MILE RIDE BACK TO MY HOUSE. I STOPPED AT A 4 WAY STOP SIGN AND ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY AND THE CAR DIED AGAIN. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE LESS THAN A MILE TO MY HOME. THE CAR HAD TO BE FLAT BEDDED AS IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR IS AT VW AND I AM AWAITING MORE INFO...WITH NO LOANER. *TR

10/29/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THAT VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,600. *TR

3/4/2014

I PURCHASED A 2012 VW TIGUAN AND STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES WHEN THE FUEL PUMP AND MODULATOR WENT BAD.. AFTER THAT I WENT THROUGH 2 OR 3 MORE FUEL PUMPS ON THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. UNSATISFIED WITH THE CARS PERFORMANCE I VOICED MY OPINION TO THE DEALERSHIP; ASKING TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THEY CONTACTED VW WHO AGREED TO PLACE ME IN A 2013 MODEL AND GAVE ABOUT $4500 TOWARDS MY COSTS OF THE UPDATED MODEL; WHICH I STILL LOST CONSIDERABLE MONEY ON BECAUSE OF A VERY LOW TRADE IN VALUE; BUT I WANTED A SAFE VEHICLE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. NOW I HAD THE 2013 FOR OVER A YEAR AND 21,000 MILES ROLES ON AND MY FUEL PUMP WENT OUT ON THIS CAR. IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO TRAFFIC AND THE CAR DIED ALMOST CAUSING MY FAMILY AND I TO HAVE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND MODULE ONCE AGAIN. I CONTACTED VW AND EXPLAINED MY WIFE AND I ARE SCARED THIS PROBLEM WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN AND HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE SOURCES INCLUDING THE DEALER STATING THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR AND I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY WHILE DRIVING. I ALSO HAVE BEEN VERY PATIENT WITH THEM REGARDING THE MULTIPLE INCONVENIENCES THIS HAS BEEN FOR ME WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES. THEY REFUSED TO HELP ME AND JUST CONTINUE WITH THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. I ASKED FOR CONSIDERATION TO PLEASE BE TAKEN OUT OF THIS VEHICLE AND THEY OUT RIGHT REFUSED TO HEAR ME. NOW I HAVE A CAR THAT I OWE MONEY ON, CANNOT AFFORD TO TRADE IN, WITH A KNOWN MECHANICAL PROBLEM. MY WIFE IS SCARED TO DRIVE IN THE CAR AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO TRAVEL WITH MY KIDS. VW WAS ONLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE BOTTOM LINE AND NOT THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. THE REP WOULD NOT INTERJECT HIS OWN FEELINGS HOWEVER HE DID SAY GIVEN MY VW EXPERIENCE HE DOES NOT BLAME ME FOR WANTING OUT OF THE CAR; BUT VW WOULD NOT HELP. ALL I ASKED FOR WAS A VEHICLE THAT WILL PROVIDE SAFETY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. *TR

3/20/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND THAT CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ALL OF THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO WORK, INCLUDING THE HORN, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND POWERED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

11/6/2015

WHEN THE CAR STOPS COMPLETELY WHILE BEING RUN FOR A WHILE, EVERYTHING SHUT DOWNS COMPLETELY. NEED TO PLACE THE CAR IN "PARKING" AND RESTART THE CAR. THE CAR RESTARTS IMMEDIATELY. HOWEVER, THE SHUTDOWN CAN HAPPEN MORE THAN ONCE DURING THE SAME TRIP EVERY TIME IS STOPS COMPLETELY.

8/12/2015

MY CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR A WEEK AND IT WAS NOT DRIVER FOR A WEEK WHEN THE AIR START COME OUT OF MY TIRE AND IT BUBBLE UP AND LEFT A CUT ON THE TIRE A DEFECTIVE IN THE TIRE. THE NAME OF TIRE IS CONTINENTAL / CONTIPROCONTACT ... SIZE IS 235/50 R 18.

