2013 Volkswagen Tiguan Airbags Problems

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 clears up I see no recall on my car VIN #, for these issues??? How can that be possible???

NHTSA ID

11716090

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11716086

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

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 ,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

NHTSA ID

11716085

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Front sunroof drains have shrunk over time disconnecting from drainage port causing massive amounts of water to pool in floor boards. This location is where electrical connections for the airbags are located causing failure for airbags and more. Rear drains were also disconnected due to shrinkage and crimped causing water to pool in trunk. Mold has appeared causing health issues as well.

NHTSA ID

11656064

Incident

Apr 7, 2024

While I was driving, when I turned the wheel I heard a cracking noise. Then airbag light turned on, and an airbag notification popped up on the dash.

NHTSA ID

11643262

Incident

Feb 17, 2025

my steering wheel was making a crackling sound then it stopped and my airbag light came on along with the message " Airbag error". no controls on my steering wheel work including my horn.

NHTSA ID

11640097

Incident

Jan 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ID

11579508

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Mileage

116,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the check air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, all the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that he was unable cycle through the service screen options due to the steering wheel buttons not functioning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was not diagnosed that there had been an electrical failure of the steering wheel. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags). The dealer advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11560920

Incident

Dec 17, 2023

Mileage

80,000 mi

A few days prior to this incident, I noticed a crunching noise as I would turn the steering wheel every now and then. As I was turning right to pull into my driveway, I heard the clock spring crunch and finally give up. Airbag light on. Airbag error when I start the car. Steering wheel buttons and horn unresponsive.

NHTSA ID

11532251

Incident

Jul 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the steering wheel control buttons were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,500.

NHTSA ID

11528189

Incident

Jun 21, 2023

Mileage

139,500 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, she saw water leaking from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof drain tubes needed to be flushed out. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was stalling while driving at various speeds. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headliner and both frontal air bags clock springs assemblies needed to be replaced due to water intrusion. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repairs. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000. The contact stated was astonished at $4,700 to pay and receive the vehicle, after 3 months of paying the rental of the car filing a comprehensive liability with the insurance company. And to receive the vehicle not in the same condition as prior to the repairs. The contact stated that they were forced to pay out of pocket for a rental car since the dealership does not provide rental vehicles. They are confused as to why there wasn't a recall on the leaky sunroof when the manufacturer was aware of it and when there is currently a class action lawsuit involving this issue.

NHTSA ID

11514076

Incident

Mar 1, 2020

Mileage

23,000 mi

The clockspring in the steering wheel snapped which controls airbags and turn signals. This repair is under warranty because of a faulty part but VW has been backlogged for 11 months now on this part and still no end in sight. I see brand new vehicles coming out of VW but this part has been neglected even though its a safety concern that is purely their fault. If I am in an accident while this under warranty repair has been neglected I could severely injure myself.

NHTSA ID

11487297

Incident

Jul 1, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11469739

Incident

Mar 30, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the horn became inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the clockspring cable needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,271.

NHTSA ID

11463923

Incident

Dec 11, 2021

Mileage

89,271 mi

The clock-spring in our VW Tiguan broke/snapped disabling the electronics on the steering wheel - including the vehicles horn and airbag which are both safety features. There are numerous other people having a similar experience on Twitter. We are being told by VW that the vehicle is still safe to drive which is frankly, insulting. The VW dealership/Indigo Auto Group in San Rafael, CA has verified this as an issue and there is a clock-spring shortage with no ETA on resolution.

NHTSA ID

11462978

Incident

Apr 18, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that he had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool showed no open recall.

NHTSA ID

11462090

Incident

Apr 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his spouse was driving approximately 65 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with a clock spring failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,222.

NHTSA ID

11460888

Incident

Apr 6, 2022

Mileage

104,222 mi

The air bag clock spring keeps breaking in my Tiguan 2013. This deactivates the air bag as well as all other features in the steering wheel such as the horn and electronic controls. Risk of injury is high when the air bag does not deploy in a collision. Also, I cannot use the horn to alert others of a hazard unable to prevent a collision. VW has replaced the part 4 times but this does not solve the problem. Part keeps breaking. There's no warning to driver before air bag clock spring it breaks again.

