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2017 Volkswagen Tiguan problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 76owner complaints
- 6crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 13%fail the UK MOT
76 complaints, against an average of 129 for the other 14 Volkswagen Tiguan model years.
Every Volkswagen Tiguan model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The components named most often in the 76 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 76 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?14 owners · 18.4% · Recall 18V102000
- Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan stall, lose power or shut off while driving?8 owners · 10.5%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?4 owners · 5.3%
- Why won't my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan start?3 owners · 3.9%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan engine?3 owners · 3.9%
- Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?3 owners · 3.9% · Recall 16V955000
- Why do the tires wear fast or the tire pressure light come on in my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?3 owners · 3.9%
Has the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Unknown Or Other Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
Unknown Or Other 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.
Air Bags: Frontal Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Tiguan Limited vehicles. The front driver air bag installed on these vehicles may not be intended for use in vehicles sold in the United States. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel and front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69V2.
Seat Belts: Pretensioner Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASteering rack bolt replacement
Risk: On vehicles of a limited production period corrosion can cause a tear of a bolt head on the steering rack. This can result in a loss of steering functionality.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the affected bolted connection of the steering rack is replaced on the right-hand side of the subframe.
UK DVSATakata Front airbag
Risk: The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
UK DVSAA tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fitted
Risk: A tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fitted.
Fix: The tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
UK DVSAThe roof spoiler can partially or completely detach from the vehicle
Risk: The roof spoiler can partially or completely detach from the vehicle.
Fix: The roof spoiler is additionally fixed in position with bolts on the rear lid.
UK DVSAA wrong multiple fuse was installed in the electronics box
Risk: An incorrect multiple fuse was installed in the electronics box.
Fix: The incorrect multiple fuse in the electronics box has to be replaced
UK DVSATow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism may have been fitted
Risk: A tow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module.
Fix: The affected tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
UK DVSAA short circuit in the led module of the panorama sun roof can occur
Risk: Possible short circuit in LED lighting module of the panoramic roof.
Fix: Modify wiring with integrated fuse adapter cables.
UK DVSAFront swivel joint nut incorrectly secured on wheel bearing housing (left and right)
Risk: On affected vehicles the nut of the bolted connections of the front (left and right) swivel joints on the wheel bearing housing may not have been tightened to the correct torque. in case of unusual mechanical noises the vehicle has to be stopped straight away and the workshop contacted control of the vehicle may be lost.
Fix: The nut of the bolted connection for the swivel joint on the front right and left wheel bearing housing has to be replaced.
UK DVSAAirbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident
Risk: Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.
UK DVSAFront seat backrest may collapse in a collision
Risk: The back-rests of the front seats may not have been assembled correctly. This may increase risk of injury to occupants during a collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles check frames and if necessary replace affected components.
UK DVSALights may fail without warning
Risk: It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.
EU Safety GateMoisture ingress could lead to corrosion of a steering rack bolt, which may result in a fracture of the bolt and a loss of steering…Moisture ingress could lead to corrosion of a steering rack bolt, which may result in a fracture of the bolt and a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/10/2026
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDefective material may be used in the rear suspension helical springs.As a result, the springs could break, impairing the driving stability and increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 13/05/2019
EU Safety GateThe towbar swivel mechanism may have a defective locking pin.As a result, the pin could break while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to to errors in the adhesive bonding process, the upper rear (roof) spoiler may be insufficiently affixed.As a result, it can become detached from the vehicle and fall onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe roof-edge spoiler may not be secured enough due to an incorrect adhesive bond.As a result, the spoiler may become detached in motion, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateCars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general…Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a defective main fuse, in the event of an accident involving airbag deployment, the fuel pump is not switched off as intended.As a result, the fuel pump could continue conveying fuel, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe material used for the rear coil springs may be inadequate.There is a possibility that a coil spring may fracture and damage the rear tyres. This may affect driving stability and increase the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateMoisture can reach the LED module of the sunroof's ambient lighting which may cause a short-circuit and a build-up of heat.If this happens, there is a risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fixing nut on the right and/or left front axle ball joint may not have been tightened with the correct torque.The fixing nut may consequently become detached from the ball joint, resulting in loss of forward propulsion and loss of driving stability.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fixing nut on the right and left front axle ball joint may not have been tightened with the correct torque.The fixing nut may consequently become detached from the ball joint, resulting in loss of forward propulsion and loss of driving stability.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateSome vehicles have differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating device, which could lead to the driver and passenger airbag or…Some vehicles have differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating device, which could lead to the driver and passenger airbag or seat-belt pre-tensioner not activating in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIt is possible that the wheel bolts were not tightened with the correct torque which could result in the loss of the wheel.Also, the running direction of the tyres may not have been taken into account when the winter tyres were fitted which could have a negative effect on driving stability.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe welded joint connecting the seat back adjuster to the side support of the seat back may not be strong enough, increasing the risk of…The welded joint connecting the seat back adjuster to the side support of the seat back may not be strong enough, increasing the risk of injury to passengers in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2017, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan owners report?
12 of the 76 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Intermittent lack of steering and steering wheel fell off luckily it happened while driving slow otherwise could have caused a major accident.
Ive had every now and then a steering wheel light come on then come off. Well today 9/1/26 I had lost all steering to my 2017 vw tiguan. The electronic power steering has failed and I believe this is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. And push for a recall to be made on these vehicles.
A/C has been a consistent issue since I purchased this from Columbia SC- CarMax's dealership in 2022. I've replaced the compressor and valves, and no resolve. The car sucks up oil and the electrical system is wacky!
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
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.
Timing chain and engine issues and repairs
I was driving and the fuel gauge quit working randomly. I am unsure how much gas is in my vehicle. I have had to get several repairs since purchasing my car from Carmax including my turbo boost, fuel pump and gas line. I financed the car in 2021 from Carmax.
I was traveling down a road and my brake gave out, when i had it towed to the dealership they said the inside of the brake vacuume exploded???? I was driving with my daughter and we could not stop. I have never had brake issues with this car and we almost ended up being smashed in an intersection going downhill with no brakes I wrote to VW CEO and he never responded. They made me pay for this when it was not fair.
Volkswagen guides on CarHooq
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan: questions owners ask
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 76 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan; the most common categories were air bags (30, 39.5%), engine (15, 19.7%), steering (13, 17.1%). There are 4 safety recalls. 6 complaints mention a crash, 4 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Across 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (39.5% of complaints), engine (19.7% of complaints), steering (17.1% of complaints), electrical system (15.8% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (7.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan; the most recent (campaign 21V321000, 2021-05-05) concerns Unknown Or Other. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
14 of the 76 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (18.4%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 18V102000 (air bags: frontal). The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel and front driver air bag module, free of charge. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11549985, October 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
8 of the 76 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (10.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11683981, August 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
4 of the 76 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (5.3%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11683981, August 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan start?
3 of the 76 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (3.9%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "The Infotainment system fails to start or reboots randomly causing the back up camera not to work. Teddy VW of the Bronx dealership stated it is a critical concern." (NHTSA complaint 11491334, October 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan engine?
3 of the 76 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (3.9%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable restart the vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11473741, July 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
3 of the 76 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (3.9%) describe seat belts not latching, retracting or locking. A related recall exists: campaign 16V955000 (seat belts: pretensioner). The fix: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. One owner wrote: "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)." (NHTSA complaint 11680342, August 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why do the tires wear fast or the tire pressure light come on in my 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
3 of the 76 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (3.9%) describe tire wear, blowouts or tire pressure warnings. One owner wrote: "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)." (NHTSA complaint 11558523, December 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Tiguan
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2017 only.