12/29/2015

I PURCHASED A 2012 VW TIGUAN AND STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES WHEN THE FUEL PUMP AND MODULATOR WENT BAD.. AFTER THAT I WENT THROUGH 2 OR 3 MORE FUEL PUMPS ON THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. UNSATISFIED WITH THE CARS PERFORMANCE I VOICED MY OPINION TO THE DEALERSHIP; ASKING TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THEY CONTACTED VW WHO AGREED TO PLACE ME IN A 2013 MODEL AND GAVE ABOUT $4500 TOWARDS MY COSTS OF THE UPDATED MODEL; WHICH I STILL LOST CONSIDERABLE MONEY ON BECAUSE OF A VERY LOW TRADE IN VALUE; BUT I WANTED A SAFE VEHICLE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. NOW I HAD THE 2013 FOR OVER A YEAR AND 21,000 MILES ROLES ON AND MY FUEL PUMP WENT OUT ON THIS CAR. IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO TRAFFIC AND THE CAR DIED ALMOST CAUSING MY FAMILY AND I TO HAVE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND MODULE ONCE AGAIN. I CONTACTED VW AND EXPLAINED MY WIFE AND I ARE SCARED THIS PROBLEM WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN AND HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE SOURCES INCLUDING THE DEALER STATING THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR AND I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY WHILE DRIVING. I ALSO HAVE BEEN VERY PATIENT WITH THEM REGARDING THE MULTIPLE INCONVENIENCES THIS HAS BEEN FOR ME WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES. THEY REFUSED TO HELP ME AND JUST CONTINUE WITH THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. I ASKED FOR CONSIDERATION TO PLEASE BE TAKEN OUT OF THIS VEHICLE AND THEY OUT RIGHT REFUSED TO HEAR ME. NOW I HAVE A CAR THAT I OWE MONEY ON, CANNOT AFFORD TO TRADE IN, WITH A KNOWN MECHANICAL PROBLEM. MY WIFE IS SCARED TO DRIVE IN THE CAR AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO TRAVEL WITH MY KIDS. VW WAS ONLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE BOTTOM LINE AND NOT THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. THE REP WOULD NOT INTERJECT HIS OWN FEELINGS HOWEVER HE DID SAY GIVEN MY VW EXPERIENCE HE DOES NOT BLAME ME FOR WANTING OUT OF THE CAR; BUT VW WOULD NOT HELP. ALL I ASKED FOR WAS A VEHICLE THAT WILL PROVIDE SAFETY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. *TR

3/20/2014

CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC WITH ME AND A TWO YEAR OLD STRAPPED IN HER SEAT. MOST HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE IN MY WHOLE 48 YEARS OF LIFE. YOUR DEALER DID NOTHING AND SAID IT'S ALL IN MY HEAD. CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES EVER SINCE FOR STALLING WHILE ME DRIVING! WILL START CLASS ACTION SUIT THROUGH AN ORLANDO LAW FIRM OF DEBAUBIEN, KNIGHT, MANZARIS, SIMMONS AND NEAL UNLESS CAR IS REPLACED. *TR

8/10/2014

THERE ARE 2 SEPARATE INCIDENTS. FIRST INCIDENT APPROX. NOV. 26. PROCEEDING UP A STEEP HILL WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED. PRESSING ON GAS PEDAL DID NOT RESULT IN INCREASED SPEED. NEEDED TO SHIFT TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. SECOND INCIDENT ON DEC. 27. PROCEEDING DOWN A STEEP HILL AT APPROX. 45 MPH. POSTED SPEED LIMIT IS 45MPH. PAVEMENT IS DRY, VISIBILITY IS MILES. SKY IS OVERCAST. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HILL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO DECELERATION FROM 45 TO ~ 30MPH. PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT RESULT IN SPEED INCREASE. NEEDED TO SHIFT CAR INTO MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR BACK. THIRD INCIDENT ON JAN. 5. PROCEEDING ON CITY STREET AT LESS THAN POSTED SPEED LIMIT. SUDDENLY CAR HAS NO POWER. ALL ELECTRICAL IS OFF. MUST MOVE CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER GETTING THE CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPED, WAS ABLE TO RESTART. ALL ABOVE INCIDENTS ARE REPORTED TO VW AND CAR IS IN FOR SERVICE. VW REPORTS NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR. *TR

1/8/2013

MY FIRST ISSUE WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 1 MONTH INTO MY 3+ YEAR LEASE WITH UNDER 1,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE TO DRIVE, AS THEY COULDN'T FIT ME IN FOR SERVICE WITH A LOANER FOR 2 WKS!! THE LIGHT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF IN 2 DAYS WITHOUT AN ISSUE. HOWEVER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN AT 5K MILES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AROUND THE CORNER FROM MY HOME. I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY AND THE CAR DIED. THE CAR HAD A CHECK ENGINE (YELLOW LIGHT ON) AND A RED LIGHT. I HAD LITTLE TO NO CONTROL OVER THE STEERING EITHER. I PULLED OVER, RESTARTED THE CAR AND TURNED AROUND. I PROCEEDED AT A RATE OF 5 TO 10 MILES PER HOUR WITH MY HAZARDS LIGHTS ON FOR THE MILE RIDE BACK TO MY HOUSE. I STOPPED AT A 4 WAY STOP SIGN AND ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY AND THE CAR DIED AGAIN. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE LESS THAN A MILE TO MY HOME. THE CAR HAD TO BE FLAT BEDDED AS IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR IS AT VW AND I AM AWAITING MORE INFO...WITH NO LOANER. *TR

10/29/2013

BRAKE BECAME STIFF AFTER PUSHING DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL APPROX 1/3 OF THE WAY AND THE CAR DID NOT COME TO A FULL STOP. AT THIS POINT ONLY PRESSING DOWN WITH FULL STRENGTH FORCES THE PEDAL DOWN FURTHER AND STOPS THE CAR. THE USUAL OPERATION IS A SMOOTH BRAKE PEDAL WHICH CAN BE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM INTERVALS, SOMETIMES ONE OR TWO TIMES A DAY, WITH OTHER TIMES GOING A FEW DAYS WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP MECHANICS CANNOT FIND A FAULT WITH THEIR USUAL METHOD OF TESTING. *TR

3/19/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR FAILED TO ENGAGE. ALSO, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE WHEN IN PARK. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

9/4/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR FAILED TO ENGAGE. ALSO, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE WHEN IN PARK. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

9/4/2013

AFTER TURNING MOTOR ON, AND BACKING UP, THE CAR IS UNRESPONSIVE WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE,. ON 4 OCCASIONS NOW I HAVE HAD TO RESTART THE CAR AND TRY AGAIN. THE ACCELERATOR SEEMS PROGRESSIVELY UNRESPONSIVE. YESTERDAY, THE CAR STAYED IN GEAR, AND ON LONG ENOUGH FOR ME TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC AND THEN DIED. I HAD TO RESTART WHILE VEHICLES DROVE AROUND ME. THANKFULLY IT WAS A RESIDENTIAL STREET. I'M VERY WORRIED NOW TO DRIVE THE CAR AS IT COULD HAPPEN IN A BUSIER ENVIRONMENT AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. CHECKING ONLINE, THIS SEEMS TO HAVE OCCURRED TO OTHER VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN OWNERS OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS, BUT DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM OR CHANGED OUT THE FUEL PUMP. AFTER GM RECALL I AM VERY CONCERNED. *TR

3/12/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CHICO VOLKSWAGEN, 902 MAIN STREET, CHICO, CALIFORNIA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

4/13/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALER (ANCIRA VOLKSWAGEN SAN ANTONIO, 6125 BANDERA RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78238). AFTERWARDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN FAILED TO SOUND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000. **TR UPDATED 10/19/18*JB

