2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Airbags Problems

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

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

My [XXX] daughter was a front seat passenger in her friend‘s car the 2017 Tiguan when the driver swerved to avoid another car and struck a pole. The damage was primarily on the front passenger side of the car. My daughter hit the windshield. It was broken in two places and she sustained several other injuries. The airbags never deployed. The car was totaled. I’m interested in knowing whether or not it can be determined if the airbags should have deployed and did not, and if the seatbelt worked properly or not, and whether or not you’ve had other complaints about this make and model. My daughter has sustained a concussion and has been out of work since he accident thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11652619

Incident

Jan 26, 2025

It is nearly 2 years since the "clock spring wire" in the steering wheel failed. While this results in the buttons on the steering wheel not working, that is a minor inconvenience (such as not being able to reset the tire pressure warning light). The major problem is that the steering wheel air bag is not functional. Local VW dealers and VW of American customer support have been unable to obtain this part for more than 18 months. A very reliable source (local mechanic) tells me the local VW dealer has several customers with the same need for this part. We have been checking with local dealers for more than a year to see if/when this part might become available if no success.

NHTSA ID

11558523

Incident

Mar 10, 2022

I started to get an "airbag error" message on the dash and then noticed that my horn no longer works, and neither do any of the buttons on either side of the wheel that control the dash menus and sound/phone system. I was able to determine this is a clock spring failure. From what I read, this is not a part that is supposed to wear out or fail from the age of the car and is expected to last the life of the car. Unfortunately, I now have no horn and possibly no airbags and I can't change any view on my dash to look up anything else.

NHTSA ID

11558514

Incident

Nov 20, 2023

The clock spring is broken on the 2017 Tiguan 4 motion @ 67,017 miles. The airbag light immediately came on. The part was removed for inspection and replacement by my husband. With the airbag/clock spring disabled turn signals, wipers do not work. Steering is very hard and there is a giant hole where the airbag should be making this vehicle unsafe. I see there is a recall on clock springs but apparently this Tiguan isn’t included but it should be. First noticed this problem Oct 12 2022 The part number is 5k0953569AP

NHTSA ID

11549985

Incident

Oct 12, 2023

Clock Spring - Crackling sound in steering wheel when turning right and left; airbag indicator

NHTSA ID

11539994

Incident

Aug 22, 2023

Airbag light went on at 56k miles. VW service told us it was a faulty airbag. I paid 2k to have passenger side airbag replaced. 500 miles later the airbag light came on again. I had VW service review the problem and this time they said it is the drivers side airbag. The car has never been in any accident. Airbags should last the life of the car and certainly not 57k miles.

NHTSA ID

11535621

Incident

Jul 28, 2023

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan airbag Clockspring has failed. Safety impact: airbags will fail to deploy if needed in the event of an accident. This is an ongoing issue with Tiguan’s and has been investigated in previous models. Part has not been inspected yet. No warning lights prior to a loud click in the steering column followed by an “Error: Airbags” notification on dash and airbag light coming on. Happened 6/18/2023

NHTSA ID

11528410

Incident

Jun 18, 2023

The clock spring failed in my steering wheel. There is no active horn or airbag for the drivers side. None of the steering wheel system works. The steering wheel was making a clicking sound for a week and then one night the airbag error light came on and has stayed on. The vehicle was taken to VW they said it is the clockspring that needs to be replaced but they are on back order for months.

NHTSA ID

11483776

Incident

Sep 8, 2022

Clock spring failure. First symptom happened 2-3 months ago, my steering wheel radio controls and controls on my touch screen started randomly freezing or breaking. 3 months later, as I was turning my steering wheel, there was a cracking sound and my air bag light came on. The next day my car died but was able to be jumped by roadside assistance, unsure if the battery dying was related. The car was taken to a VW service station and was a confirmed clock spring failure, which I understand means the airbags will not deploy when/if needed. I was told it was not under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11480696

Incident

Aug 10, 2022

Approximately three months ago I was in my 2017 Tiguan, headed to have brunch with some close friends. Upon backing out of my garage, I turned the wheel and heard an odd clicking sound in my steering wheel/column. I made my way to meet my friends, only to find that my airbag light and tire pressure sensor had come on in my dash. Later on, I discovered I couldn’t use any of the controls on my steering wheel, and my horn wasn’t functioning. Thankfully I don’t use the car to travel much because I work from home, but there are times when I need to run errands. I researched the problem and the only conclusion I could reach was the clockspring was damaged. I have yet to take it to my garage because apparently, there is a shortage of the part needed. I have also read there was an initial recall on this part several years ago, but I’m concerned this is still an issue in these vehicles. I’m also concerned that because the part shortage, it won’t pass inspection. Something needs to be done to remedy this defect. It’s far too dangerous to let this go any longer.

