2013 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and problems

The 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan has 3 safety recalls and 140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
140
Crashes / fires
2 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls

Recall 18V-329: Unknown or Other

Reported May 16, 2018 · 252 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Recall 15V-483: Air Bags

Reported Aug 4, 2015 · 415,825 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

Recall 14V-441: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 21, 2014 · 151,389 vehicles affected · Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 to June 2014. When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling.

Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to increase the fuel pump pressure, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24AV/2W.

2013 Volkswagen Tiguan problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags64
Electrical System36
Engine30
Steering27
Unknown or Other16
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Power Train7
Service Brakes6
Structure5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette — 5
  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1
  • Electrical System › Horn — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Oct 20, 2026
Engine light on at around 50K - dealership said it was just an "issue with the warning lights" don't worry unless it blinks. At 74K I found out the turbo boost was the reason for this and I should have been told when the car was still under warranty. Realized in December of 2020 the car was soaking wet inside. Front and Back carpet was soaked like a sponge. Thought it was from driving in slush - turns out it's the moonroof drains. Repaired by VW dealership - all carpet and padding was ripped out and had to dry and then be reinstalled. Dealership ripped the interior moonroof headline while…
Steering · reported May 7, 2026
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.
Engine · reported Feb 6, 2026
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
Seat Belts · reported Feb 6, 2026
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)
Engine · reported Oct 6, 2025
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…

Other Volkswagen Tiguan years

Compare all Volkswagen Tiguan years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan: 18V-329 (unknown or other), 15V-483 (air bags), 14V-441 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Owners report air bags problems most often (64 reports), followed by electrical system (36). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.