2013 Volkswagen Tiguan 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???

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.

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.

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

As of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. Now 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

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.

When driving down the highway, my power steering went out with zero warning or indicators leading up to it going out. Upon researching, this is a problem that many people have experienced with this make and model of vehicle.

Steering of the vehicle, gets stiff and looses the ability to drive smoothly, this happened after driving the car a couple of minutes, this put other people at risk because it happens when you start the vehicle and makes the steering hard to steer, also when the steering light goes off the steering wheel feels very loose. it appeared on my dashboard about 2 months ago and took it to the shop and the mechanic told me that he couldnt find anything on it. re calibrate the steering and got the car back but the problem still continues, upon investigating this a very common problem among VW's and to fix it, it cost thousands of dollars

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???

As of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. Now 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

3 YEARS AGO THE VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS, THIS YEAR THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP WORKER CHECKED THE CAR AND DESCRIBED THAT TURBOCHARGER IS LEAKING AIR, THEY OFFER ME TO IT REPLACE FOR $3000. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION IN CITY STREET WHEN THE LIGHT PUMP UP. EXCEPT OF THE LIGHT THE CAR IS DRIVING AS USUALLY.

THE ELECTRONICS IN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED GOING OUT, FINALLY NOTHING ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO DO WITH ELECTRONICS WILL WORK, NO AIRBAG NO HORN NO CRUISE CONTROL NO STEREO BUTTONS NO OTHER CONTROLS THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THE CLOCK SPRING, AND SO I TOOK IT TO A DEALER . THE DEALER SAID IT HAD ALREADY HAD THE RECALL DONE , THEY PUT A COVER OVER THE ELECTRONIC CLOCK SPRING, THEY SAID BACK WHEN THAT THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM , WELL IT DOESN'T FIX THE PROBLEM , IT MAY DELAY IT , UNTIL THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY . MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR, WITHOUT AN AIRBAG NOW BECAUSE VW AND PIGNATARO VW REFUSE TO PROPERLY DEAL WIT THE PROBLEM. THE COVER DOES NOT WORK , THE CLOCK SPRING WILL BREAK , AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL COME ON . LEAVING THE OCCUPANT OPEN TO INJURY OR DEATH IN HEAD ON COLLITION. THIS IS A SHAM THAT THE COMPANY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM . THEY SAID IT HAD BEEN FIXED SO THEY ARE NO LONGER LIABLE . IT IS NOT FIXED !!!! PEOPLE ARE GOING TO , OR ARE DYING BECAUSE OF THIS !!!

NORMALLY VW IS EXTREMELY INTELLIGENTLY DESIGNED BUT THEIR DESIGN OF THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE MODULE LEAVES MUCH TO BE DESIRED. THE MODULE CONSISTS OF A RECESSED ELONGATED TOGGLE SWITCH THAT ALLOWS ONE TO SET THE PARKING BRAKE AT THE FLICK OF A FINGER AS OPPOSED TO THE OLD HANDBRAKE/FOOTBRAKE PEDAL (EFFECTIVE MODEL YEAR 2013). UNFORTUNATELY, IT IS SUPER EASY TO ACTIVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE/PARKING BRAKE BY CAUSING YOUR COFFEE CUP TO PULL UP ONE THE TOGGLE SWITCH (IF MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT, THERE HAVE BEEN 8 ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATIONS WHILE ON THE FREEWAY.) MY PROBLEM DE JOUR WAS THE OPPOSITE. I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND LATE FOR WORK AND THE PARKING BRAKE WOULDN'T DISENGAGE. I TRIED EVERYTHING FROM DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY TO WIGGLING IT BACK & FORTH AND NOTHING WORKED. MY DEALER'S QUOTE WAS APPROXIMATELY $1,500.00 WHICH CAUSED ME TO FAINT. I RAN MY BLUE DRIVER OSBD II SCANNER AND IT SHOWED NO PROBLEMS? I THEN STARED HOPELESSLY AT THE SWITCH AND NOTICED IT WASN'T FLUSH WITH THE CONSOLE, MEANING IT WAS A TOP LOADER (THANK GOD). I IMMEDIATELY REMOVED IT BUT COULDN'T UNDO THE WIRE HARNESS WITHOUT TURNING IT UPSIDE DOWN & SHAKING IT. WELL, WHEN I DID THAT...AN AMERICAN D-I-M-E FELL OUT AND UNBLOCKED THE MECHANISM. IF YOU STORE LOOSE CHANGE ON TOP OF THE TWO CUBBY HOLES ABOVE THE CONSOLE---YOU WILL RISK JAMMING THE CAR IN PARK EVEN THOUGH NOTHING ELSE IS WRONG. MY SOLUTIONS: (A) MAKE IT IDIOT PROOF BY SCOTCH TAPING A BUSINESS CARD OVER THE E-BRAKE (ONE PIECE ONLY SO AS TO MAKE IT A REUSEABLE PAPER FLAP (B) BE AS STUPID & CARELESS AS YOU ALWAYS ARE/WERE AND IF YOUR PARKING BRAKE FAILS TO RETRACT, TAKE YER FINGERNAILS AND POP OPEN THE SWITCH, REMOVE THE WIRE HARNESS (PULL THE RED TONGUE OUT FIRST), TURN IT UPSIDE DOWN AND THEN BANG IT VIOLENTLY UNTIL YOUR DIME OR TORTILLA CHIP OR PAPER CLIP OR CHERRY PIT WORKS ITS SELF OUT....OR SEE SOLUTION (A). FYI, CAR WAS STATIONARY.

PROBLEM WITH ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE: THIS IS A MAJOR DESIGN PROBLEM WITH AN INEXPENSIVE FIX. THE WAY THE TIGUAN HAS BEEN DESIGNED, IT PARKING LEVEL IS FLUSH TO THE CUP HOLDER. LAST WEEK, I SPILT MY COFFEE ON MY CHARGING CLUSTER (IN FIRST CUP HOLDER) AND ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOYED THE PARK BRAKE AT 70MPH AND IT LOCKED UP THE WHEELS...ON THE FREEWAY 🛣!!! THIS DEFECT COVERS MODEL YEARS 2009-2017 1ST GEN TIGUANS. THE FIX IS CHEAP & EASY. ALTHOUGH I HAVE TAPES A BUSINESS CARD OVER IT, I PLAN TO CRAFT A ROCKER PIECE TO EASILY SECURE THE PARKING BRAKE NEEDS TO BE DEPLOYED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE MOMENTUM THEY WERE GOING THEY WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF INVER GROVE (1325 50TH ST E, INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN 55077, (651) 552-9100) WHO STATED THAT THE MEGA TRONIC UNIT WAS REPLACED AT 53,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT 72,000 MILES THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER, VOLKSWAGEN OF ALAMO HEIGHTS (1402 NE LOOP 410 EXPRESSWAY, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209; (210) 828-1201) WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

3 YEARS AGO THE VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS, THIS YEAR THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP WORKER CHECKED THE CAR AND DESCRIBED THAT TURBOCHARGER IS LEAKING AIR, THEY OFFER ME TO IT REPLACE FOR $3000. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION IN CITY STREET WHEN THE LIGHT PUMP UP. EXCEPT OF THE LIGHT THE CAR IS DRIVING AS USUALLY.

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.

Fuel door actuator intermittently jams prevents access to the fuel nozzle. Yes, the car was off and locks disengaged. I had to spend $304.00 have the part replaced so that I can fuel my car. I researched this issue online VW drivers across models have experienced this issue.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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???

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)

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.

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

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

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.