2016 Volkswagen Tiguan: common problems and reliability

The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan has 95 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag high cost of repairs and parts: parts noted as being "a fortune" and more expensive than some luxury brands; expensive dealer labor. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

95
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
4
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2016 a good year for the Tiguan?

Across the 15 Tiguan model years we track, complaint volume runs from 37 (2025) to 535 (2018). With 95 complaints, the 2016 Tiguan sits belowthe model's median of 126.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
37
electrical system
27
steering
12
engine
9
structure
6

Recalls affecting the 2016 Tiguan

air bags: air bag/restraint control module

Campaign 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 deact

latches/locks/linkages

Campaign 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

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Owners of newer models (approximately 2018+) frequently praise the vehicle for its spacious and comfortable interior, excellent highway manners, smooth ride, and competitive technology and…

  • Engine reliability concerns: including turbocharger failures, coolant consumption, and catastrophic engine failure in high-mileage first-generation models (specifically pre-2013 timing chain tensioner issues). Frequency: very frequent.
  • High cost of repairs and parts: parts noted as being "a fortune" and more expensive than some luxury brands; expensive dealer labor. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Tiguan. See the full Tiguan owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Tiguan listings typically run $27,221–$31,616 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other Tiguan model years

Compare every Tiguan year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Tiguan against its rivals