2016 Volkswagen Tiguan: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). 2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Airbags
Deactivated air bags increases the risk of injury.
Details 19V535000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Z5.
- Doors & latches
If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
Details 16V464000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 11, 2016. Vibrations, such as those created by opening and closing a vehicle door, may cause the rear child door locks to disengage, allowing a child to open a rear door while inside the vehicle.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the child lock(s), free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 58C9.
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Air bag clockspring failure since Apr 2018
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Turbocharger: This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement.
- Steering: The model year chat was removed for VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension
- Engine: This Document informs dealers on the new Intake Manifold Warranty Extension for 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2017 Model Year with Engine Codes CBFA and CCTA
- Airbags: This Document informs dealers of the new Airbag Control Module Warranty Extension
- Warranty extension: This technical bulletin was updated per powertain team and warranty team.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
96 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Volkswagen Tiguan years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator