Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that air bag error message was displayed. The electrical system on the steering wheel was blank. The contact was unsure if the horn was operable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was invalid.
My 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan has had an airbag light on the instruments display since early March of 2022. At the same time lights on the steering wheel no longer illuminate and the horn does not function. I had earlier received a recall notice and took the car to my dealer for analysis on March 14. The service technician determined that the clock spring was defective and on and ordered the part which he said may be a week or two. I have checked with my dealer's part's department every month since then, and no part has arrived. I have been told that it is a supply issue. I am especially concerned that I have had several very close calls on limited access highways when a car has nearly veered into my car from a lane either from the left or the right, and I have no horn to alert the other driver who for some reason has failed to see me. …
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 my mechanic has changed the points/plugs twice now. And the overheat light comes on ,off and on.. sometimes clears up once the car is shut off and then turned back on.. some times has to sit for a while, then clears up
My engine shut off my battery as I was driving. This forced my car to stop in the middle of the road. There wasn't a battery sign or engine light on until after the event. This could've caused a wreck, especially if it would've happened on the highway. I also have a problem with my gas not registering. It doesn't show how much gas I have left in my tank. I have had other electrical issues, and problems when starting my car.
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.
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.
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.
The issue involves ongoing water intrusion through the panoramic sunroof, front power windows, and windshield seals. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This recurring leak has caused extensive interior water damage, including visible mold growth in the carpet on multiple occasions. This mold presents serious health risks to both me and my passengers, especially my sister, who is undergoing cancer treatment and has a severely compromised immune system. Water pooling beneath the carpet also threatens critical electrical systems located in the floor area, including the Vehicle Electrical System Control Module (J519), CAN/LIN bus wiring, door control harnesses, and footwell circuits. Corrosion or shorting in these systems could lead to unpredictable failures in safety-critical functions, even if not immediately apparent. …
Engine light on at around 50K - dealership said it was just an "issue with the warning lights" don't worry unless it blinks. At 74K I found out the turbo boost was the reason for this and I should have been told when the car was still under warranty. Realized in December of 2020 the car was soaking wet inside. Front and Back carpet was soaked like a sponge. Thought it was from driving in slush - turns out it's the moonroof drains. Repaired by VW dealership - all carpet and padding was ripped out and had to dry and then be reinstalled. Dealership ripped the interior moonroof headline while installing and didn't tell me. Huge fight with insurance - finally got fixed. Was told Cam cover leaking, and needed manifolds cleaned because of direct injection engine. Car has no power anymore. Car towed multiple times for jerking and flashing engine light. 2 engine coils replaced within 6 months. …
The electronics in the steering wheel started going out, finally nothing on the steering wheel to do with electronics will work, no airbag no horn no cruise control no stereo buttons no other controls this problem is related to the clock spring, and so I took it to a dealer . The dealer said it had already had the recall done , they put a cover over the electronic clock spring, they said back when that this would fix the problem , well it doesn't fix the problem , it May delay it , until the car is out of warranty . My daughter drives this car, without an airbag now because vw and pignataro vw refuse to properly deal wit the problem. The cover does not work , the clock spring will break , and the airbag light will come on . Leaving the occupant open to injury or death in head on collition. This is a sham that the company will not fix the problem . …
Electrical complaints in other Tiguan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan, 26% of the model year's 140 complaints. The component named most often is horn (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.