6/11/2018

WE RENTED THE VEHICLE FROM HERTZ AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. WHEN WE PARKED THE CAR TO GO TO A RESTAURANT, WE COULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS AND THUS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. WE PHONED HERTZ AND WERE TOLD WE COULD EXCHANGE THE CAR FOR A DIFFERENT CAR AT THE AIRPORT. ON THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT, WE KEPT SEEING SPORADIC WARNING SIGNALS ON THE DASHBOARD THAT VARIOUS DOORS WERE OPEN. THEY WERE NOT OPEN. THE ATTENDANTS AT HERTZ HAD TROUBLE UNLOCKING THE DOORS AS WELL. FORTUNATELY, WE CONTACTED OUR DAUGHTER BY CELL PHONE WHO DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE CAR ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A HIDDEN KEYHOLE ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR THAT WAS COVERED BY A SNAP-ON PIECE OF MOLDING. OUR DAUGHTER WAS ABLE TO COMMUNICATE HOW TO ACCESS THE KEYHOLE TO THE HERTZ ATTENDANTS WHO THEN SUCCEEDED IN OPENING THE DOORS. THE WINDOWS WERE OPERATIVE, BUT WERE TOO SMALL FOR OLDER FOLKS LIKE OURSELVES TO USE AS AN EGRESS, CERTAINLY NOT WITHOUT HELP. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS SITUTATION SINCE IT COULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO EXTRACT PASSNEGERS FROM A VEHICLE THAT SUFFERS AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, PASSENGERS COULD ARRIVE AT A DESITINATION LATE AT NIGHT AND WITH INSUFFICIENT FUEL, AND FIND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR OR DRIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR HELP. *TR

4/11/2013

THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF COMPLETELY (BOTH PIECES) WHEN I WAS TRYING TO GET IN THE BACK SEAT (SIMPLY OPENING THE DOOR BY PULLING ON THE HANDLE). APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR YEARS (PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT IT SINCE 2011 ACROSS MULTIPLE VW MODELS). ONE PERSON'S FORUM POST SAID THERE WAS A FREE RETROFIT KIT (TURNS OUT THEY ARE FROM THE UK) BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. HOWEVER, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I'VE UPLOADED A FEW OF THE DOZEN'S OF FORUM ENTRIES OF PEOPLE SAYING THIS HAPPENED TO THEM, AND A PHOTO OF MY DOOR HANDLE. IT APPEARS THAT DEALERSHIPS ONLY FIX IT IF IT'S UNDER WARRANTY HERE IN THE US.

3/17/2016

VEHICLE CUT OUT, AND ENGINE DIED. SOMETIMES THE EPC LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED, OTHER TIMES IT IS SIMPLY A LOSS OF POWER AND THEN ENGINE CUT OFF. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. OFTEN DURING ACCELERATION INTO TRAFFIC. *TR

3/9/2014

AFTER TURNING MOTOR ON, AND BACKING UP, THE CAR IS UNRESPONSIVE WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE,. ON 4 OCCASIONS NOW I HAVE HAD TO RESTART THE CAR AND TRY AGAIN. THE ACCELERATOR SEEMS PROGRESSIVELY UNRESPONSIVE. YESTERDAY, THE CAR STAYED IN GEAR, AND ON LONG ENOUGH FOR ME TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC AND THEN DIED. I HAD TO RESTART WHILE VEHICLES DROVE AROUND ME. THANKFULLY IT WAS A RESIDENTIAL STREET. I'M VERY WORRIED NOW TO DRIVE THE CAR AS IT COULD HAPPEN IN A BUSIER ENVIRONMENT AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. CHECKING ONLINE, THIS SEEMS TO HAVE OCCURRED TO OTHER VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN OWNERS OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS, BUT DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM OR CHANGED OUT THE FUEL PUMP. AFTER GM RECALL I AM VERY CONCERNED. *TR

