2013 Volkswagen Tiguan airbags problems

Related recalls

• Recall 15V483000Aug 4, 2015415,825 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

  Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

  Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 6, 2026NYAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSeats & Seat Belts

   Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) Also , as of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though…

   NHTSA complaint #11716090 · source
2. Filed Feb 6, 2026NYAirbagsElectrical System

   Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information.

   NHTSA complaint #11716086 · source
3. Filed Feb 6, 2026NYAirbagsElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Feb 2026 My airbag light came on few days ago, now my horn doesn't work, and the functions on the steering wheel don't work, like being able to reset tire pressure and check functions for the car, the phone, the radio/cd information. Jan 2025 My seat belt (driver ) lock is broken ,to attach the seat belt in place..I have to just keep it clicked in, and put it over my shoulder (over a yr now) Also , as of Aug 2025, my car keeps having issues of stalling/ bucking, even though…

   NHTSA complaint #11716085 · source
4. Filed Apr 22, 2025PAAirbagsElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Front sunroof drains have shrunk over time disconnecting from drainage port causing massive amounts of water to pool in floor boards. This location is where electrical connections for the airbags are located causing failure for airbags and more. Rear drains were also disconnected due to shrinkage and crimped causing water to pool in trunk. Mold has appeared causing health issues as well.

   NHTSA complaint #11656064 · source
5. Filed Feb 17, 2025PAAirbags

   While I was driving, when I turned the wheel I heard a cracking noise. Then airbag light turned on, and an airbag notification popped up on the dash.

   NHTSA complaint #11643262 · source
6. Filed Feb 1, 2025MNAirbags

   my steering wheel was making a crackling sound then it stopped and my airbag light came on along with the message " Airbag error". no controls on my steering wheel work including my horn.

   NHTSA complaint #11640097 · source
7. Filed Mar 26, 2024116,000 miWIAirbags

   The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11579508 · source
8. Filed Dec 19, 202380,000 miNVAirbags

   The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the check air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, all the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that he was unable cycle through the service screen options due to the steering wheel buttons not functioning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was not diagnosed that there had been an electrical failure of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11560920 · source
9. Filed Jul 14, 2023TNAirbagsElectrical SystemSteering

   A few days prior to this incident, I noticed a crunching noise as I would turn the steering wheel every now and then. As I was turning right to pull into my driveway, I heard the clock spring crunch and finally give up. Airbag light on. Airbag error when I start the car. Steering wheel buttons and horn unresponsive.

   NHTSA complaint #11532251 · source
10. Filed Jun 21, 2023139,500 miWAAirbags

    The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the steering wheel control buttons were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,500.

    NHTSA complaint #11528189 · source
11. Filed Mar 27, 202323,000 miMAAirbags

    The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, she saw water leaking from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof drain tubes needed to be flushed out. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was stalling while driving at various speeds. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to…

    NHTSA complaint #11514076 · source
12. Filed Sep 30, 2022AZAirbags

    The clockspring in the steering wheel snapped which controls airbags and turn signals. This repair is under warranty because of a faulty part but VW has been backlogged for 11 months now on this part and still no end in sight. I see brand new vehicles coming out of VW but this part has been neglected even though its a safety concern that is purely their fault. If I am in an accident while this under warranty repair has been neglected I could severely injure myself.

    NHTSA complaint #11487297 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology