Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the horn became inoperable. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
While driving in a congested area of Jacksonville, FL a small child pulled bike from behind another vehicle, I attempted to sound my horn in an attempt to get the child's attention or that of the other driver. The horn failed. I continued to try and nothing. I noticed the airbag light on. I called the VW dealership and was told this is a problem with the clock spring in the steering wheel behind the airbag. This part controls all the functions of the steering wheel. He also mentioned NHTSA has several complaints and the warranty was extended to 120,000 miles. This is relatively a low threshold as more and more people are keeping cars longer with cost. I have 121,190 miles on my Tiguan and am told this is an $800 fix. It is only a miracle this child was not killed. I would be curious how many have been injured, or killed, and the faulty spring has not been pinpointed. …
VW panoramic roof was leaking behind plastic and roof covering without visible signs to the floor . We only figure it out after 3 years . Electric failure noticed after a year of ownership . Keyless entry , stop / start engine and what most dangerous car stoped in the middle of the street /fortunately not busy street . And it took a while to start engine again. Also fire hazard because electric damaged by the water . There was recall because of fire hazard in VW Tiguan 2015 and panoramic roof issue but notes was sent only a few customers . At least 10 lawsuits was filed already . VW refuse to fix the problem . And we don't have money to fix it because its not just about roof leak but electric , carpet fool of mold and other water damage and cost of fixing it will exceed the cost of this car . Technically it's flooded car because of manufacturer defect . Car has only 58000 miles.
Airbag light comes on indicating that the airbags are not functioning properly per the instrument panel. A recall item on this particular model not listed under my VIN number, however, it is, I didn't quote the complaints from other VW Tiguan who have experienced the same thing. Apparently this was a recall item that happened in November 2019. The first time my instrument Dental started indicating any issues was after it was serviced July 2021 although it was intermittent. Eventually it became an everyday thing. The airbags are always an indicator and every third start up will trigger intermittent signals that clear once the vehicle is turned off and turned back on yet airbag warnings are still adamant. Be present anytime the vehicle is in the on position.
When I press the unlock button on the remote fob, all the doors unlock except the drivers door. I then have to open the rear door, reach the handle on the drivers door and open it. The VW Dealer want $245.00 just to find the problem.
I have a 2015 VW Tiguan, VIN: [redacted]. The Steering Wheel Clock Spring has gone bad causing multiple failure lights to come on and has also caused the car to be difficult to drive. Especially the steering. Most of the systems themselves are not failing, it is just the Clock Spring giving faulty readings to the car's computer. The lights that are on are the Green Break light, the Yellow Airbag and safety belt pretensioner system malfunction, and the Yellow Steering Wheel System light. The cause of this Clock Spring failure was because the car battery died. After we replaced the battery, the warning lights came on. The dealer had said it was the Steering Wheel Clock Spring that is causing all the system lights to come on. The dealer made me pay for the replacement ahead of time because he said that there was a long waiting list for the part that was being manufactured in Ukraine (?). …
Oct 19th, 2017 clock spring broke, while exiting out of parking lot, followed by airbag warning light appearing on dashboard, along with alarm sound. As I continued to drive on side street, I was not able to use my horn as another started to enter my lane. Upon return to parking lot, while car was in drive, my steering wheel locked up. I brought the car into my dealership for repairs that next morning (10/20) March 15th, 2018 the clock spring failed for 2nd time, so I brought it back to the same dealership for repairs (air bag warning light came on same as before) and yesterday May 14th, 2018 the clock spring failed for 3rd time. I requested a tow truck to transport the car to the same dealership, as I do not feel that this car is safe to drive at this time. It is currently being serviced to replace the clock spring.
The parking brake is permanently shorted out. I bought this as a used certified pre-owned vehicle. I've had to replace the battery in less than one year. Chronic problems with general braking system. Severe electrical problems. Example: my radio will mot stay off, when car is parked, key removed and alarm is set. Radio still runs. I get the message "cannot read sd card" on the console. I have had to jump my brand new battety 10-15 times. That is less than six months old. Vw America has ignored my requests for help, and it allegedly is still under the cop warranty and under manufacturer warranty as well. The car is unstable on the freeway, doesn't steer well and I'm afraid I'll have a severe accident.
My vehicle only has 42000 miles on it. 6000 miles over warranty. As I was turning I heard a rattling and the airbag light came on, horn doesn't work and steering wheel buttons do not work. Dealership said it's the steering wheel clock spring in the steering wheel. Same issue as 2010-2014 recalls. The part is defected and dealership refuses to pay for it. If I wreck the airbag will not work.
Backup camera screen too dark. Cannot see what is behind you. All software adjustments tried to improve video I.e. Increase brightness does not help. Checked another 2015 Tiguan at dealer and it had same problem. Worried that poor performance of backup camera system will not detect objects behind vehicle when backing up. Reported problem to dealer and was told nothing could be done.
Electrical complaints in other Tiguan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan, 37% of the model year's 62 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan, though it has 4 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 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.