*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Steering
Steering failure all of a sudden safety concern steering became very difficult the steering wheel became stiff and felt really unsafe. Red light for the steering turned on.
Sep 1, 2026Engine
* Purchase Date: January 23, 2016 * Current Mileage: Approximately 71,500 miles For the past several months, my vehicle has experienced continuous engine oil loss. The oil level drops approximately one gallon every two months, and the engine oil warning light has illuminated on multiple occasions. Because of this recurring problem, I brought my vehicle to Volkswagen Glendale on April 23, 2026. After inspecting the vehicle at the Glendale dealership, I was informed that loose oil pan bolts were the cause of the oil loss. Based on this diagnosis, I took the vehicle to three different local auto repair shops for additional inspections. All three repair shops independently diagnosed the issue…
Feb 19, 2026Unknown or otherFire
UNKNOWN INCIDENT. I had a 2016 VW Tiguan with just over 80k miles (approximately 80,200 mi). On 1/6/2026 about 10 min after driving home from the gym, I heard a small explosion from the garage where my car was parked. The garage was filled with smoke and large flames were visible from under the front end of the vehicle. We called 911 and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher but it continued to re-ignite. The fire burned down our entire garage with all its contents and made it's way into the home completely destroying our laundry room and adjoining bathroom. I had no previous issues with the vehicle, no warnings or check engine lights.
Jan 6, 2026Engine and engine cooling
The contact's friend owns a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test showed that the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, wheel speed sensors, and engine cooling fans needed to be replaced. The contact's friend declined the repair, and the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that coolant was leaking into the engine and discovered various engine leaks. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
Sep 28, 2023 · 88,000 milesSteering
Iâll be driving for 2-10 minutes and power steering cuts out. Wheel will jerk a little and alarm will sound with the alert light remaining red through remainder of drive. Sometimes it will not work at all while driving, but Iâve found the it usually works for the first few minutes until I speed up a little more.
Oct 18, 2025Air bags
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 recall impacting my specific VIN/year/make/model, however I am being informed that I will need to pay out of pocket to have this major safety concern taken care of. I will be taking this car to the dealership this week in hopes to have a repair quote that I will have to save a significant amount of money over an extended period of time to complete.
Jan 21, 2025Unknown or other
As I was driving on the Long Island Expressway at 50mph, there was a sudden VERY loud explosion that sounded like a gun shot. I thought perhaps a tire had blown out but then I heard air rushing by. My sunroof had spontaneously exploded!
Sep 23, 2025Fuel/propulsion system
Subject: Known Carbon Buildup Issue in 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan TSI â Request for Recall and Accountability To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally express my concern and request action regarding a well-documented and dangerous issue affecting Volkswagen TSI enginesâspecifically, severe carbon buildup. I am the current owner of a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan TSI, which I purchased in April 2025 with approximately 84,000 miles on it. In June 2025, I had to have the intake manifold replaced due to carbon buildupâa repair that was still covered under warranty. However, shortly after, I was informed that the vehicle now requires a full engine decarb and replacement of all four fuel…
Jul 19, 2025
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
