2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. Part of Generation 1 — 2009–2017.

20152017
Complaints
145
per 10K Sold
33.2
US Sales
43,638
Crashes
6
Fires
2
Injuries
5
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#131 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:48,117 mi
#226 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:53,345 mi
Crash-related:1
#312 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:54,400 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Airbags
31
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
48,117
Electrical Faults
26
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
53,345
Steering Defects
12
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
54,400
Engine Problems
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
79,052
Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
101,000
Body Structure
6
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
36,000
Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Sunroof/Moonroof
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Instrument Cluster
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel Pump
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~33,480 vehicles.

19V535000Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
~27,822 affected

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.

16V464000Latches / Locks
~5,658 affected

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.

Other Volkswagen Tiguan Years

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan has 145 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Airbags with 31 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Top reported problems: Airbags (31 complaints, avg 48,117 mi); Electrical Faults (26 complaints, avg 53,345 mi); Steering Defects (12 complaints, avg 54,400 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 56,276 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan include 6 crash-related reports, 2 fire reports, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 33,480 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Volkswagen Tiguan reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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