2016 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and problems

The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan has 2 safety recalls and 97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
97
Crashes / fires
4 / 2
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls

Recall 19V-535: Air Bags

Reported Jul 17, 2019 · 27,822 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. 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.

Risk: Deactivated air bags increases the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Z5.

Recall 16V-464: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Jun 24, 2016 · 5,658 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 11, 2016. Vibrations, such as those created by opening and closing a vehicle door, may cause the rear child door locks to disengage, allowing a child to open a rear door while inside the vehicle.

Risk: If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the child lock(s), free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 58C9.

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags37
Electrical System27
Unknown or Other23
Steering13
Engine10
Structure6
Vehicle Speed Control4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Service Brakes3
Power Train3
Exterior Lighting2
Wheels2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 6
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette — 6
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Oct 19, 2026
Steering failure all of a sudden safety concern steering became very difficult the steering wheel became stiff and felt really unsafe. Red light for the steering turned on.
Engine · reported Jul 12, 2026
* Purchase Date: January 23, 2016 * Current Mileage: Approximately 71,500 miles For the past several months, my vehicle has experienced continuous engine oil loss. The oil level drops approximately one gallon every two months, and the engine oil warning light has illuminated on multiple occasions. Because of this recurring problem, I brought my vehicle to Volkswagen Glendale on April 23, 2026. After inspecting the vehicle at the Glendale dealership, I was informed that loose oil pan bolts were the cause of the oil loss. Based on this diagnosis, I took the vehicle to three different local auto…
Unknown or Other · reported Feb 15, 2026
UNKNOWN INCIDENT. I had a 2016 VW Tiguan with just over 80k miles (approximately 80,200 mi). On 1/6/2026 about 10 min after driving home from the gym, I heard a small explosion from the garage where my car was parked. The garage was filled with smoke and large flames were visible from under the front end of the vehicle. We called 911 and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher but it continued to re-ignite. The fire burned down our entire garage with all its contents and made it's way into the home completely destroying our laundry room and adjoining bathroom. I had no previous issues…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 88,000 miles · reported Nov 3, 2025
The contact's friend owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test showed that the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, wheel speed sensors, and engine cooling fans needed to be replaced. The contact's friend declined the repair, and the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that coolant was leaking into…
Steering · reported Oct 26, 2025
I’ll be driving for 2-10 minutes and power steering cuts out. Wheel will jerk a little and alarm will sound with the alert light remaining red through remainder of drive. Sometimes it will not work at all while driving, but I’ve found the it usually works for the first few minutes until I speed up a little more.

Other Volkswagen Tiguan years

Compare all Volkswagen Tiguan years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan: 19V-535 (air bags), 16V-464 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Owners report air bags problems most often (37 reports), followed by electrical system (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.