YearToAvoid

2013 Volkswagen Tiguan Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 27 steering-related complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan, 19% of all complaints for that year, with a median failure mileage of 62,000 miles. One crash and no fires or injuries were reported, and no related recall is listed in this data.

Steering complaints
27
19% of 139
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
62,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a clicking or popping noise from the steering wheel that develops into loss of horn and steering wheel button function.
  • Several complaints describe the airbag warning light illuminating at the same time the steering wheel controls stop working, pointing to a clock spring failure.
  • Some drivers felt increased resistance or a slight tension in the wheel just before the controls failed.
  • One owner reported the steering losing power along with vibration and shaking at 35 mph, with the steering wheel and airbag warning lights coming on together.
  • Failures were sometimes noticed during routine maneuvers like turning into a parking spot or pulling out of a driveway.

When 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan steering complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 20, 2014, latest May 7, 2026.

2013 Volkswagen Tiguan steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Mar 2014Mar 2017Dec 2017May 2018Oct 2018Jun 2020May 2022Jul 2023
27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2014 to May 2026; peak Jun 2017 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Tiguan model year

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

  1. 200915 (9%)
  2. 201013 (12%)
  3. 201114 (9%)
  4. 201220 (13%)
  5. 201327 (19%)
  6. 201420 (24%)
  7. 20159 (15%)
  8. 201612 (13%)
  9. 201712 (16%)
  10. 201812 (4%)
  11. 20193 (2%)
  12. 20201 (1%)
  13. 20211 (1%)
  14. 202225 (9%)
  15. 20230 (0%)
  16. 20242 (3%)
  17. 20252 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering complaints on the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA lists 27 steering-related complaints for the 2013 Tiguan, which is 19% of the 139 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2013 Tiguan?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this steering issue is 62,000 miles.
Is there a recall for steering problems on the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan?
This data shows no related recall listed for the 2013 Tiguan's steering complaints, though several owners mention believing a clock spring recall should apply to their vehicle.
Did the 2013 Tiguan's steering issues cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data shows one crash associated with these complaints and no fires or injuries.
How does the 2013 Tiguan compare to other model years for steering complaints?
The 2013 Tiguan's 19% share of complaints tied to steering is higher than most other model years listed, including 2010 at 12%, 2012 at 13%, and 2018 at 4%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.