3/12/2014

THERE ARE 2 SEPARATE INCIDENTS. FIRST INCIDENT APPROX. NOV. 26. PROCEEDING UP A STEEP HILL WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED. PRESSING ON GAS PEDAL DID NOT RESULT IN INCREASED SPEED. NEEDED TO SHIFT TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. SECOND INCIDENT ON DEC. 27. PROCEEDING DOWN A STEEP HILL AT APPROX. 45 MPH. POSTED SPEED LIMIT IS 45MPH. PAVEMENT IS DRY, VISIBILITY IS MILES. SKY IS OVERCAST. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HILL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO DECELERATION FROM 45 TO ~ 30MPH. PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT RESULT IN SPEED INCREASE. NEEDED TO SHIFT CAR INTO MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR BACK. THIRD INCIDENT ON JAN. 5. PROCEEDING ON CITY STREET AT LESS THAN POSTED SPEED LIMIT. SUDDENLY CAR HAS NO POWER. ALL ELECTRICAL IS OFF. MUST MOVE CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER GETTING THE CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPED, WAS ABLE TO RESTART. ALL ABOVE INCIDENTS ARE REPORTED TO VW AND CAR IS IN FOR SERVICE. VW REPORTS NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR. *TR

1/8/2013

I WAS ONE THE HIGH WAY 1, AND I DROVE ABOUT 10 MINUTES. ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR DIED. THE WHEEL WAS EVEN LOCKED. BASICALLY, I WAS STOCKED ON THE HIGHWAY! THEN, I RESTARTED MY CAR ON THE HIGH WAY 1, AND IT WORKED AGAIN. THE DEALER CAN NOT FIND ANY ISSUE, AND THE SAME ISSUES HAPPENED TO ME TWICE WITH TWO MONTHS. NOW, I HAVE TO REPORT THIS IN ORDER TO PROTECT MYSELF.

5/17/2016

WHEN YOU SWITCH ON THE IGNITION TO GO. DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF ON MY 2013 VW TIGUAN

10/1/2018

My 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan has had an airbag light on the instruments display since early March of 2022. At the same time lights on the steering wheel no longer illuminate and the horn does not function. I had earlier received a recall notice and took the car to my dealer for analysis on March 14. The service technician determined that the clock spring was defective and on and ordered the part which he said may be a week or two. I have checked with my dealer's part's department every month since then, and no part has arrived. I have been told that it is a supply issue. I am especially concerned that I have had several very close calls on limited access highways when a car has nearly veered into my car from a lane either from the left or the right, and I have no horn to alert the other driver who for some reason has failed to see me. I also am concerned that having a collision and having to airbag could be a very serious accident causing severe injury or death. This vehicle in unsafe and will not pass inspection.

6/17/2022

ONE WHEEL SHOW CRACK , NO ACCIDENT, WHEEL LOOK LIKE NEW, BUT WITH ONE CRACK CLOSE TO BOLTING AREA. (JUST FOUND RECENTLY). MOST LIKELY WILL CRACK DOWN WHOLE WHEEL DURING DRIVING, VERY DANGEROUS. I AM GOING TO REPLACE IT WITH A NEW WHEEL, BUT WOULD LIKE TO HOLD VW RESPONSIBLE.

3/11/2021

1 of the 2 water pumps has been repaired twice. On this 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan between the years of 2022-2024. Upon the last repair of water pumps the vehicle just cut off while driving. No overheating indication notice was alarmed or visual indication of smoke / overheating from radiator. The vehicle failed to restart after putting approximate solution /liquid in the radiator/ engine coolant resvior. The vehicle has been out of commission and mobility of the vehicle to inspect or have repaired is impossible due to being locked up will not even go into neutral. The immediate loss of power and inability to maneuver any steering options posed an immediate danger n risk to health and safety. There have been no notices sent to us about recalls on this vehicle only a class action lawsuit settlement that we should know about concerning the turbocharger. We have had car checked and repairs for engine oil leaks as well. No repairs done have remied the improvement or functionality of this vehicle. On a separate incident the front two front tires wore down tread all the way across in less than 6 months( brand new tires) resulting in the repurchase of two more tires and no mechanical explanation or fix could explain this occurrence. We had vehicle alignment assessment performed and nothing indicated a reason or explanation.

