UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 73 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 581 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2017 | 1 | 1 |
| Sep 2017 | 1 | 2 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 3 |
| May 2018 | 3 | 6 |
| Jun 2018 | 2 | 8 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 9 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 10 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 11 |
| May 2019 | 2 | 13 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 14 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 15 |
| Jan 2020 | 2 | 17 |
| Feb 2020 | 2 | 19 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 20 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 21 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 22 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 23 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 24 |
| Sep 2021 | 2 | 26 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 27 |
| Mar 2022 | 2 | 29 |
| Apr 2022 | 3 | 32 |
| Jun 2022 | 2 | 34 |
| Jul 2022 | 3 | 37 |
| Aug 2022 | 4 | 41 |
| Sep 2022 | 3 | 44 |
| Oct 2022 | 2 | 46 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 47 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 48 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 49 |
| Jul 2023 | 2 | 51 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 52 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 53 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 54 |
| Dec 2023 | 2 | 56 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 57 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 58 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 59 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 60 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 61 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 62 |
| Jun 2025 | 3 | 65 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 66 |
| Aug 2025 | 3 | 69 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 70 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 71 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 72 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 73 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags3032.6%
- Engine1617.4%
- Electrical1112.0%
- Steering1112.0%
- Fuel system77.6%
- Powertrain (other)55.4%
- Body & structure44.3%
- Brakes33.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
4 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govUNKNOWN OR OTHER
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
No crash or incident occurred. While starting the vehicle normally, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed fault code P0588 — driver side airbag igniter at resistance limit. The mechanic confirmed that all airbags are non-functional as a result of this fault. No accident, collision, or unusual event preceded this failure. The part failed during normal use and operation. This is the same component covered under Safety Recall 69P4, issued February 2017 for driver and passenger airbag igniters on 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. My VIN was not included in that recall but is experiencing the identical failure. I purchased this vehicle certified pre-owned from a Volkswagen dealership in 2020. The Carfax report provided at purchase shows no record of any airbag recall service ever being performed on this vehicle. When I contacted VW Customer Care, they confirmed my vehicle has an extended clock spring warranty and directed me to a dealership for service. The existence of an extended warranty on this specific component suggests Volkswagen is aware of a defect population broader than the original recall. I am currently driving a vehicle with non-functional airbags, creating significant safety risk to myself and my family. I believe this recall should be investigated for expansion to additional 2017 Tiguan VINs experiencing the same failure.
- NHTSA ID
- 11745250
- Incident
- Jun 18, 2026
I am filing this complaint to seek a full buyback and debt cancellation for a 2017 VW Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) sold to me by Carvana for $40,000. Summary of Deception: Carvana sold this vehicle as "Certified" with a "150-Point Inspection" guarantee. This was a fraudulent misrepresentation. Within six months, the vehicle required 45+ mechanical services, including a full internal teardown that revealed catastrophic wiring corrosion caused by a long-term sunroof leak. These were latent defects present at the time of sale. The vehicle has has 2 Turbos: one recalled (now currently being recalled again) and one replaced 3 months into ownership. The vehicle slowed down on [XXX] traffic and I had to make an emergency exit and take to the dealership. This make and model were completely overhauled engine and externally after my model 2017. 45 mechanical services in 12 months justifies a recall and an exchange, Safety & Financial Hardship: As a high-level executive commuting from [XXX] to [XXX] , I required a reliable vehicle. Instead, this car decelerated dangerously on [XXX] , nearly causing a collision. Despite active steering and turbo recalls, Volkswagen mechanics have deemed the car "unsafe for road use" since January 2025. I am warned that any further driving will void my warranties due to engine damage risk. Bad Faith Negotiations: I have attempted to resolve this with Carvana and Volkswagen Executive Care. Carvana offered a mocking $500 gesture for a $40k total loss, while their supervisors were condescending and dismissive. They have refused to provide the original inspection report. Impact: I have lost tens of thousands in wages, rental costs, and storage fees while my credit and mental health suffer under $19,000 of debt for a "shell. " I am seeking an immediate buyback at their expense to resolve this matter and restore my ability to work safely. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11729125