NHTSA ID

11479168

Incident

May 8, 2022

I have had my clock spring replaced in my 2017 VW Tiguan 3 times and it continues to break. I have had a clock spring on "order" since December 2021 and the VW dealership cannot fix my car. My horn doesn't work nor does any functions on my steering wheel and I am pretty sure my drivers air bag would not go off as the light is on and happens each time my clock spring has broken. This is a known issue that VW has and the NHTSA has previously investigated the issue on a prior year recall. The only warning sign prior to my clock spring breaking each time sounded like crumpling or breaking plastic when turning the steering wheel a certain way. When it finally broke each time it was like plastic snapping and the air bag light comes on and nothing on steering wheel works. No horn no nothing. The Volkswagen dealership has replaced my clock spring 3 times one of which Flow Volkswagen in Wilmington NC tried to charge us...did but eventually refunded when I provided documentation but told me I was going to have to pay for it all and charged me over $200 to tell me it was broken and parts were on backorder and I would have to wait until they came in but was also responsible for paying for all the repairs. This would have been the second time Flow Volkswagen in Wilmington o replaced my clock spring. Please help. I don't know what to do and I am nearing my annual inspection and cannot and will not pass because I have no horn.

NHTSA ID

11474405

Incident

May 21, 2022

Hello,for three months I’m driving a car without a horn and air bag. The dealer claims that he’s waiting for a part , but this a safety issue the dealer should provide me with a car until they get the part to fix my car thank you very much for your time

NHTSA ID

11473362

Incident

Apr 12, 2022

Failed clock spring rendering driver's side airbag and horn inoperable. Car has been in for service since December 28, 2021, and no parts (clock springs) are available. The dealership wants to return the vehicle without operating airbag or horn.

NHTSA ID

11471139

Incident

Dec 28, 2021

Approximately three weeks ago I began to hear a clicking sound in the steering wheel when turning in either direction. Within two days I began to receive an error message that stated "error air bag". The airbag error icon displays on the console at all times. Two days ago, I went to use the horn and it does not work. Both these issues represent a significant safety issue. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle. The car is available for inspection upon request. A diagnostics was done at an independent dealer. Results, driver side airbag igniter issue, no communication between control unit and steering wheel. The car has not been inspected by manuf. police or insurance. Sudden onset of issues.

NHTSA ID

11469388

Incident

May 24, 2022

Received an airbag error. After bringing it to the dealer they determined it was the clockspring that had to be replaced. The part is under warranty. The part has been unavailable for 10 weeks with no anticipated delivery date. I have been driving in a car without a drivers side airbag and without a horn for 10 weeks, as they will not provide a loaner car.

NHTSA ID

11462806

Incident

Feb 15, 2022

Volkswagen has a national shortage on clock springs and they are going out left and right on everyone's vehicle. I have a number of friends that once again have taken issue against VW who are more than willing to allow their customers to drive their defective vehicles. The clock spring causes the horn to malfunction and not sound. Also the passenger side airbag is also no longer operable. Driving a vehicle in this condition is a hazard and VW Corporation has once again passed the buck. Imagine how many young persons are driving around without the maturity enough to realize the precarious situation they are in? My dealership showed me a thick stack of customers all waiting for the same part. Additionally, how can my vehicle pass inspection which is now due without the basic safety features working as described? Action needs to be taken now.

NHTSA ID

11462778

Incident

Apr 20, 2022

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel emitted abnormal sounds. The tire pressure monitor system warning light and the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced however, the part was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn would fail to honk when engaged. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn was engaged but failed to honk, causing another vehicle to crash into the front passenger side of his daughter's vehicle. The contact stated that it was a minor crash. The airbags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. There was no further information provided. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part to repair the vehicle was still on national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 26,749.

NHTSA ID

11462631

Incident

Feb 1, 2022

Mileage

27,749 mi

Airbag and horn do not work and dealership said it needs a new clockspring. There was a recall on clocksprings for this model Tiguan and they replaced it in 2018. The clocksping broke again and they said its out of warrantee and there is no longer a recall. The charge is $700 and there has not been one available in over a year. The dealership told me there are 8000 customers waiting for the clockspring. Clearly they know there is a problem and are not doing anything about it. No airbag or horn. Cannot even sell car if I wanted to based on it not having an airbag or horn with no plan from VW to remedy the issue.

NHTSA ID

11457146

Incident

Nov 1, 2021

The airbag and horn do not work on my car. I took it to the dealership and they did nothing. I have been driving without a horn or airbag for 3 months.

NHTSA ID

11455373

Incident

Dec 17, 2021

The airbag light on the dash board randomly came on and has not gone off. All the controls on the steering wheel do not work and neither does the horn on the steering wheel.

NHTSA ID

11446790

Incident

Dec 13, 2021

MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS GONE OFF FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS NOW. THERE IS NO REASON WHY IT SHOULD BE OFF BECAUSE I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR DONE ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY. I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING MY CAR AND HAVE LOOKED INTO RECALLS. TURNS OUT THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS FOR VOLKSWAGEN TIGUANS 2017 IN REGARDS TO RECALLS SO I WANT THIS CHECKED OUT ASAP. *TR

NHTSA ID

11324204

Incident

May 1, 2020