10/6/2025

I AM A STATE TROOPER WHO INVESTIGATED A CRASH. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS INVOLVED IN THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE THAT CAUSED THE CRASH WAS A 2013 VW TIGUAN. THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED PARKING BRAKE. THE SWITCH, VERY SIMILAR TO A POWER WINDOW SWITCH, IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS ADJACENT TO THE CUP HOLDER. THE DRIVER, REACHING FOR THE CUP ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH ACTIVATING IT. THE CAR CAME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP IN A TRAFFIC LANE OF AN INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING STRUCK IT IN THE REAR CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. I MANIPULATED THE SWITCH TRYING TO RELEASE THE BRAKE SO THE TOW OPERATOR COULD PULL IT UNTO THE FLAT BED OF THE TRUCK. IT WAS UNCLEAR HOW TO RELEASE THE BRAKE (I WAS UNABLE TO DO SO),OR HOW IT WAS INITIALLY ACTIVATED. THE SWITCH CAN BE PULLED UP, OR PUSHED DOWN, PRESUMABLY TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE THE BRAKE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED UNLIKE A PEDAL OR LEVER STYLE PARKING BRAKE, THERE IS NO WAY TO MODULATE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKING EFFORT. FROM WHAT I OBSERVED, IT APPEARS THE DRIVER GETS FULL BRAKING FORCE OR NONE AT ALL. THE LOCATION OF THE SWITCH MAKES IT EASY TO STRIKE ACCIDENTALLY EITHER BY REACHING FOR THE CUP HOLDER OR EVEN WHILE TRYING TO REPOSITION YOURSELF IN THE SEAT. *TT

8/29/2013

THE LOCKING MECHANISM FOR THE GAS DOOR STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY AND THE DOOR REMAINS UNLOCKED WITH THE DOOR POPPED OPEN THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME. IF THE DOOR ISN'T POPPED OPEN THEN IT'S LOCKED SHUT AND CAN'T BE OPENED NORMALLY AND MUST BE PRIED OPEN. *TR

12/29/2014

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. SHORTLY AFTER GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE, HER REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT (THE WHOLE RIM WAS DETACHED). SHE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AND SHE WAS NOT SPEEDING. INVESTIGATING THE PARKING LOT THAT SHE PULLED OUT OF, THERE WERE BLACK MARKS. WE LIVE RIGHT OFF THE INTERSTATE. THE DEALER IDENTIFIED A SECOND TIRE WITH A FLAW IN THE WALL OF THE TIRE. 2 TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH ~20,000 MILES ON IT (MOSTLY INTERSTATE DRIVING). WE FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THIS BRAND OF TIRE THOUGH GOOGLE SEARCHES AND BELIEVE THE TIRE SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. THE COMPANY WAS UNWILLING TO WORK WITH US ON THE ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THE PHOTO OF THE BLOW OUT WITH YOU. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THAT EVENING. WE ASKED THE NEXT MORNING IF THEY WOULD SAVE THE TIRE, BUT DISCARDED THEM ALREADY. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE REFUSES TO WORK WITH US BECAUSE THEY FELT SINCE WE DID NOT HAVE THE PHYSICAL TIRE OR "EVIDENCE" IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. *TR

2/14/2015

EXTERIOR PAINT BAD DISCOLORATION. CALLED MANUFACTURER THEY TOLD ME NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. MY VEHICLE IS <2 YEARS OLD AND ONLY 21, 000 MILES COVERED UNDER 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. *TR

