*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Service brakes
The brakes will completely fail. The peddle goes just about all the way to the floor when pressed. There still is a small amount of braking and the vehicle slows down but nothing like when the brakes work right. Now this happens at the most random times. It wonât do it for months then start doing it out of the blue. When we bought it used it was doing this all the time. Our mechanic said it needed the brake sensors replaced and it could use pads and rotors. I visually inspected them and he was right so we said do it all. We got the vehicle back and it was great. We couldnât believe how great it went down the road and stopped. Then a month later it had one of its brake spasms again.…
Jun 10, 2026Engine
Car only starts when it wants to. Rpms dont go over 4,000. Low idle.
Oct 3, 2025Air bags
My 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan was included in the Volkswagen clock spring safety recall. According to Volkswagenâs records, the recall repair was completed in 2016. The same defect has now reoccurred: the steering wheel controls, horn, and driver airbag are disabled again due to a failed clock spring. This is a reoccurring safety defect that directly affects the airbag system. The airbag warning light is on, and the driver airbag is currently nonâfunctional. I contacted Volkswagen corporate, and they confirmed that my VIN was included in the original recall and that the repair was performed. However, they are refusing to repair the defect again, stating that the recall is âclosedâ and…
Jan 22, 2026Engine
â The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle started however the vehicle drove slowly. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump was previously repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and was not repaired. The contact mentioned that the horn and the instrument panel failed to function. The failure mileage was unknown. 137,000.
Aug 5, 2024 · 137,000 milesEngine
My Tiguan randomly shuts down or stalls while driving. I have come very close to accidents because It is in the middle of the road where I can't pull over, people coming around a curve behind me that may not have time to brake, specifically RV's and Semi-trucks. It is terrifying. I have maintained my vehicle meticulously and payed thousands in repairs only to be told by dealerships and VW corporate offices that there is nothing they will or can do and that there are no recalls and out of warranty. However...There WAS one in 2014 citing DANGEROUS to drive because of stalling. According to KBB. I don't know what else to do and I am not able to get a new vehicle.
Jul 26, 2024Air bags
This vehicle has already been recalled for faulty clock spring, which renders the airbag inoperable but the clock spring has failed again. This is a common issue VW needs to fix.
Oct 6, 2022Air bags › Frontal › Driver clockspring/spiral cassette
Clock spring in steering column has snapped. Because if a previous recall, this part is covered under warranty. New clock spring is on back order without any ETA when one will be available. Car horn is disabled and airbags will not deploy if an accident does occur. State safety inspection can not/will not pass as a result of this broken part. I do not have the luxury of renting a car until this part comes in to the US. Per various forums, possibly 6000-8000 clock springs on back order
Jan 24, 2022Air bags
The clock spring is broken in my 2011 VW Tiguan at 114,000 miles. Therefore, the driver airbag on the steering wheel does not work. Therefore, there is a safety issue if one drives the car. The problem is not fixed because there are no parts to fix it. Apparently there is a chip in the clock spring and there are no chips available to manufacture replacement springs. I was told that the part has been on back order since October 2021. I was told that the part may be available in July 2022, but there are no guarantees. Until a replacement part is available, the vehicle is potentially unsafe to drive.
Apr 13, 2022
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.