NHTSA ID

11449106

Incident

Jan 17, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that air bag error message was displayed. The electrical system on the steering wheel was blank. The contact was unsure if the horn was operable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was invalid.

NHTSA ID

11441075

Incident

Nov 17, 2021

Mileage

90,000 mi

STEERING WHEEL MADE CLICKING NOISE, SUDDENLY THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND NO STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WOULD WORK WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. LOOKED UP THAT IT COULD BE THE RECALL ON THE CLOCK SPRING STATING DEBRIS COULD GET INTO THE AREA AND CAUSE A FAILURE. SPOKE WITH VW OF AMERICA, STATES THE VEHICLE IS ONLY COVERED UP TO 120,000 (MY MILEAGE AT TIME OF CALL TO VW WAS 135K). GIVEN THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THESE VEHICLES AND THE INVESTIGATION EVEN NEEDED TO BE RE-OPENED IN 2018, YOU THINK THE COMPANY WOULD CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AS I AM NOW DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH AN AIRBAG THAT WON'T DEPLOY UPON IMPACT (POSSIBLY FATAL).

NHTSA ID

11408376

Incident

Mar 20, 2021

Mileage

130,000 mi

I TURN THE CAR ON ONE AFTERNOON AND THE FRONTAL AIR GAVE ME ERROR ON THE SCREEN AND I DO NOT KNOW WHY, I AM EXTREMELY NERVOUS DRIVING MY CAR BECAUSE I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL ABOUT THESE AIR BAGS BEFORE, I AM A HEALTH CARE WORKER AND I NEED MY CAR TO GET TO WORK SO I DON'T HAVE A CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE IT

NHTSA ID

11386906

Incident

Dec 28, 2020

VOLKSWAGEN-TIGUAN, 2013 - CLOCK SPRING IS OUT. BY THE LOOK OF THE THE COMPLAINTS, THIS A COMMON PROBLEM. COST - $650 FOR REPLACEMENT - BUT, REPLACING CAN CAUSE A FURTHER PROBLEM ACCORDING TO LOCAL VK DEALER, WHERE THE WHOLE STEER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL HAVE ISSUES WHICH WILL LEAD TO ANOTHER $1500. DONT HAVE A CHOICE THAN TO FIX. A COST VK SHOULD BE PAYING FOR ON RECALL. OH WAIT MINE WAS NOT IN THE RECALL..PREVIOUSLY ALLOWED. OTHERS CONTINUE TO HAVE ISSUES.

NHTSA ID

11353713

Incident

Sep 1, 2020

ON JULY 13,2020 I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN CITY STREET THE AIR BAGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING NOR WAS I HIT.

NHTSA ID

11342971

Incident

Jul 29, 2020

I WAS DRIVING MY VOLKSWAGEN 2013 TIGUAN DOWN I-95 WITH MY TODDLER DAUGHTER N THE CAR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED VERY HARD ALMOST CRASHING US INTO ANOTHER CAR. WHEN I PULLED OVER TO SAFETY THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT WAS ON THE DASH LIGHTING UP ALONG WITH A LIGHT THAT SAYS EPC. I DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SO I CALLED A TOW TO COME PICK US UP. ABOUT A FEW WEEKS LATER I WAS TOLD MY VOLKSWAGEN THAT THEY DID NOT SEE THE PROBLEM AFTER COMING THERE MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAVING TO PAY THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE EACH TIME THAT THERE WAS NO ISSUE BECAUSE THE LIGHT WILL GO ON AND OFF. I TOLD IT TO ANOTHER SHOP WHERE I PAID 1,200 TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER THAT WAS FIXED ANOTHER PROBLEM JUST POPS UP OUT OF THE BLUE WHICH IS THE AIRBAG LIGHT. MY HORN NO LONGER IS WORKING NOR IS MY CRUISE CONTROL WHICH IS DANGEROUS. SO I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE THIS CAR WITH MY CHILDREN INSIDE BECAUSE I DO NOT FEEL SAFE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330964

Incident

Apr 16, 2020

Mileage

100,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL FEATURES BECAME INOPERABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11266717

Incident

Oct 6, 2019

Mileage

56,000 mi