repaired · 2021 Q1
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Risk. Deactivated air bags increases the risk of injury.
2016 Volkswagen TiguanProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 97 owner complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-535 the manufacturer reports only 67% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan has problems
97 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
37Air bags
27Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
13Steering
10Engine
6Structure
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Vehicle speed control
3Service brakes
3Power train
1711 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 37 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 27 | 2 |
| Steering | 13 | 0 |
| Engine | 10 | 0 |
| Structure | 6 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 17 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Latches/locks/linkages
Risk. If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Tiguan year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tiguan median. How we score
'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan safety ratings
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Tiguan owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My car has never been in an accident. One day while turning into my driveway, I heard a large clicking sound. Since then, my airbag malfunction light is on and my car horn does not sound/work. All steering wheel controls are broken. This has been an issue for about 6 months. I've been waiting on a…
Airbag error light on dashboard, passenger seat shorted out water pooled under passenger seats front and rear soaking wet coming up through carpets with moldy smell. You tube says it may be the panoramic roof drains.
The electric connection for the air bag has malfunctioned. The same vehicle with different VIN numbers have already been recalled for the exact same reason. Not sure why my car was not included. Many people on the VW forums are having the same issues. Please recall.
Own a 2016 Tiguan?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.