Volkswagen Tiguan 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2016 and 97 complaints filed by owners. It has 31% fewer complaints than the average Volkswagen Tiguan from 2016–2025 (141 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Volkswagen Tiguan 2016? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2016
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 19V535000 · 2019-07-17
What happens
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.
Consequence
Deactivated air bags increases the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Z5.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Latches and locks
NHTSA campaign 16V464000 · 2016-06-24
What happens
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.
Consequence
If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the child lock(s), free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 58C9.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
97 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
4 with a crash · 2 with a fire · 3 injuries
Most reported problems on the Volkswagen Tiguan 2016
- Air bags: 21 (22% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 14 (14% of complaints)
- Electrical system, air bags: 13 (13% of complaints)
- Steering: 10 (10% of complaints)
- Engine: 10 (10% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Volkswagen Tiguan 2016
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- The air bag light should come on for a second at start-up and go off. Confirm by VIN that air bag recalls were done.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Volkswagen Tiguan recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 97 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 76 complaints
- 2018 : 14 recalls · 287 complaints
- 2019 : 5 recalls · 194 complaints
- 2020 : 3 recalls · 141 complaints
- 2021 : 5 recalls · 144 complaints
- 2022 : 5 recalls · 272 complaints
- 2023 : 1 recall · 70 complaints
- 2024 : 2 recalls · 76 complaints
- 2025 : 3 recalls · 53 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Tiguan 2016 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Volkswagen Tiguan 2016?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: air bags (21 of 97 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 23, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).