How common are electrical problems in the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan?

NHTSA lists 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Tiguan, making up 26% of the 139 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Tiguan's electrical or clock spring issue?

No related recall is listed in this data for the 2013 Tiguan's Electrical System complaints, though several owners reference a prior clock spring recall from 2015.

At what mileage do these electrical failures usually happen?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2013 Tiguan is 57,820 miles.

What specific parts fail most often in the 2013 Tiguan's steering wheel electronics?

Owners most often describe clock spring failure, which disables the horn, cruise control, steering wheel buttons, and triggers the airbag warning light.

Have these electrical issues caused crashes or fires?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires linked to the 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Tiguan.

2013 Volkswagen Tiguan Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan, 26% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 57,820. No recall is currently linked to this component for this model year.

Electrical System complaints: 36; 26% of 139
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 57,820 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Clock spring failure causes a snapping or crinkly sound when turning the steering wheel, followed by an airbag warning light.
When the clock spring fails, the horn, cruise control, and steering wheel buttons stop working together.
Some owners report the airbag warning light illuminating hours after the initial noise, with steering wheel electronics going dead afterward.
Several owners say a prior clock spring recall repair did not prevent the same failure from recurring later.
A few owners describe the vehicle losing power while driving along with the battery warning indicator illuminating, with no cause found by the dealer.

When 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 8, 2013, latest Feb 6, 2026.

36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2013 to Feb 2026; peak Mar 2018 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Tiguan model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200942 (25%)
201033 (30%)
201164 (40%)
201224 (16%)
201336 (26%)
201422 (26%)
201523 (37%)
201627 (28%)
201713 (17%)
201857 (20%)
201961 (32%)
202039 (28%)
202129 (21%)
202264 (24%)
202311 (17%)
202424 (35%)
202515 (31%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems in the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan?: NHTSA lists 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Tiguan, making up 26% of the 139 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Tiguan's electrical or clock spring issue?: No related recall is listed in this data for the 2013 Tiguan's Electrical System complaints, though several owners reference a prior clock spring recall from 2015.
At what mileage do these electrical failures usually happen?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2013 Tiguan is 57,820 miles.
What specific parts fail most often in the 2013 Tiguan's steering wheel electronics?: Owners most often describe clock spring failure, which disables the horn, cruise control, steering wheel buttons, and triggers the airbag warning light.
Have these electrical issues caused crashes or fires?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires linked to the 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Tiguan.