2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems
Compared with other Volkswagen Tiguan years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
30/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical Volkswagen Tiguan year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 15 of its 76 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Clock spring failure (horn, buttons, airbag light) (26 complaints, median 26,874 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 76filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 26,000miles, 23 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2017 Tiguan most often write about a failed clock spring in the steering wheel, which they say leaves the horn, steering-wheel buttons and driver airbag inoperable, and about a separate loss of power steering that shows a red warning light. Engine complaints center on stalling, excessive oil use and fuel-system faults. Most reports in the sample come in between roughly 13,000 and 70,000 miles, and both the clock-spring and steering complaints often describe the parts being on back order for months.
- Air bags
Clock spring failure (horn, buttons, airbag light)
- 26 complaints (34%)
- median 26,874 mi at 3.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe an airbag warning message appearing on the dash, sometimes after a clicking or cracking sound when turning the wheel. After that, the horn does not sound and the steering-wheel buttons for audio, phone and menu control stop working. Several say a dealer or independent shop confirmed the clock spring needed replacement but the part was unavailable, leaving them driving with no horn and what they were told was an inactive driver airbag. Reported across a wide mileage range, from roughly 26,000 to 67,000 miles, and often described as failing during ordinary driving.
Recall 16V9550001 related service bulletin
What to check: With the ignition on, confirm the airbag warning light goes out and check that the horn and every steering-wheel button work. Ask whether the clock spring has been replaced and keep the receipt if it has.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hello,for three months I’m driving a car without a horn and air bag. The dealer claims that he’s waiting for a part , but this a safety issue the dealer should provide me with a car until they get the part to fix my car thank you very much for your time”
NHTSA complaint #11473362, filed 2022-07“I have had my clock spring replaced in my 2017 VW Tiguan 3 times and it continues to break. I have had a clock spring on order since December 2021 and the VW dealership cannot fix my car. My horn doesn't work nor does any functions on my steering wheel and I am pretty sure my drivers air bag would not go off as the light is on and happens each time my clock spring has broken. This is a known issue that VW has and the NHTSA has previously investigated the issue on a prior year recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11474405, filed 2022-07 - Steering
Loss of power steering / steering lock warning
- 10 complaints (13%)
- median 18,000 mi at 2.1 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2026
Complaints describe a red steering warning light followed by a heavy or unresponsive wheel, sometimes at start-up and sometimes while driving, with steering assist returning after a restart or overnight. Several owners were told the steering rack and pinion needed replacement, quoted as a costly repair. Others report the steering column locking and the car becoming unusable until it is restarted. Appears from as little as 8,000 miles up to around 130,000 miles; one owner reported it in near-freezing temperatures.
What to check: Start the car several times and watch for a steering warning light; drive at low speed and feel for heavy or intermittent assist. Ask whether the steering rack or column has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Upon starting and driving our 2017 Tiguan which has 8000 miles on it the steering system red warning light came on and the vehicle lost all power steering. In fact it was virtually impossible to steer it at all. And im a reasonably arm-strong male. Im lucky this didn't happen on an interstate or at higher speeds or I would have been in an accident. It occurred on a surface road while I was travelling 30 MPH. Outside temp was 2 degrees above 0.”
NHTSA complaint #11310358, filed 2020-02, 8,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11761779, filed 2026-09 - Engine
Engine stalling and loss of power while driving
- 9 complaints (12%)
- median 23,250 mi at 2.4 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2025
Owners report the engine cutting out without warning at constant speed, while decelerating or while accelerating from a stop, with the EPC or check engine light sometimes coming on. The car then needs a restart, and some owners say steering became noticeably heavier as speed dropped. Dealers in some cases could not reproduce the fault at first; in others, diagnosis pointed to the fuel pump, timing chain or intake-side repairs. Reported from very low mileage (under 3,500 miles) up to roughly 60,000 miles, on both surface roads and highways.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether stalling codes were investigated, and test drive at steady speed and from a stop to see whether the engine hesitates or cuts out.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The gas pedal stopped responding during high velocity highway drive. Luckily, I was able to steer the car safely to an emergency stop. I was able to shift gear to N and than to P but the car rocked violently when I tried to switch back to D. The car was towed and a mechanic inspection suggested that it's a transmission fail.”
NHTSA complaint #11431439, filed 2021-09“While driving at a constant speed or decelerating the engine will stall without warning. The engine runs so quietly the only indication that it has stalled is there is no power and the steering becomes more difficult as the vehicle gets slower. It doesn't seem to matter your speed, it will just stall and this can be incredibly dangerous. Originally happened in 2017 and took to the vw dealership but they couldn't find anything wrong. It is happening again today and earlier this week 8/19/2018”
NHTSA complaint #11120926, filed 2018-08, 28,000 miles - Engine
Excessive oil consumption and oil leaks
- 8 complaints (11%)
- median 37,000 mi at 6.8 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2026
Complaints describe needing to add oil frequently between changes, a persistent check engine light, and in one case an oil consumption test that the car reportedly failed. Other owners report oil on the driveway after a change and a diagnosis of valve cover replacement. Some describe fuel-system faults alongside the oil use, including a purge valve and fuel pump replacements. Reported mainly between about 30,000 and 70,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell, ask whether an oil consumption test has been run, and inspect under the engine and the driveway for leaks.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11578584, filed 2024-03“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11760545, filed 2026-08 - Electrical system
Infotainment and backup camera faults
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 26,000 mi at 1.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2022
Owners report the infotainment screen failing to start, rebooting at random, or going blank, which also takes out the backup camera display. Complaints describe navigation directions dropping out and warning messages appearing for features the car does not have. One owner was told by a dealer that a non-working backup camera display is a significant concern when reversing out of a parking space. Reported from as early as 2,000 miles through the 30,000-mile range.
What to check: Cycle through the infotainment screens and the backup camera, watch for reboots or blanking, and ask whether any software updates have been applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Purchased 05/19/2017. Horn and dashboard lights did not work in approximately 12/2017. Was repaired and told was a coil problem. Then on 04/12/18 it suddenly flashed all the dashboard and steering wheel lights in the middle of my driving and suddenly died on me when I turned into my driveway and the steering wheel got locked. Luckily happened near my driveway!! Had to be towed and told they fixed the battery problem. The next day it acted up again whereby the radio kept shutting off and coming back on! …”
NHTSA complaint #11088947, filed 2018-04, 26,000 miles“Park pilot not available message shows and shows blank on backup camera and some time while shows while moving forward even though this vehicle does not equipped with this feature”
NHTSA complaint #11194198, filed 2019-04, 2,000 miles
Buying note. These reports cluster around steering-wheel and power-steering components plus engine oil use, so a mechanical inspection and a scan for stored airbag and steering fault codes are worth the cost before purchase. Ask for service records on the clock spring, steering rack and any oil consumption testing, since parts availability for some of these items has been described as slow.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 76 consumer complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. 23 of the complaints include a mileage, and 83% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 26,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 4 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 585 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Volkswagen Tiguan model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 30 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags30 39%
- Engine15 20%
- Steering13 17%
- Electrical system12 16%
- Other or unknown9 12%
- Fuel system8 11%
- Body and structure4 5.3%
- Brakes3 4.0%
- Engine cooling1 1.3%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “The airbag light is on in my vehicle and it was not listed on the airbag recall list. Has there been an unpublished update on the recall? The car was idling in driveway.”
NHTSA complaint #11320923, filed 2020-04, 39,270 milesEngine: “My Tiguan does not have airbags, the tire sensors don’t work, none of the buttons on my steering wheel work. My turbo supercharger started failing and I had to spend $2,500 to fix it, which the car is not worth that plus the payments I make. The dealership says the airbags are on back order but won’t say when they’ll have it and that was over a year ago. It’s been inspected by a dealership and they won’t do anything about it.”
NHTSA complaint #11590891, filed 2024-05Steering: “I suffered a front-end collision on 11/15/2022 in my 2017 VW Tiguan. I was going on I-66 in Virginia 40-45mph back to college at Howard University, and a car stopped suddenly after being cut off, but it was raining horribly and I was in half a foot of water, so even with braking, I hydroplaned into the vehicle in front of me, causing insubstantial damage to them but very significant damage to my vehicle as well as whiplash.”
NHTSA complaint #11494504, filed 2022-11Electrical system: “Under the hood fire protection materials coming off will not stay in place. Notify port charlotte volkswagon for them to directly see. And they had to replace the ignition switch had gone bad . Ask why was there not a way to crank the car with a key if the keyless button goes out. They said call a tow truck. I said what if a women and children where in danger and can not get a hold of a tow truck. Answers we can do nothing about that. Now that is schooling.”
NHTSA complaint #11301916, filed 2020-01Mileage when problems were reported
83% of the 23 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,000 and 37,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Tiguan · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: 4–5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 22 | $3,750 |
| Tiguan 4motion AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V321000May 5, 2021Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen Tiguan 2017, Passat 2016–2017, Golf R 2018–2019 +5 more
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…
- 18V329000May 16, 2018Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen Tiguan 2012–2015, 2017, Golf 2011–2016, CC 2012–2016 +5 more
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…
- 18V102000Feb 9, 2018Air bags › FrontalCovers: Volkswagen Tiguan 2017–2018
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…
- 16V955000Dec 29, 2016Seat belts › PretensionerCovers: Volkswagen Tiguan 2017, E-Golf 2016, Audi Q7 2017 +5 more
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…
Recall details for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 585 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Engine. Suggested fuel additive
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Other or unknown. Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Other or unknown. Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026Electrical system. This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019…
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Engine. Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Engine. Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Engine. Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034621Jun 11, 2026Air bags. Inquiries
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Engine. Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Other model years of the Volkswagen Tiguan
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 38 | 1,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 57 | 4,810 | 3 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 77 | 7,650 | 2 | 4 | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 72 | 14,171 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 40 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 274 | 30,000 | 5 | — | 26 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 144 | 26,000 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 78 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 141 | 30,400 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 70 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 196 | 2,946 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 94 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 288 | 6,900 | 14 | 4–5 | 24 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 76 | 26,000 | 4 | 4 | 22 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 97 | 45,000 | 2 | 4 | 23 | 12 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 62 | 49,262 | 4 | 4 | 23 | 9 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 84 | 50,000 | 3 | 4 | 23 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 140 | 53,500 | 3 | 4 | 23 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 153 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 162 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 22 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 110 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 18 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2009 | 168 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 21 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
All Volkswagen Tiguan model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Owners of the 2017 Tiguan most often write about a failed clock spring in the steering wheel, which they say leaves the horn, steering-wheel buttons and driver airbag inoperable, and about a separate loss of power steering that shows a red warning light. The issues reported most often: Clock spring failure (horn, buttons, airbag light); Loss of power steering / steering lock warning; Engine stalling and loss of power while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
NHTSA recorded 76 consumer complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 30 complaints (39% of the total), followed by engine with 15.
Has the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (Tiguan, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan reported?
Among the 23 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 26,000 miles and the middle half falls between 8,000 and 37,000 miles; 83% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.