4/30/2015

VEHICLE SPORADICALLY UNRESPONSIVE IN TRAFFIC WHILE IN ANY FORWARD DRIVE SELECTION OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS WHILE CHANGING LANES IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. I PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR TO CHANGE LANES AND NOTHING HAPPENS...THE CAR JUST COASTS...MEANWHILE TRAFFIC IS COMING AT ME AT 70MPH. I HAVE KEEP FLOORING THE ACCELERATOR A BUNCH OF TIMES FOR THE CAR TO REGAIN RESPONSE, BUT THE TURBO KICKS IN AT FULL SPEED AND I HAVE TO BRAKE TO RE-REGULATE MY SPEED. THIS IS A GREAT CAR, BUT IT WOULD BE A DEATHTRAP FOR MOST PEOPLE AND I AM NOT ALONE WITH THIS COMPLAINT. IN SEARCHING VW BLOGS, THE PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN BUT THERE IS NO FIX. VW DRIVERS SPECULATE A ECM OR TCM SOFTWARE PROBLEM, WHILE OTHERS SUSPECT THE TORQUE CONVERTER OR TURBO PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT JUST A HIGH SPEED PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS IN NORMAL RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC DRIVING, AS WELL. INTERESTING TOO IS THAT IT WILL DO THIS WHEN I AM STARTING UP FROM A STOP AND MAKING A LEFT TURN. I GET MID-WAY THRU THE TURN AND IT BECOMES UN-RESPONSIVE AND TRAFFIC BEHIND ME HAVE TO BRAKE TO KEEP FROM REAR-ENDING ME. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO DO THIS ON RIGHT TURNS FROM A STANDING STOP. IT MAKES ME WONDER ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL, WHICH I CANNOT CHECK, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID PUMP, IF THERE IS ONE. YET, IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, I WILL WANT TO CHANGE LANES TO EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT AND THE CAR WILL BECOME UNRESPONSIVE. NEVERTHELESS, IT ALWAYS TAKES THE SAME DRIVER RESPONSE OF HAVING TO KEEP FLOORING THE ACCELERATOR TO GET THE CAR TO RESPOND. NOT GOOD 2013 VW TIGUAN 24,000 MILES SINCE NEW. *TR

12/18/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CHICO VOLKSWAGEN, 902 MAIN STREET, CHICO, CALIFORNIA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

4/13/2018

BOTH FRONT AND REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE FROM SECURE POSITION CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD AS SPRING COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH MOVING TIRES. REAR SPRING SEPARATED IN JULY 2019, FOLLOWED BY FRONT SPRING IN FEBRUARY 2020. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BOTH TIMES, BEING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN FRONT SPRING BROKE.

2/5/2020

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the door locks failed to function as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,709.

5/28/2021

The issue involves ongoing water intrusion through the panoramic sunroof, front power windows, and windshield seals. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This recurring leak has caused extensive interior water damage, including visible mold growth in the carpet on multiple occasions. This mold presents serious health risks to both me and my passengers, especially my sister, who is undergoing cancer treatment and has a severely compromised immune system. Water pooling beneath the carpet also threatens critical electrical systems located in the floor area, including the Vehicle Electrical System Control Module (J519), CAN/LIN bus wiring, door control harnesses, and footwell circuits. Corrosion or shorting in these systems could lead to unpredictable failures in safety-critical functions, even if not immediately apparent. Although Volkswagen dealerships have cleaned the sunroof drains as part of routine service packages, no formal diagnosis or confirmation of the leak’s source has been made. Independent mechanics have confirmed clogged drains and flushed debris to restore water flow. In 2019, I replaced the windshield at my mechanic’s recommendation because the interior glass was frequently soaked with morning condensation. Despite these measures, the sunroof continues to leak whenever it rains. No warning lamps or dashboard messages have ever appeared related to this issue. The first visible symptom occurred several years ago—possibly as early as 2019—when water began leaking from the passenger-side sun visor and headliner immediately after a car wash. Given the persistent nature of the leak, the associated mold hazard, and the risk to vehicle electronics and occupant safety, I believe this defect warrants manufacturer accountability and recall consideration rather than a temporary repair.

8/11/2025