The Lemon Index2016 Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is better than average by owner complaints: 30 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 69, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 22 to 23 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Tiguan year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 96 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Tiguan year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 30K to 59K miles on the car (39 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- airbags 2019
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.
- latches/locks/linkages 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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 664 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Tech Tips (Comfort Module (J393) or BCM (J519) Replacement): This document informs if a…
- Mil-on, fault p309f or p309d, no electric drive mode customer states crank no start and/or…
- Technical Bulletin informing that When applying brakes at highway speeds the following…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenAir bag clockspring failure2018
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Turning wheel to park heard clicking noise coming from steering wheel and then airbag light came on. Also discovered that controls on steering wheel stopped functioning including horn.
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan owner · NHTSA complaint 11234179
More owner reports
The emergency flashers or hazard lights are inoperative. Also wipers turn on by itself ocassionaly.
NHTSA complaint 11039988
I brought my Tiguan used. Don't know who to contact.
NHTSA complaint 11240254
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 69; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Tiguan year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (33%), electrical (23%) and steering (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
2 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 30,000 and 59,000 miles. The middle report was at 45,000 miles, from 39 complaints.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Tiguan year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2015 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works