- Incident
- Jan 8, 2025
On December 3, 2025, Volkswagen of XXX performed an intake manifold recall repair on our 2017 Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) while the vehicle was under factory warranty. Approximately six weeks later the low coolant warning light appeared and the vehicle began actively leaking coolant. No other work had been performed between the recall and the onset of the leak. Our independent mechanic discovered physical damage to the original water pump consistent with a tool strike during the recall procedure. A new OEM water pump was installed but failed immediately due to an underlying pressure issue originating underneath the intake manifold. The vehicle has been at VW of South Charlotte since February 11, 2026 — seven weeks — with no root-cause diagnosis or repair. The dealership falsely documented OEM parts as aftermarket, refused to diagnose the vehicle, and the service manager made his final decision based on text messages rather than any inspection. VW Customer Care opened and closed six separate case numbers on this single unresolved complaint. Safety concern: The vehicle is non-operational and actively leaking coolant. The damage originated during a recall repair and has never been properly diagnosed or repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11728157
- Incident
- Dec 3, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering rack and pinion, yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There is no power steering and unable to make a quick turn to maneuver the car around a potential hazard in the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, two independent service centers. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Just a power steering light when it failed.
- NHTSA ID
- 11693994
- Incident
- Oct 2, 2025
when was driven i lost power and got the ECU light and check engine light when scan for codes got fuel system and also car went into limp mode and had low fuel reading from live feeding and since have replaced the high pressure fuel pump and live reading are good now it still won’t start and won’t come out of limp mode
- NHTSA ID
- 11683981
- Incident
- Aug 20, 2025
During a collision in which my vehicle was struck by another driver, the airbag warning light activated, my seatbelt locked in place, and white smoke with a strong electrical smell filled the cabin. No airbags deployed (frontal or side). There is now an "ERROR: Airbag" warning on my dashboard, and the seatbelt is completely locked. The vehicle currently has multiple open safety recalls for airbag systems, including frontal and side/window airbags. I am concerned that these recalls may be related to the malfunction experienced. This failure could have resulted in serious injury if the impact had been greater. I am requesting investigation and confirmation as to whether the non-deployment is related to known defects.
- NHTSA ID
- 11680342
- Incident
- Aug 12, 2025
Turning on the car I got a notification on my dash that says error airbag with the light icon.
- NHTSA ID
- 11679642
- Incident
- Aug 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle after a rainstorm, the contact became aware that the interior of the vehicle was flooded, and that water had entered the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the sunroof drainage system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 66,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11670895
- Incident
- May 31, 2025
- Mileage
- 66,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.
ENGINE
Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
ENGINE
Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
ENGINE
Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
AIR BAGS
Inquiries
ENGINE
Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 41.1 |
| 2025 | 44 | 2 | 0 | 52.6 |
| 2024 | 57 | 2 | 0 | 61.1 |
| 2023 | 60 | 1 | 0 | 44.7 |
| 2022 | 251 | 5 | 0 | 56.1 |
| 2021 | 132 | 5 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2020 | 137 | 3 | 0 | 55.1 |
| 2019 | 187 | 5 | 0 | 56.3 |
| 2018 | 276 | 13 | 2 | 59.1 |
| 2017Viewing | 73 | 4 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 2016 | 96 | 2 | 1 | 55.7 |
| 2015 | 62 | 4 | 0 | 47.8 |
| 2014 | 83 | 3 | 3 | 57.9 |
| 2013 | 139 | 3 | 3 | 58.6 |
| 2012 | 152 | 3 | 3 | 57.3 |
| 2011 | 160 | 3 | 4 | 54.3 |
| 2010 | 109 | 2 | 2 | 54.4 |
| 2009 | 167 | 3 | 1 | 52.5 |
| 2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2007 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2006 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.