This page covers 4 recalls, 72 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The most prominent pattern in 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints centers on the airbag and restraint system, which draws nearly a third of all reports. Owners describe airbag warning lights appearing on the dashboard, and several report that airbags did not deploy during collisions. Locked seatbelts and persistent airbag error messages after impacts come up across multiple reports. Engine complaints are the next notable cluster, with owners describing check engine lights, limp mode activation, and fuel system faults, some mention high-pressure fuel pump issues leaving the vehicle unable to restart. Steering draws an equal share of engine-level complaints, with owners reporting sudden loss of power steering, typically traced to the steering rack and pinion. The loss of assist is described as making quick maneuvers difficult. A handful of reports also mention coolant leaks surfacing within weeks of purchase.
72
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan has 4 recalls, the most serious involving airbags and seatbelt pretensioners that may not deploy or engage correctly in a crash, leaving occupants without proper protection.
A separate airbag concern affects certain Tiguan Limited models, where the driver-side frontal airbag installed may not meet US safety standards and could fail to protect the driver as intended in a collision. The remaining two recalls both stem from vehicles that were used internally and later sold without full confirmation that all regulatory requirements were met, or that had modifications made during an internal evaluation period. In either case, the concern is that the affected vehicles may not meet all applicable safety standards, raising a general risk of crash, fire, or injury.
At a glance
What can fail
These vehicles were sold without verification that they met all federal safety standards and may have been altered before sale, potentially failing to comply with required safety standards.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 for details.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Modifications made during an internal evaluation period may have left these vehicles not fully compliant with applicable regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair vehicles to restore full compliance or Volkswagen will repurchase them at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front driver air bag installed may not meet U.S. safety standards and could fail to protect the driver in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering wheel and front driver air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver, passenger, or head air bags may fail to deploy in a crash. On some models, seat belt pretensioners may not activate during a collision.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
